Welcoming Our Newest NY Tri-State Board Members
We are excited to welcome three outstanding leaders to the Pratham NY Tri-State Board: Deepak Seshadri, Jasjit Singh, and Amit Rametra. The NY Tri-State Board is made up of dedicated professionals and community leaders who share a deep commitment to Pratham’s mission of “every child in school and learning well.” Through fundraising, outreach, and thought leadership, the board plays a crucial role in advancing educational equity for children and youth across India and beyond. Deepak Seshadri joins us with a strong background in technology and philanthropy. A Vice President at D. E. Shaw, he specializes in building high-performance infrastructure for quantitative research and global markets. Deepak has been involved with Pratham since 2014 and previously served on the Chicago chapter board until his move back to New York. We’re thrilled to have his continued leadership and perspective on the NY Tri-State Board. Jasjit Singh is a Partner and the co-head of Apollo Insurance Solutions Group where he has played a key role in building and internalizing the Risk infrastructure as well as standing up and growing the variable annuity business of Apollo. Jasjit also brings valuable experience from Lehman Brothers and Deutsche Bank. Jasjit has been a Pratham supporter since 2019 and looks forward to deepening his involvement with Pratham. Amit Rametra is a Managing Director and Global Head of Securitized Products Sales at Nomura Securities International, Inc and brings over 22 years of experience selling Mortgage-Backed Securities products. Amit graduated from New York University, Stern School of Business and has been involved with Pratham since 2022. As a life-long New Yorker with parents who were heavily involved with giving back to India, Amit looks forward to carrying their torch forward with his involvement with Pratham. As we celebrate Pratham’s 30th year, we are proud to welcome new voices who will help shape the future of our work and amplify our impact. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Deepak, Jasjit, and Amit—we look forward to the energy, ideas, and leadership they’ll bring to the Pratham community!
Mohit: A Passionate Volunteer Guiding Young Minds in His Village
Each morning, as the sun rises, the narrow mud lanes of a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district come alive with the cheerful chatter of children heading to CAMaL Ka Camp. Waiting to welcome these children at the camp location is their beloved dataa (elder brother), Mohit Kumar, a 21-year-old law student and dedicated volunteer with Pratham since 2022. For the third consecutive year, Mohit is helping children in his village catch up on their learning through CAMaL Ka Camp—a large-scale summer initiative aimed at strengthening their language and reading skills, so they are well prepared for the new academic session. “I like Pratham’s concept of summer camp because not only do children learn here, but we, as volunteers, also get the opportunity to grow through the Education for Education (EfE) program,” says Mohit, standing outside his modest home. The EfE program offers volunteers the opportunity to earn a certificate in a digital readiness course. “We’re learning to use tools like Google Lens and Maps, and even about artificial intelligence (AI)—knowledge that’s very relevant in today’s world,” Mohit explains. During last year’s summer camp, Mohit received training in basic first aid, which he says has already proven useful on several occasions. “Whenever someone in my house or neighbourhood suffers a minor injury, I now feel confident in providing first aid,” he says. When asked what motivates him to keep volunteering despite his own demanding academic schedule, Mohit says, “I want to work for the upliftment of my village, and for that, the children must be educated. Volunteering at CAMaL Ka Camp allows me to contribute to their learning journey.” His dedication is visible—in the way he patiently explains games and activities to all the children, encourages them to participate, and celebrates every small success. Coming from a farmer’s family, Mohit understands the value of education. His younger brother is currently pursuing a B.Com degree, and Mohit himself has previously taken coaching classes, driven by his interest in teaching. If given a chance, I will definitely volunteer again,” he says with a smile—firm in his belief that building a better future begins with empowering the children of his community. To know more about CAMaL Ka Camp 2025, click here.
Yashashvi & Nikisha: Falling in Love With Learning at CAMaL Ka Camp
Two sisters, Yashashvi (Grade 5) and Nikisha (Grade 4), from a small village in Telangana’s Karimnagar district, loved to play but were less enthusiastic when it came to picking up their textbooks and doing schoolwork. Every evening, their mother encouraged them to study, but all she got was resistance. As a result, the sisters struggled to read, even simple words. This began to change when the siblings started attending Pratham’s CAMaL Ka Camp during the summer break. Every morning, they eagerly head to the community space where the camp is held. There, they join a group of children in playing warm-up games, listening to stories, and taking part in hands-on learning activities designed to improve reading and arithmetic skills. “Yashashvi and Nikisha are now able to read whole paragraphs. We’re sure they’ll be reading stories very soon,” said the volunteer with pride. But the learning doesn’t stop at the camp. In the evening, when the girls are at home, they ask their mother to replay the audio stories they have listened to at the camp from the Kahani Train—a collection of short, engaging stories available in multiple regional languages. They sit together and do the related activities again—this time as a family. Their mother, who once had to convince them to study, is now amazed at how self-motivated they’ve become. “It feels so good to see them happy while learning. Earlier, we had to ask them to study. Now they ask me!” she shares with a smile. Inspired by their interest, she has started participating in their learning. She plays the stories, helps them with the follow-up activities, and even visits the camp regularly. “It fills my heart with warmth watching my daughters and other children laugh, learn, and grow together,” she adds. For this family, the summer has brought more than just a break from school—it has brought a shift in mindset. What was once a struggle is now a source of joy. And for Yashashvi and Nikisha, learning has become something they look forward to every single day.
