Our Work

On July 25, 2013 Karuna Charities donated $2,500 to the Universities at Shady Grove.  The check was presented to Mr. Schlossenberg, Director of Development and Community Partnerships, The Universities at Shady Grove.  Karuna Charities was represented by Amrit Kalotra, President; Jasbir Sethi, Vice-Presidentand Treasurer; Sujata Avasthi, Vice-President; and Promila Banik, Secretary.

The award recognizes that Karuna Charities has come a long way since it was founded by Lekha Srinivasan and flourished under the leadership of Amrit Kalotra. President of Karuna Charities, Amrit Kalotra was awarded a Certificate of Honor on June 19, 2013 by the Indian National Overseas Congress U.S.A., Washington D.C. at an awards ceremony. The award was presented by Dr. Karan Singh. Also present at the Awards Ceremony were Sujata Avasthi, Vice-President; Promila Banik, Secretary; and Rohini Khera, Ambassador at large.

Karuna Charities received an invitation from the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) to attend its 160th Anniversary Kickoff Gala on Saturday, January 29th at the Andrew W. Mellow Auditorium in Washington D.C.  Mrs. Jasbir Sethi, Vice-President and Treasurer of Karuna Charities, accompanied by Dr. Baljeet Sethi, represented Karuna Charities at the event.  During the course of the evening, members of the university community mingled with the District leaders in government, law, business and philanthropy. Speakers included President Sessoms, Board Chair Askew and Mayor Vincent Gray. Felicia H. Brant, Executive Director, Executive Director, Institutional Advancement, University System of the District of Columbia wrote asking Karuna to be a donor/sponsor for the event: “As discussed, the 160 Gala event was wonderful and it was a pleasure to have Karuna Charities represented… The Brick Campaign (Karuna will be recognized by having one brick engraved with its name at the University’s Founders’ Common within the Van Ness Plaza) is expected to kickoff in the Spring and we will contact you regarding the brick reserved for Karuna Charities.  As we are celebrating 160 years of achievement and scholarships, proceeds are for student scholarships.  We have so much to be thankful for and we are very honored to have Karuna Charities as a sponsor and partner in the important work that we both share”.On April 8, 2011, The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) organized a President’s Reception as part of their 160th Anniversary celebrations to thank donors for their contribution and support.  The function was held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Community service, May 14, 2011: From Virginia, a group of members and volunteers cooked an Indian meal for a Shelter in Reston, Virginia.  The menu included the very popular chicken curry and peas pulao, tasty vegetable kofta curry, mixed vegetables and fresh salad.  Four varieties of ice cream, sodas, juices and milk were also served.    The 70 guests had a very satisfying and happy time. One enthusiastic Karuna volunteer exclaimed “Can we do this again soon?”

Karuna board members formalized the Montgomery College, Maryland Karuna Scholarship award.

Montgomery College Foundation 2007-2008 Scholarship Announcement

The Karuna Charities Endowed Scholarship

The Montgomery College Foundation is pleased to announce the availability of scholarship funds through the newly established “Karuna Charities Endowed Scholarship.” One thousand dollars ($1,000)  will be available from the 2007-2008 academic year onwards.  The scholarship may be used for tuition, books, and supplies for students taking classes at any of Montgomery College’s campuses in Rockville, Takoma Park/Silver Spring, and Germantown.

 Criteria: 

                        1.         Preference for students residing in Montgomery County, MD.

                        2.         Students must provide a statement of financial need.

                        3.         Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.

                        4.         Students may attend full or part-time.

5.         Preference given to “returning women” with demonstrated financial need.

 Value of Award:     $1,000 (smaller denominations may be given to multiple qualified applicants)

Use of Award:          The scholarship may be used only for tuition, books and supplies at Montgomery College and used in accordance with Montgomery College Foundation Guidelines.

How to Apply:         Complete the Montgomery College Foundation Scholarship form or visit the Financial Aid Office website at http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/finaid/foundation.html 

Recipient Selection

Process:                      Selection will be made by the Financial Aid Office.

 For additional information on scholarship opportunities, visit the Montgomery College Financial Aid Office at http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/finaid/index.html