Pratham Boston Chapter Hosts Electrifying Salon on AI in Education
The Boston Chapter of Pratham kicked off the year with a dynamic first salon event featuring Nishant Baghel, Managing Director at Pratham’s Shah PraDigi Innovation Centre. Nishant, a champion for harnessing technology for social good, captivated the audience with his insights on leveraging AI to amplify Pratham’s educational impact. The event sparked an invigorating discussion about PraDigi’s pioneering ecosystem, encompassing 140 mission-aligned partners. Attendees delved into how advancements in AI are revolutionizing personalized, on-demand support for early childhood care and education. A highlight was Nishant’s exploration of PraDigi’s vast speech dataset in Hindi and Marathi, collected from over 140,000 children. He explained their collaboration with AI experts at IIT Madras to develop models for evaluating children’s reading and comprehension skills at an unprecedented scale. This cutting-edge technology tackles real-world challenges in education. Nishant also introduced the latest innovation, the chatbot ‘BaalSakhi,’ designed to provide immediate, personalized support in early childhood care. Watch BaalSakhi in Action: Beyond the Event: The salon event fostered connections within the community and provided a platform to explore technology’s transformative impact on childhood education and vocational training facilitated by Pratham. We look forward to seeing you at future events!
How you can take part in the Pratham Hackathon 2024
Pratham USA is bringing a unique opportunity to young AI enthusiasts and future leaders in USA, starting with two regions – the Seattle Metropolitan Area and Bay Area. The AI hackathon is an invitation to ideate and innovate for solutions that will improve learning and employability in low-resource environments such as India (and other low resource environments). An invitation to Learn and Build for Social Impact. Students between the ages of 15-19 are eligible to participate in the hackathon. The hybrid event will take place in Seattle and the Bay area on June 22-23 (weekend event) and July 1-31 (month-long event). During this event participants will: Learn about AI in education and how to build AI solutions Engage in a high-profile, national-level contest Develop their ideas under the guidance of industry-leading mentors from Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Google and more Collaborate with their teams and mentors, and compete with similar teams Compete for exciting prizes and recognition Learn more about the hackathon and how you can apply to join here.
Empowering Through Learning: A journey with Darshana Shanbhag
Darshana Shanbhag, a physician based in the Seattle area, has been a Pratham supporter for over a decade and an active member of the Pratham Seattle Chapter Board since 2018, serving as the Seattle Chapter President from 2019-2022. A steadfast believer in the transformative power of learning, her own life’s journey has been fueled by a love of learning and accomplishment. Read on to discover what’s inspired her to support learning, the importance of empowering women, and what she’s found most fulfilling in her work with Pratham. What does the ‘power of learning’ mean to you and how has learning empowered you on your personal or professional journey? The power of learning encompasses the whole journey of life. It shapes, enhances and brightens our lives, and makes hope shine brighter with a definite pathway towards a successful future. Formal education is a more structured form of this learning with definite goals, metrics, connections to future learning and professions. In addition it enhances lives in numerous other ways. I am a physician and it was learning through a long formal education process which fulfilled my curiosity for learning and accomplishment. It also paved the path through medical school and beyond to let me do what I aspired for. After migrating to the US, working as a physician enabled me to create space for myself here as a contributing member of society. None of this would have occurred if not for education. What message or advice do you have for individuals considering supporting Pratham’s mission? It was this same strong belief in learning and education, and the belief that literacy and access to basic education is essential for all, that attracted me to Pratham’s mission. On studying Pratham’s methodology and its outcomes, the realization that they were all acquired in a very cost effective way and very scalable to the entire population needing it, led me to increase and sustain belief in Pratham’s mission and work. For those considering Pratham’s mission, its cost effective and scalable methods and the data on outcomes resulting in huge impact on millions of children is more than enough reason to support it strongly. In addition, Pratham has been evolving, using the latest technologies that can make this work even more effective. What is one of your most memorable experiences or highlights from your involvement with Pratham? Some of my biggest highlights in my engagement with Pratham have been when I visited the schools, the skilling centers and saw the work in action, spoke to the kids and the youth, understood their dreams and aspirations, and also talked to the Pratham staff and learned about their sincerity and dedication. In your experience, what moments have been particularly fulfilling of your volunteer work and board role? I have had many wonderful moments, especially when talking to people who want to know more. When I talk about what Pratham actually does and how it does it in practical terms which they can relate to, there is always an aha moment when they feel this is their mission and their cause too. That is special to me in this role. You’ve been a volunteer for a number of organizations that focus on the empowerment of women. Can you elaborate on the importance of this work and what inspired your commitment to this cause? Yes, I am on the Boards of multiple organizations which emphasize the empowerment of women, be it through education, through supporting women writers or through supporting land rights for millions, the majority of whom are women. Women have been overlooked and suppressed for centuries; their potential has not been recognized, their rights have been trampled. It behooves us all to correct that, and give women all the rights and privileges due to them, not only for the betterment of women but that of all society. Numerous studies have shown that educating and elevating women’s status makes a bigger difference to families. Who inspires you in philanthropy? I think philanthropy is an inspiration unto itself and is not necessarily done because you want to follow someone else. Nevertheless, Mackenzie Scott’s approach of researching organizations depending on what she believes in and then on finding the right places with the right people, making the gifts without dictating what they should be used for and giving the organizations that freedom is a refreshing and important approach. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Pratham Gala inspires the community to support education for children, girls and women in under-served communities in India