Inside Pratham’s CAMaL Ka Camps: Transforming summer learning in India
Right now, Pratham’s CAMaL (Combined Activities for Maximized Learning) Ka Camps—a remarkable learning initiative designed to bridge learning gaps among children during the school break—are happening in communities across India! This large-scale initiative focuses on children transitioning from Grade 5 to Grade 6, in India providing them with the foundational skills they need to thrive. Rooted in the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) methodology, the program ensures that each child receives instruction tailored to their current learning level, helping them progress in reading, writing, and mathematical skills. What sets CAMaL Ka Camps apart is its emphasis on local engagement. The program is entirely led by volunteers—this year, an incredible 650,000 volunteers have been mobilized—from the children’s own villages and neighborhoods. This approach not only fosters collaboration but also aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision of community-driven learning. By volunteering, local community members gain invaluable experience while also having the opportunity to earn a certificate in digital readiness through Pratham’s Education for Education (EfE) program. Our goal is ambitious but achievable: to ensure that every child attending the camp is fluent in reading, confident in expressing themselves while speaking and in writing, and proficient in foundational math by the end of the program. With your support, we’ve been able to run these camps at various locations across India, transforming learning outcomes for countless children!
Bollywood Trivia Night with Pratham NY Young Professionals Board
In May, the NY Young Professionals (YP) Board continued with their curation of fun events. This group of emerging leaders is passionate about spreading awareness of Pratham’s mission in their networks and expanding our YP community. The YP Board hosted their second event of the year – Bollywood Trivia Night – on the rooftop of an amazing venue in the heart of the Financial District. The event brought in over 60 Young Professionals to participate in a lively Bollywood Trivia night, and sprinkled throughout the trivia were questions about Pratham – encouraging attendees to engage with Pratham’s mission. Bollywood Trivia Night drew in familiar and new faces…and plenty of energy! Get involved now to stay tuned for what they have in store next quarter. Contact [email protected] to learn more about upcoming events and opportunities to join this growing network.
Viewpoints with Fareed Zakaria and Kyung-wha Kang
Last night Pratham supporters gathered in Manhattan at the Asia Society to hear from CNN host, author and Pratham USA Advisory Board Member, Dr. Fareed Zakaria, in conversation with Kyung-wha Kang, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Asia Society. Dr. Zakaria and Dr. Kang discussed Zakaria’s 2024 book Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to Present in the present geopolitical and social context. The event was sold out and well-received by the audience, who were eager to engage with Dr. Zakaria for Q&As. Dr. Zakaria was very engaged in the conversation with Dr. Kang, touching on many topics surrounding international geopolitical affairs – from European integration to the ASEAN model. Amongst other things, Dr. Zakaria mentioned that this is “India’s moment” emphasizing that youth unemployment can be translated to growth in the manufacturing sector by investing in their skill development. Discover Pratham’s skilling interventions, learn more about Sarojni’s inspiring story, and watch Dr. Zakaria and Dr. Kang’s conversation. If you’re interested in getting involved with the NY Tri-State chapter, please reach out to us at [email protected].
