Greetings to all our friends and supporters with a wish for a healthier and happier time. Karuna Charities Washington was inaugurated by our Chairperson Lekha Srinivasan in May 1998. I have had the honor and privilege of serving as the President for the last 20 plus years alongside a most dedicated ALL WOMAN Board. Together, we started this humble organization holding a small Platter full of hope and an ardent desire to do something for our community here in the U.S and overseas. Today, we are 130 members strong and each year, some more join us in our mission.

Karuna, which means compassion in Sanskrit, is the heart and soul of Karuna Charities. We are a grass-roots organization that makes a difference in the lives of the needy and disadvantaged (mainly women and children) in the United States, India, and other countries.

Domestic violence does not discriminate.  It shows in all levels of society; it rears its ugly head in the homes of the rich and poor.  We believe all beings have a right to live a life of dignity.  We may not have walked in the shoes of those in need but we can hold their hands and walk beside them and lend them a helping hand.  

Some of these  emotionally and physically abused women take refuge in shelters but a different kind of challenge faces them as they step out to begin their life anew.  We step in and help in various ways, including money  for their first month’s rent, lawyers’ fees, training for a new job, essential commodities so they become stronger and forge ahead  with more confidence.  

Through our assistance, no matter how big or small, we aim to provide a boost to our beneficiaries so that they can lead a better, independent and more purposeful life. 

Education is also of paramount importance for it allows a person to earn and to be independent.  We have set up endowed scholarships in Montgomery College, The Universities at Shady Grove, Northern Virginia Community College and University of District of Columbia.  Giving is good but as they say … Give someone a fish and maybe they can feed their family for a little while … but teach them fishing and they will have a skill that will last a lifetime. Karuna Charities strongly believe in education as a means to a greater end.  A woman educated is a family educated.  

Karuna Charities also participates in community service.  We cook and serve meals in shelters, give cleansing materials in orphanages and Mother Teresa homes.  We have been active in our giving especially now during this pandemic.  Most recently, we have delivered food to shelters, monetary help to food banks, and provided additional funding through the aforementioned universities to students struggling to make ends meet.  

There is still a lot we can do.  Remember the small platter we started out with in 1998?  It has been growing bigger and bigger and is now full of love, care, empathy and happiness.  All this we couldn’t have done alone.  It is our beloved community, all of you that have made all this possible. 

… You know growing up, I never imaged that I would be involved in community service.  

When I was a young girl living in Calcutta, India, I remember looking through our car window and seeing a frightened, homeless girl about my age crying out for food.  I wondered … why I had so much and she so little … maybe nothing!  Why life was so unfair to so many. A voice inside of me was asking “Why god, why? … Why can’t you do something about it” I entreated. 

This image of that little girl has always remained engrained in my consciousness.  Then, many years later, I was able to find my answer in the form of a question: … … “What am I going to do about it?” 

THE SEED OF COMPASSION, the intense desire to help others in need, that was lying dormant in my mind has been my call to service.  

I feel blessed that I have had the opportunity to work alongside with my Board Members, Ambassadors, Sponsors, and Karuna members to mobilize our community’s support in the most trying of times for those in greatest need.  

You know … … someone asked me the other day, do I feel awkward reaching out to people to ask for donations.   … Without any hesitance I replied – No. No I do not. 

Over the years, I have come to know our community and YOU our supporters so well.  It is because of your unending financial backing and heartfelt compassion that Karuna’s voice remains unfaltering.  

Thank you for taking my calls. Thank you for being there for Karuna Charities. 

Tonight, we gather online for our 22^nd Annual Diwali Gala.  Happy Diwali to you all of you.  

I am so glad that you chose to take time out of your precious schedules, especially on a Sunday evening, to be here with us all.  I hope you enjoy the Show. 

Stay Safe … Stay well.  …  God Bless you all.

On November 10, 2024, the Double Tree by Hilton in Gaithersburg a glittering Karuna Diwali 2024 Gala showcased the spirit of giving by Karuna Charities Washington Inc., led by Amrit Kalotra, president. Karuna has an all women Board (Sujata Avasthi, Jasbir Sethi, Kanti Singh. Bina Dhir, Promila Banik, and Savita Malhotra) as well as Ambassadors (Sangita Kalotra, Gita Bhatia, also Webmaster, Sushma Oberoi, Rohini Khera, Priyanka Rattana, Jyoti Gujral, and Mara Puri). The Mistress of Ceremonies was Mrs. Nilima Mehra and the DJ was Mr. Hemant.