March 24, 2024; Houston, TX – The highly anticipated Pratham Houston Gala was held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 this year. The event brought together the city’s Indian-American community to raise awareness and funding for the charity’s learning programs for children and young people in under-served communities in India. There were performances by contestants of Indian Idol, Mohammad Danish and Shanmukh Priya. The event featured a fireside chat with Dr. Rajiv Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation. “Like Pratham, I have worked for years to ensure that every child has the right to a better future. Education and opportunity go hand in hand. I’m pleased to visit Houston and speak with Pratham’s supporters. Together, we can ensure millions of children have access to the high-quality education they deserve,” shared Dr. Rajiv Shah. Pratham Board Chair, Dhiren Shethia said, “Learning changes lives and transforms communities. If there is a gift that can change someone’s future – that gift is learning. For almost 30 years donors in the US Pratham community have given this gift to over 50M children and youth in India.” Capturing stories from the field, Priyanka Ghosh, Director of Communications at Pratham USA interacted with Siddhi, a young woman from India who through Pratham’s Second Chance program got an opportunity to finish her class 10 certification. Dr. Vikram Gopal, Co-President of the Pratham Houston chapter, shared “Just like different threads of the weave: Pratham weaves together children, youth and communities through its learning programs. While the Pratham tapestry begins with individual threads, it finishes with a beautiful story of transformation of communities and stakeholders. We invite you to build the tapestry of learning with Pratham.” Mr. Pradip Seernani, Co-President of the Pratham Houston chapter, shared “Pratham’s mission indeed changes lives. This organization has given millions of children and young people, in India and beyond, the chance to learn – and keep learning. From the early years through to adulthood. Both inside and outside formal educational settings. At home, in the community and online. A special thank you to the corporate sponsors: Wells Fargo, Amegy Bank, Ascend Performance Materials, Bank of America, Gordon Montgomery Barnett, Packwell, Chugh LLP, Bank of Texas and KPMG” The funds raised at the Houston Gala will provide much needed support to children in India, giving them an opportunity to learn and stem the steep learning loss that has occurred during the pandemic. Event photos and captions All photos along with captions can be found here: Houston GALA | 23rd March 2024 (Google Drive) Please note photo credit to be given to photographer: Bijay Dixit MEDIA CONTACT For more information, please contact: Priyanka Ghosh, Director of Communications, Pratham USA [email protected] prathamusa.org ABOUT PRATHAM Pratham works with the belief that every child should be in school and learning well. With almost 30 years’ experience of working in India and beyond, Pratham changes the lives of over 5 million children and young people every year. Pratham’s work has been recognized through major International awards, including the Asia Game Changer Award, the BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Award, the WISE Prize for Education, the Henry R. Kravis Leadership Prize, the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship, and most recently the 2018 LUI Che Woo Prize. Pratham USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with 14 chapters across the United States that raise awareness and mobilize financial resources. The volunteer-driven organization ranks among the top 2% of all nonprofits in America, consistently achieving a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for “sound fiscal management” and “commitment to accountability and transparency.” For more information, visit prathamusa.org. ###
Stories and learning activities are helping Khushi’s dreams take flight
Khushi, a sixth grade student from the Kalyanpuri area Delhi, discovered the wonderful world of stories and storytelling after joining her local Pratham Mohalla Library (community library). Mohalla Libraries are a vital resource that provide children with access to books and learning opportunities within a community. They are strategically placed in and around public spaces, such as streets, parks, community halls, homes, and rooftops. Each library holds a set of 50-60 books, spanning diverse genres and catering to a wide range of interests. In addition to offering a rich collection of reading material, these libraries feature academic and non-academic activities designed to enhance children’s learning retention and stimulate their curiosity. Khushi’s local library is run by a volunteer, Pooja. Since gaining access to the library’s collection of books and fun learning activities like storytelling and role-playing, Pooja has seen Khushi’s reading and retention skills improve along with her confidence. Access to abundant resources and a nurturing learning environment have increased Khushi’s thirst for knowledge. She feels more confident in chasing her dream to become a police officer and wants to shape a better future for herself and those around her. When you support Pratham USA , you’re not just making a donation—you’re making a difference. Join us in building brighter futures, one page at a time. Donate Now.
