The American India Foundation raised over $2.6 million at its silver jubilee gala in San Francisco, honoring co-founder Lata Krishnan for her leadership in social development initiatives across India.
Under the historic arches of Grace Cathedral, the American India Foundation (AIF) celebrated 25 years of impactful service, raising more than $2.6 million to enhance social mobility and alleviate poverty throughout India.
The milestone gala, held on April 11 in San Francisco and themed “Legacy of Leadership,” honored AIF co-founder Lata Krishnan. A native of India and an alumna of the London School of Economics, Krishnan embodies the connection between her heritage and her influential career in Silicon Valley.
In the wake of the devastating Bhuj earthquake in Gujarat in 2001, Krishnan played a pivotal role in establishing AIF, transforming a moment of crisis into a long-term mission that has positively impacted the lives of 21 million people.
“Giving, at its core, is a deep, pervasive spirit, one that is woven into everyday life,” Krishnan stated as she accepted the Legacy of Leadership Award. She highlighted that the organization’s achievements belong to the collective diaspora community, asserting, “That achievement doesn’t belong to me, it belongs to all of us.”
The evening’s fundraising efforts were significantly enhanced by a record-breaking pledge drive that contributed $1.4 million to the total amount raised. These funds are earmarked for AIF’s core initiatives, which focus on public health, education, and livelihoods.
To illustrate the impact of AIF’s work, the program featured Pushpanjali Majhi, a young woman from rural India. Once a migrant child supported by AIF’s Learning and Migration Program (LAMP), Majhi has broken the cycle of intergenerational poverty by graduating from college and securing a teaching position, marking the first instance of formal employment in her family’s history.
Nishant Pandey, CEO of AIF, described Krishnan as a “magnet” for purpose-driven leadership. “It is because of her leadership that AIF is stronger today than when it began,” he remarked to an audience of tech executives and community leaders.
The gala received substantial support from underwriters, including WestBridge Capital and Sumir Chadha, as well as patrons like the Wadhwani Foundation.
Since its founding, the secular organization has broadened its reach to 35 states and union territories in India, reinforcing the bond between the world’s two largest democracies.
As AIF embarks on its next quarter-century, the San Francisco event highlights the enduring commitment of the Indian American community to fostering dignity and opportunity in their homeland.
According to The American Bazaar, the gala not only celebrated past achievements but also set the stage for future initiatives aimed at improving lives across India.