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12 CITY VIEWS October 24, 2025 www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know Pratham Chicago Gala 2025 Celebrates Compassion And Community Spirit T he Pratham Chicago Gala 2025, held on Saturday, October 11, at the iconic Palmer House Hilton, brought together philanthropists, business leaders, educators, and well-wishers — all united by a shared vision: to ensure that every child in India learns, earns, and thrives. This year’s celebration raised vital funds to empower more than 8,000 chil- dren through learning, organizers said, to meet the non-profit’s mission to advance educational equity across India. The Gala honored Pratham’s far- reaching impact — uplifting millions of children, youth, and women through education, skill-building, and empow- erment. Guests were deeply moved by visual stories and testimonies showcas- ing from beneficiaries which highlighted how Pratham’s approach is transforming lives across India’s villages and cities. Keynote speaker Rattan L. Khosa, P.E., delivered a moving address full of pur- pose and hope. A spirited performance by Vik Pandya, the nationally touring comedian who served as emcee, injected humor and warmth to the evening. Special appreciation was extended to Pratham Chicago President Nag Vaidya- nathan and the Pratham Chicago Board for their leadership and dedication. Grateful acknowledgment was also given to the evening’s major sponsors — AM- SYSCO and Allstate. The highlight of the evening was the performance by Vidya Vox, the well- known Indian-American singer and You- Tube sensation. Known for her signature fusion of Bollywood andWestern pop, Vidya echoed Pratham’s spirit — bridging borders, innovation, heritage, and unity, her popularity evident in the 1 billion YouTube views and 7 million subscribers, she has amassed. Founded on the belief that “learning changes everything,” Pratham’s award- winning Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) model — recognized globally by TheWorld Bank and UNICEF — contin- ues to change children’s early education, helping them quickly master essential reading and math skills, addressing a global learning crisis that affects 70% of 10-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries. Another highlight was Pratham’s Sec- ond Chance Program, which offers girls and women the opportunity to complete their secondary education in a flexible, supportive environment. Since 2011, more than 50,000 women have earned their Grade 10 certifica- tion through this initiative. The program blends academic preparation with life-skills training, digital literacy, health awareness, and financial education. India is home to one-fifth of the world’s youth — yet nearly half lack the skills needed for employment, Pratham estimates. Its Youth Skilling Programs bridge this gap by equipping young people with practical training, linking them to job opportunities, and fostering economic empowerment Guests enjoyed a dinner and network- ing opportunities. “Together, we are creating brighter futures for children across India and be- yond,” said a spokesperson for Pratham Chicago. “This gala is not just a celebra- tion — it’s a movement of compassion and commitment.” Founded in 1995, Pratham is one of India’s largest and most respected non- governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to improving education quality and equity, through community-based solutions, measurable outcomes, and strong global partnerships. Those interested in the mission of this non-profit can visit www.prathamusa. org ” By Bhailal M. Patel PHOTOS:Pratham The Pratham Chicago Gala special guests Rattan L. Khosa, P.E., who delivered a deeply impactful keynote speech, and Vik Pandya, nationally touring stand up comic and our emcee for the evening. Scenes from the Pratham fundraising gala in Chicago October 11, 2025. California Makes Diwali A State Holiday O n October 6, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law As- sembly Bill 268, making Diwali a state holiday. AB 268 was authored jointly by Democratic Assembly-members Ash Kalra of San Jose and Dr. Darshana Patel of San Diego California, which according an estimate by non-profit organization Indiaspora, houses one million Indian Americans, becomes the largest state to declare Diwali a state holiday. It is pre- ceded only Pennsylvania a year ago, and by New York City in November 2024, as a public school holiday, and some of the jurisdictions in New York State. Which makes California the first to make it a state-wide law. “Today, with California—the most populous state in the nation—officially recognizing Diwali, Indian Americans celebrate a major milestone in the ongoing journey toward greater cultural inclusion and visibility,” declared Indiaspora in an October 7, press release. “This landmark legislation marks a historic moment for Indian Americans, especially in California, and is a pow- erful recognition of the community’s rich cultural heritage and longstanding contributions to the Golden State,” the organization added. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:CourtesySuvidha International Foundation One of several cultural performances at the Nov. 5, 2023 Diwali celebrations in Sacramento, California. NATIONAL AFFAIRS