This Pratham volunteer is changing the tide, one story at a time
Pooja, who lives with her husband and two children in the the Kalyanpuri area of Delhi, has always been an advocate for learning and education. As a tutor, she recognizes the pivotal role education plays in societal advancement and is actively engaged in making learning accessible to children within her community. Recently, she seized an opportunity to further engage children in learning opportunities when she was approached by Meena Kashyap, a Community Instructor Mobiliser with Pratham, who invited her to join the Mohalla Library (community library) initiative as a volunteer. Pratham’s Mohalla Libraries aim to provide children with access to a diverse range of books and engaging activities, all led by local volunteers like Pooja. Witnessing the profound impact these libraries could have on children’s learning potential, Pooja eagerly embraced the initiative. Through her dedication, she has observed a significant transformation in her students’ attitude towards learning, as they eagerly devour stories and eagerly share their newfound love of reading with their siblings at home. Today, Pooja continues to actively encourage community involvement, drawing numerous children to the library, eager to experience the joy of learning. Her efforts not only benefit her students but also enrich her tutoring classes, as parents increasingly recognize the value of literacy in their children’s lives. Pooja firmly believes that encouraging students to learn will help them become future educators, and create a ripple effect, from one generation to the next. When you support Pratham USA, you’re not just making a donation—you’re making a difference. Join us in building brighter futures, one page at a time. Donate Now.
Pratham Mohalla Libraries: Changing communities through books and activities
Pratham Mohalla Libraries (community libraries), are a vital resource established by Pratham to provide children with access to books and learning opportunities within a community. They are strategically placed in and around public spaces, such as streets, parks, community halls, homes, and rooftops. Each Mohalla Library holds a carefully curated set of 50-60 books, spanning diverse genres and catering to a wide range of interests and age groups, typically grades 1-8. In addition to offering a rich collection of reading material, these libraries feature academic and non-academic activities designed to enhance children’s learning retention and stimulate their curiosity. Through regular storytelling sessions facilitated by local volunteers, including mothers, family members, and young people, Mohalla Libraries foster a lifelong love of reading and learning in young readers. These volunteers play a crucial role in nurturing a supportive environment where children can develop vital language, creativity, and cognitive skills. By supporting Pratham’s Mohalla Libraries initiative, you can contribute to the establishment and growth of these community resources, directly impacting the learning potential of children – like Khushi, a sixth grade student from the Kalyanpuri area Delhi – and communities in India! Join us in transforming lives through literacy by contributing to Pratham’s Mohalla Libraries initiative. Your gift helps establish new libraries, train local volunteers, and ensures that every child has the chance to explore the joy of reading. Make a difference today!
3 reasons you should support Pratham USA this India Giving Day
At Pratham USA, we’re passionate about creating a world where all children have access to the transformative power of books and learning opportunities. As India Giving Day approaches, here are three compelling reasons to mark this special celebration of philanthropy by making a donation to our #MakeItPossible fundraiser.
2023 Pratham Fall Galas: A Season of Inspiration and Impact
Like the vibrant hues of autumn, Pratham USA’s 2023 Fall Galas were a season of inspiration and impact, bringing communities together through the shared mission of changing lives and transforming communities through learning for children and young people in India. Together, we raised funds to support the learning journeys of over 370,000 children! The 2023 Pratham New York Gala was a night to remember! We were inspired by Siddhi’s story of transformation through Pratham’s Second Chance program and celebrated Pratham’s initiatives empowering female entrepreneurs, adorning ourselves with bracelets handcrafted by these remarkable women. Salim-Sulaiman gave an outstanding performance, filling the room with energy, and Indra Nooyi’s keynote echoed the essence of philanthropy. The evening was further enriched by the presence of India’s esteemed former president, Shri Ram Nath Govind ji, who delivered a heartfelt speech highlighting the transformative power of learning. The Pratham Mid-Atlantic Gala was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.We’re so grateful to our generous sponsors and the amazing Chandrika Tandon for her keynote address. And of course, the incredible Indian Idol Singers, Sayli Kamble and Mohd Danish, blew us away with their performance! The Seattle Gala was a heartfelt event that united us to support Pratham’s mission of providing learning opportunities to children in India. We were honored to have Laxman Narasimhan, CEO of Starbucks, deliver an inspiring keynote address. The success of the Boston Gala was a testament to the collaborative efforts of our committee, volunteers, attendees, and our generous sponsors. The gala was further graced by the insightful keynote address delivered by Srikant M. Datar, Dean of Harvard Business School. The Pratham Chicago Gala was an unforgettable evening, marked by inspiration, laughter, and a strong sense of community. We were honored to have Rattan L. Khosa, P.E., deliver an insightful keynote speech, and Vik Pandya kept the atmosphere lively with his engaging stand-up comedy. The Austin community’s generosity made the Pratham Austin Gala a roaring success. The event featured Priyanka Singh, a local fashion designer, showcasing a fabulous collaboration with Pratham’s Skilling Center in Kanpur. Vyasar Mamta Ganesan, a writer and counselor, hosted and entertained the audience. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2023 Pratham Fall Galas. Your collective generosity will fuel our mission to empower children through learning, forging a path toward a fairer and more prosperous future for all. Don’t miss out! Be the first to hear about our upcoming season of events by subscribing to the Pratham USA mailing list.