Devanjalee Mitra sang the Opening Song with a crystalline voice. Devanjalee is a professional Bollywood singer/ She is a disciple of Hindustani classical maestros Pandit Jasraj and Pandit Pratap Narayan.

The lighting of the lamp ceremony was conducted by Anand Kumar Somani, Minister Counselor at the Embassy of India, Washinton, DC. assisted by his wife.

Mrs. Amrit Kalotra gave a warm welcome address highlighting the joy of giving. She told a story about how hard it was for her to sell 10 tickets when she was a little girl, and how she has immersed herself in collecting money for the needy. She told the touching story of how a woman lost family and all her belongings, but becoming attached to a little kitten taught her how to live again. She began to make cakes and bread for homeless people and became whole again. It is important to give with all your heart even if the gift is small. After all the ocean is made of countless little drops.

The Guest of Honor, Anand Kumar Somani from the Embassy of India followed with a brief speech.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Deidre Price, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and College Provost, Montgomery College, Maryland. She was followed by warm thanks from an Engineering student from Montgomery College who has benefitted from a Karuna scholarship. Karuna gives endowed scholarships to University of the District of Columbia (UDC), Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), Universities at Shady Grove, and Montgomery College in Maryland.

There was a special singing performance by young Ishani Jaan Nandani Witek followed by a youngsters musical performance: Krishna Sulibhavi (Guitar); Lekha Chada (Guitar); and the winner, Neerav Chalikonda (Saxophone).

In the adults category, there were three female contestants: Padma Giridhar “Bahon Mein Chale Aao” (winner); Sangeetha Narayan “Aakhon Se Jo Utari Hai Dil Mein”; and Urmila Mota “Parde Mein Rehne Do”.

In the male category, there were three contestants: Hemant Kumar “Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas” (winner); Pratyaksh Pai “Jab Se Tere Naina”; and Tehsin Ali “O Sanam”,

Five paintings were auctioned by the following Artists: Nalini Bhat (2 paintings), Lalita Kaul, Vandana Pamecha, and Joseph Sheppard.

The Karuna Charities Treasurer, Jasbir Sethi gave a vote of thanks.

There were several beautiful, artistic dances by five dancers from The Bollywood Factor: Samruddhi, Mahika, Naimisha, Pranavi, and Tvisha.

The winners of the Talent Contest were announced by the president of Karuna Charities, Mrs. Amrit Kalotra.

The sumptuous dinner was catered by Bombay Tandoor.

Raffle tickets were drawn by Nilima Mehra and Mrs. Somani. The raffle prizes were donated by Mama Tigre, Bombay Tandoor, Double Tree by Hilton, Comfort Inn (Vira Safai, Managing Partner), Sakson Settlements (Law Office of Raja Bhandari), 1757 Golf Club, and Ruby’s Collection.

The Sponsors were:

Platinum–Mr. Vint and Mrs. Sigrid Cerf; and Mr. Ajay Kalotra, International Business and Technical Consultants, Inc.

Diamond Sponsors–Mr. Mohan Kapani; and May Jewelers; One Anonymous Donor

Gold Sponsors–Nilima Mehra, Certified Executive Producer of Global Television Networks broadcast on FOX5 PLUS, WDCA, Washington, DC; University of the District of Columbia; Rhythm Psychological Services – Kavita Saini; Mr. Karan Kapor and Mrs. Kamna Kapoor; and One Anonymous Donor

Silver Sponsors–Dr. Satpal Dang and Dr. Komal Kaur Dang; Mr. Parasuram Iyer and Deepa Parasuram; Mr. Jasjit Ahluwalia and Mrs. Jyoti Ahluwalia; Mrs. Kamlesh Verma; Dr. Darshan Singh Saluja and Mrs. Meeta Kaur Saluja; Mr. Ashish Lakhanpal and Mrs. Amrita Lakhanpal; Inoventures, LLC – Mrs. Meena Krishan; Mr. Cy Alba and Mrs. Suzanne Alba; Mr. Vik Bansal and Mrs. Nidhi Bansal; and Mr. Saran Bhatia and Mrs. Punita Bhatia.

Children contributed essays and paintings on the topic of “Kindness.”

Many thanks to all who helped to make this event a success.