Karuna Charities Washington Inc. celebrated its 25th Annual Diwali Gala at the DoubleTree by Hilton, on November 9, 2025, in Gaithersburg, Maryland, bringing together community members, volunteers, and supporters for an evening of music, dance, and reflection on nearly three decades of service.

In her welcome address, President of the Karuna Charities Amrit Kalotra highlighted the organization’s enduring mission and expressed her intention to transition leadership to a new generation. “I do feel that it is time to hand over the baton to somebody younger and more dynamic. So, I’m on the lookout. Anyone who wants to take my place is most welcome,” she said.

Kalotra recalled that Karuna Charities was founded by her late friend Lekha Sreenivasan, wife of Ambassador T.P. Sreenivasan. “She is no more, but her dream is a very real reality right now,” Kalotra said, emphasizing that the organization’s work rests on a threefold mission – supporting women in distress, advancing education, and aiding local shelters.

Reflecting on the organization’s work with women and families facing hardship, Kalotra explained, “We go to their shelters. We go and pick up references, we check them out thoroughly and then give them the help they need,” adding that the charity often assists with financial support for housing, employment, and vocational training.

She underscored the growing challenge of food insecurity and urged greater community participation. “It has been very difficult for many people to get jobs, and food has become a huge priority,” she said, calling for collective efforts to help underprivileged women feed their children.

Karuna Charities has also made significant contributions to education through four endowed scholarships at Montgomery College, the Universities at Shady Grove, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), and Northern Virginia Community College. “Education is a pressing need, and I think to put some money into your pocket, you need to be educated,” Kalotra said, highlighting the importance of empowering individuals to become self-reliant.

She also pointed out the organization’s ongoing collaboration with area shelters. “These shelters need help too,” she noted, adding that the “most delightful part” of the initiative is when the women of Karuna personally prepare and serve meals at the shelters.

Kalotra concluded her address by reflecting on the current social climate. “I realized the situation today has caused a lot of grief, lot of depression… One quality that stands out in these very stressful times is kindness. Be kind. Don’t expect returns. Be kind without expectations.”

Minister (Community Affairs) at the Embassy of India, Jag Mohan, who served as Guest of Honor, reflected on the spiritual meaning of Diwali, noting it marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. 

Reflecting on the ongoing Diwali celebrations, Jag Mohan remarked that he was accustomed to celebrating the festival later than most, eliciting laughter from the audience. Jokingly, he said, the news of Lord Ram’s arrival reached the hilly state of Uttarakhand, where he hails from, a month late. “That’s why we celebrate Diwali after those living in the plains,” he added.

He also reminded guests that November 9 marks the formation day of his home state, Uttarakhand, giving the evening added significance.

“For many years, Karuna Charities has been doing outstanding work, supporting women, children in need, promoting education and vocational training and extending a helping hand to those affected by hardships and disaster,” he said. “Your dedication and compassion truly embody the spirit of Diwali – that triumph of light over darkness and hope over despair.”

He reaffirmed the Embassy’s appreciation for Karuna Charities’ partnership and congratulated Kalotra and her team of volunteers for their continuing impact.

The evening’s highlight was the Singing Talent Contest, a signature event of Karuna’s Diwali celebrations, which continues to feature new voices from across the DC Metropolitan area each year.

Winners of the competition include:

• Male Category: Anubhav Kaviratna – “Pal Pal Di Ke Paas.”
• Female Category: Jaya Pandey – “Namak Ishq Ka.”
• Duet Category: Sumitra Sampath and Karthik Gopalakrishnan – “Lukha Chuppi.”

“It was a wonderful experience being a part of the Karuna Charities event,” said Sampath told South Asian Herald. “The event was very professionally conducted with great line of music and dance performances. It was an honor to participate in the duet round and emerge as the winner.”

Gopalakrishnan told South Asian Herald, “It was also a special moment to share the stage and win the Duet Singing Award alongside the talented Sumitra Sampath,” expressing gratitude to organizers and volunteers at Karuna Charities for creating such a memorable and meaningful event.

A special Community Service Award was also presented to Sangita Kalotra, Ambassador of Karuna Charities, by the Society for Enrichment of Asians (SEA). The award was handed over by SEA Vice President Nelly Samaniego.

The gala featured vibrant dance performances by Rythmaya Dance Group and the Virginia Gidha Group, with Nilima Mehra serving as emcee and Hemant Samson as DJ. Guests also enjoyed authentic Indian cuisine catered by Bombay Tandoor and participated in a raffle drawing.

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