Prime Highlights-
- Desai Foundation hosts 12th Lotus Festival at Gillette Stadium, rallying Indian American leaders to advance women’s health in rural India.
- Foundation expands Asani Sanitary Napkin Program to help Indian schools meet new requirements under landmark Article 21 menstrual health ruling.
Key Facts-
- Zenobia Moochhala, Care.com co-founder, delivers the keynote while Nihal Singh headlines musical performances.
- Foundation reports impact on over 12 million lives across more than 4,000 communities through over 30 programs.
Background-
The Desai Foundation will host its 12th Annual Lotus Festival at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, bringing together Indian American leaders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and Greater Boston community members to back women’s health programs in rural India.
The gala arrives as the foundation grows its Asani Sanitary Napkin Program to help Indian schools meet new requirements after a landmark Article 21 ruling recognized menstrual health and dignity as a fundamental right for school-aged girls.
Zenobia Moochhala will deliver the keynote. She co-founded Care.com and now serves as Undersecretary of Business Strategies at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development. Her talk will focus on entrepreneurship, leadership and community.
Fusion artist and percussionist Nihal Singh will open and close the evening with tabla, dhol and drums. Kalyani’s Dance Group will also perform an opening piece, a first for the festival.
Megha Desai, president of the foundation, said the festival unites people who use their talents and leadership to create lasting change across rural India, and the school expansion makes this year especially meaningful.
The foundation says its work has reached more than 12 million lives across more than 4,000 communities through over 30 programs on health, livelihood and menstrual equity.
Guests will enjoy live entertainment, South Asian cuisine, live and silent auctions and VIP access to the stadium’s Lighthouse observation deck. More than 400 people are expected, and ticket, table and sponsorship funds support programs for women and children.