Ishaan: How a passion for reading became a powerful force for change
Meet Ishaan, a 7th-grader from Austin, Texas, whose passion for reading has blossomed into a powerful force for positive change. Inspired by a visit to a Pratham school in India, Ishaan has embarked on a remarkable journey as a dedicated supporter of learning and a champion for children. His story is inspiring, proving that anyone, regardless of age or background, can make a significant impact. His commitment to Pratham USA began in 2016, when he witnessed firsthand the harsh realities faced by children in India who lack access to quality education. This experience ignited a spark within him, driving him to take action. Since then, Ishaan has become a driving force behind the annual Pratham Readathon. His dedication and enthusiasm have helped him raise an impressive $22,000 over the years, directly impacting the lives of countless children. Ishaan, tell us about yourself and how you first learned about Pratham? Hi! My name is Ishaan and I’m a 7th grader from Austin, TX. I love reading. I first learned about Pratham in 2016 when my family and I visited a school that Pratham had founded in Uttar Pradesh. Seeing children my age learning in a small hut, sitting on the floor opened my eyes to how poverty affects lives, and made me realize that everyone didn’t have access to all the resources and education that I had been lucky enough to receive. I was very saddened when I learned that many children in India my age couldn’t read. I wanted to help, and later that year I was blessed with an opportunity to raise money for these children by reading! This was called the Pratham Readathon. What role have you played in Pratham USA’s Readathon? I have participated in the Readathon every year during the summer since 2018 after I learned about Pratham. Being able to read, connect with family, and help children in need through Pratham has been an extremely fulfilling experience. This year, I raised $5,200, helping over 208 children receive life-changing education for one year. Over the past 6 years, because of the generous support of my family and friends, I’ve been able to raise over $22,000 for this amazing cause. Recently, I have started teaching a group of kids in Mysore how to read in English over Zoom. I started about a year ago, and when I first saw the kids they struggled to understand when I read the books to them. About a year later, the same group of students were reading higher level books with minimal help from me and answering comprehension questions! Seeing their progress has completely blown me away! This goes to show the effect Pratham has on the lives of these children. In a mere year, they were able to learn how to independently read in English and comprehend complex sentences, a skill that has opened a door to so many possibilities for their future and a path out of poverty. What is your favorite part about being involved with the Readathon? My favorite part of participating in the Readathon was discovering so many new books. Every year, I pick a new topic to focus on. Through this, I have learned so much about different subjects. For example, last year I read a book about a girl in Lithuania during their rebellion against the Soviet Union. I learned how there were so many of these tragic and untold stories of the horrors of dictatorship. Through all these books, my worldview keeps evolving. The gift of knowledge is something that I will cherish and it motivates me to do the Readathon again every year. How has Pratham USA shaped your personal growth? My experience has shown me the value of connecting with others. Through the emails and book reports I send during the Readathon, I am able to engage in conversation and discussion with my cousins, aunts & uncles, and even grandparents. This multi-generational connection is something that is unique to the Readathon and a reason why I love doing it so much. My effort to support Pratham started small, but as I expanded the list of people I reached out to, it grew into something big. In addition, It has shown me how to write an engaging and persuasive email to retain engagement, and taught me how to plan a campaign and set ambitious goals for myself. Above all, my experience with Pratham has shown me the value of education and how it can change one’s life. I have learned never to take education for granted because it opens the door to a successful life ahead. If you could have coffee with anyone in the world to talk about education, who would it be and why? I would love to have coffee with Malala Yousafzai, as she is one of the trailblazers at the forefront of the fight for education. Pratham is doing an amazing job in the countries it supports but there are still so many more who have yet to receive assistance. It would be very inspiring to meet Malala because she has had such a big impact and continues to use her voice to bring awareness to inequality in education. What are your future aspirations with Pratham USA? One day in the future, I want to teach a class in India in person. While I have been able to raise money for children’s education, being able to actually teach children and see directly the effect our efforts are having is my ultimate goal. By being on the front lines, I can help expand the efforts of Pratham to new areas. In the near term I want to start more consistently participating in the virtual reading sessions with Pratham Mysore, as I have truly enjoyed being able to connect and teach the students in real time. What message do you have for other kids and young people about Pratham? During one of my Readathons, I came across a poem that resonated with me: “From a grain of sand, Births
