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Pratham USA was founded in Houston in 1998. The Houston board also served as the National Board till 2006. Today, the Houston chapter has made Pratham a household name in the Houston community.
CHAPTER EVENTS 2010
Houston Gala 2010
The Pratham Houston Gala on May 1 was truly a "Passage to India" that traversed through Houston. Over 700 supporters gathered at the Westin Galleria where a total of $550,000 was raised to help Pratham achieve its mission of universal quality education, especially for the millions of children who are still illiterate. Honorary Chairs Pershant and Nidhika Mehta, and chairs Meena Datt and Simran Rihal, were instrumental in the success of the event.
Ex Mayor of Houston,Honorable Bill White and Andrea White, long-term supporters of Pratham, commended the Indo-American community for its spirit of giving. The evening's festivities included a live auction, dances by members of Natya Upasana Dance Academy, Rhythm India Junior Dance company and Anjali Center for Performing Art & a silent auction .
To view more pictures of the event click here
CHAPTER EVENTS 2009
Houston Luncheon 2009
A luncheon to benfit Pratham was held at Houston Junior League on Dec 4. Over 275 guests attended this holiday event, featuring fashion and glamour by Dolce & Gabbana and Saks Fifth Avenue. Mrs. Nancy Olson, was the Chief Guest for the afternoon. The event raised over $60,000 for Pratham Books.
View more pictures here
Colors of Hope - Houston Gala 2009
Pratham's Annual Gala has firmly established itself as the premier event in Houston for those who care about child illiteracy in India. The 2009 Gala, held on May 2 at the Westin Galleria, was a resounding success. Almost 700 guests were present at the event, helping the Houston chapter raise over $660,000 for Pratham's programs in India. Attendees included Congressman Pete Olsen, Mayor of Houston Bill White, and Consul General Sanjiv Arora.
Congressman Pete Olsen (middle) with Pratham USA President Atul Varadhachary, Houston outgoing President Vijay Bhuchar and supporters of Pratham
Houston Mayor Bill White (right) with Houston outgoing President Vijay Bhuchar and Treasurer Swatantra Jain
Consul General Sanjiv Arora (left) with Pratham USA Chairman Vijay Goradia and Houston incoming President Sonu Anand
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Olympic Gymnastics winner Raj Bhavsar
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"Colors of Hope", the theme for the evening, was inspired by the new spirit
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Indian Film Director Apoorva Lakhia
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of optimism in India as millions strive towards a better future for themselves and their children. The message of resilience and hope in the midst of adversity echoed in the words of Pratham Houston's President, Vijay Bhuchar, and the special guests at the event. Raj Bhavsar, Olympic medalist for gymnastics, and Apoorva Lakhia, the noted film director, recounted how the support of their well-wishers had helped them tide through tough times and urged the audience to extend a similar helping hand to the children in India.
Pratham Idol, a unique singing contest featuring eight talented young performers, was one of the many highlights of the evening. The audience had the tough task of voting for the best performer. Anik Bhattacharya, age 14 years, eventually edged out the other contestants with his pitch-perfect rendition of the song "Allah key Bande". Music and dance performances, especially a tabla performance by 6 year old maestro, Amar Pal Singh, kept the audience enthralled. The live auction provided a thrilling finale to the evening. The evening's highest price was fetched by an item that set every cinephile's heart racing - a chance to act in Apoorva Lakhia next film! The overall fundraising was helped by a $100,000 matching challenge jointly offered by Vijay Goradia, Hemant Goradia and Swatantra Jain, all of Vinmar International Ltd.
Pratham Idol contestants with Emcee Meena Datt
A scene from the Bollywood dance "Jai Ho"
Corporate sponsors for the evening included Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Amegy Bank, and Sara International.
To view more pictures of the event, click here.
For further information regarding this chapter, please email us at houston@prathamusa.org
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