From India to the World: Pratham SF Bay Area Gala Highlights Education’s Transformative Power
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, the Pratham SF Bay Area community gathered for an unforgettable evening of connection, inspiration, and impact at the Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club. We came together to celebrate 30 years of Pratham and the transformative power of education to change lives. Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone in the room, we raised enough to help over 36,450 children in India and beyond access quality education. That’s 36,450 futures changed, because of you! The evening was filled with meaningful moments, including a thought-provoking fireside chat between Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube, and Manisha Bharti, CEO of Pratham USA and Global Executive, which elevated the conversation around education and its power to create lasting change. Neal shared: “If you want to impact one thousand people by impacting one person, the best way to do that is through education. What’s amazing about Pratham is that it does that person by person a million times over, because [Pratham] knows how to scale.” We also heard the powerful story of Sarojni, a young girl in India who, through Pratham’s skilling program, overcame significant adversity to become a skilled mechanic, demonstrating the life-changing potential of opportunity paired with education. On the night of, Bala Ramakrishnan, Co-President of the Pratham San Francisco Bay Area Chapter, remarked, “This evening, we celebrate the transformation that Pratham has brought in the last three decades and counting, creating pathways for communities around the world to learn, earn, and thrive.” Ari Daman, Co-President of the Pratham San Francisco Bay Area Chapter, added, “Pratham’s mission continues to unlock potential at every stage of life, equipping individuals and communities to be future-ready in an ever-changing world.” Chairs for the San Francisco Bay Area gala, Archana Vahalia and Aarthi Ramaswamy, shared, “We are thrilled to chair this momentous event celebrating Pratham’s three decades of transforming lives through education in India and beyond.” We also thank our community sponsor, MulticoreWare, and we extend our sincere thanks to Google, Airbnb, Westbridge Capital, JP Morgan Chase, and Deloitte for their ongoing partnership and support. To cap off the evening, the Bala Boys captivated the audience with a joyful performance that left everyone smiling as the night drew to a close. Take a moment to look back at this incredible evening here. We’re so grateful to our board, gala committee, and amazing volunteers who worked behind the scenes to bring it all together. And to each of you who showed up, gave generously, and stood with us. Together, we’re opening doors to brighter futures. And this is just the beginning. Together we learn. Together we thrive. You can join us in making a difference for children, youths, and communities across India and beyond. Make a gift today.
100&Change: Pratham named a top 5 finalist
We are excited to share that Pratham’s Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach has been selected as a finalist solution in MacArthur Foundation’s prestigious 100&Change competition! 100&Change is a highly competitive global initiative that awards a $100 million grant to fund a bold solution to a critical challenge in the developmental sector. This year, over 800 organizations and collaborations submitted proposals, with each identifying a problem and presenting a compelling solution that is impactful, evidence-based, feasible, durable, and just. Reaching the finalist stage is an extraordinary achievement for the vision shared by Pratham USA, Pratham Education Foundation, Pratham International, and Empower Learning Africa. We’re honored to be recognized for the powerful impact of our joint mission to bring transformative learning opportunities to 25 million children across three continents. Photos via Empower Learning Africa (left) and Fundación Aprender a Quererte (middle, right) Pratham’s Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach helps children catch up and build foundational skills in reading and math by assessing and grouping them by learning level, not age, and using an interactive and effective classroom methodology. Using TaRL, children can develop essential skills and make significant progress quickly and effectively at low-cost. TaRL is implemented inside the classrooms in schools and in communities across India and has been adopted in over 20 countries worldwide through partnerships with Pratham International. Please join us in marking this milestone and stay tuned to discover the winner of the 100&Change competition this winter.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan Joins Pratham San Francisco Bay Area Gala for Inspiring Fireside Chat on Education, Innovation, and Impact
At this year’s Pratham San Francisco Bay Area Gala, we are honored to be welcoming Neal Mohan, the visionary CEO of YouTube, for a powerful fireside chat on education, innovation, and impact with Manisha Bharti, Pratham USA CEO and Global Executive. Neal leads one of the world’s most influential digital platforms, connecting over two billion people across the globe. His leadership has transformed YouTube, pushing forward groundbreaking innovations in content, trust and safety, and advertising—all while amplifying voices and ideas that span every corner of the world. As Pratham celebrates 30 years of unlocking learning and earning opportunities for millions across India, Neal’s presence at the Gala underscores the power of innovation, access, and collective action. Rooted in the transformative power of education, his journey is a reflection of what’s possible when we invest in potential. The Pratham San Francisco Bay Area Gala is taking place on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club in Menlo, CA. Learn more about how you can attend here. Support learning across India and beyond by making a gift to Pratham today!
A Night to Remember: Pratham Dallas-Fort Worth Gala 2025
On Saturday, April 12, 2025 the Pratham Dallas-Fort Worth community came together for an evening full of heart, hope, and purpose at the Omni Frisco Hotel. It was a beautiful night celebrating 30 years of Pratham and the power of education to transform lives. Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone in the room, we raised enough to help over 28,000 children in India and beyond access quality education. That’s 28,000 futures changed, because of you! The evening was filled with meaningful moments, from Yogi Patel’s inspiring words to the heartfelt reflections shared by Navya and Tanya Dhir, who recently visited Pratham programs in India. Their stories reminded us exactly why this work matters. And to top it all off, Jeffrey Iqbal lit up the room with a joyful performance that had everyone smiling as the night came to a close. Take a moment to look back at this incredible evening here. We’re so grateful to our board, gala committee, and amazing volunteers who worked behind the scenes to bring it all together. And to each of you who showed up, gave generously, and stood with us. Together, we’re opening doors to brighter futures. And this is just the beginning. Together we learn. Together we thrive. You can join us in making a difference for children, youths, and communities across India and beyond. Make a gift today.
