The Desai Foundation, a nonprofit that has long championed the cause of women and children in India through transformative grassroots programs, has announced the return of its signature event—the 11th Annual Lotus Festival. Scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, the celebration will be held at the scenic Omni Seaport Hotel in Boston.
This year’s edition of the gala is particularly meaningful, as the organization marks a historic milestone: having touched and transformed the lives of over 10 million individuals in rural India through its various programs centered on health, livelihood development, and menstrual equity.
“What began as a dream has become a movement—fueled by the passion of our teams in India and the U.S., and the steadfast support of communities like Boston,” said Megha Desai, President of The Desai Foundation. “This year, we celebrate not just a number, but the dignity, opportunity, and independence those 10 million lives now represent.”
The Desai Foundation, originally established in 1997 by Samir A. Desai and Nilima Desai, started with a mission to uplift underprivileged communities. Since then, it has grown into a powerful catalyst for grassroots change. Operating more than 30 programs spread across eight Indian states, the Foundation now works in over 3,400 rural communities. This wide reach has been made possible by a dedicated network of more than 500 community Heroes, 1,000 Asani Ambassadors, and collaborations with over two dozen corporate social responsibility (CSR) partners.
Supporters of the Foundation commend its focus on the tangible impact its initiatives create. Deepika Sawhney of the Sawhney Family Foundation expressed her appreciation for the organization’s values and approach. “I love the way the Desai Foundation cares more about the outcomes of the people they serve than just the numbers and dots,” she said. “As a donor to the Desai Foundation – I am really impressed with the way they show us a different way to look at impact results. Beyond the numbers.”
The Lotus Festival is not simply a fundraising gala; it is a night designed to celebrate purpose and community-driven change. Attendees will enjoy a moving program featuring inspirational stories, live entertainment, a seated dinner, an open bar, and a lively auction offering both meaningful experiences and luxury items—all designed to support the Foundation’s life-changing mission.
Scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, the event will be held at the Omni Seaport Hotel in Boston. The evening promises a rich blend of live music, dancing, gourmet cuisine, cocktails, and stories of hope and impact. Given the event’s popularity and the fact that it typically sells out every year, early ticket booking is strongly encouraged. Those interested in tickets, tables, or sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to act soon.
The proceeds from the Lotus Festival will be channeled directly into programs that empower women and children across rural India. These include vocational training courses that provide women with the skills needed for financial independence, production and distribution of over 10 million sanitary napkins as part of their menstrual hygiene initiative, and essential healthcare and education services for hundreds of thousands of children.
Over the years, the Desai Foundation’s events have featured a variety of talented performers and speakers. Notable past guests include comedian Zarna Garg, musician Jay Sean, singer and Broadway performer Ari Afsar, rapper Raja Kumari, Grammy-winning singer Falu, and entrepreneur Payal Kadakia, among many others. This year’s event is expected to maintain the tradition of high-caliber performances and meaningful dialogue.
The Lotus Festival in Boston is one of two major annual events hosted by the Desai Foundation. The other is Diwali on the Hudson, a festive celebration held in New York City. The 12th edition of this event is slated for October 16, 2025, continuing a cherished tradition of gathering supporters and advocates in celebration of light, community, and service.
In the past year, the Desai Foundation has experienced noteworthy growth. The organization has welcomed more than ten new CSR partners, further solidifying its capacity for sustainable outreach. In recognition of its positive internal culture and external mission, Desai Foundation India was named a Great Place to Work. Additionally, the Foundation received the Most Trusted NGO award from the Indian CSR Awards, underscoring its commitment to excellence and ethical service.
Founded nearly three decades ago, the Desai Foundation has remained true to its vision of creating lasting impact through empowerment. The organization’s model is firmly rooted in community-driven change, with its programs designed to uplift from within. Since 1997, the Foundation has directly reached over 10 million lives across India’s rural landscape.
With more than 30 active initiatives, the Foundation’s programs span health services, vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and menstrual health. These initiatives not only improve immediate conditions but also build long-term self-reliance. The Desai Foundation believes that sustainable change is achieved when solutions come from within the communities themselves. This philosophy of localized empowerment is evident in every aspect of the organization’s work.
The upcoming Lotus Festival will serve as a reflection of the organization’s core values: dignity, opportunity, and transformation. It will also function as a vital platform to further raise awareness and funds to sustain and expand the Foundation’s impactful programs.
As the Foundation looks to the future, its focus remains steadfast: to continue deepening its impact and scaling its reach without compromising on the quality and integrity of its work. The 10-million-lives milestone is not just a number—it is a powerful symbol of what is possible when communities unite around compassion, vision, and purpose.
Through its programs, partnerships, and passionate supporters, the Desai Foundation is redefining what sustainable development can look like in rural India. Events like the Lotus Festival are a testament to this journey—bringing together change-makers, donors, and dreamers in celebration of shared progress.
With a legacy of nearly 30 years and a growing global community of allies, the Desai Foundation is poised to make an even greater difference in the years ahead. For those looking to be part of a movement rooted in dignity and real impact, the 11th Annual Lotus Festival offers a unique opportunity to engage, support, and celebrate.