Karuna Charities Washington Inc., an organization dedicated to empowering women, held its 24th Annual Gala on November 10, 2024, at the Hilton DoubleTree in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
The event featured a variety of activities, including a singing competition, dance performance by Bollywood factor, an auction of paintings, and a raffle, with all proceeds directed toward the charity’s mission to support women’s empowerment initiatives.
Minister (Consular), Embassy of India, Anand Kumar Somani was the Guest of honor, and Senior Vice President from Montgomery College, Dr. Deidre Price delivered the keynote speech. Bollywood singer, Devanjalee Mitra, rendered the opening performance at the event.
Karuna Charities was founded in May 1998 by the late Lekha Sreenivasan, wife of Ambassador T.P. Sreenivasan, the then Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Washington D.C., along with a group of women including Amrit Kalotra, who now serve as the President of the organization.
Kalotra told the gathering at the Gala, “It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to be serving Karuna Charities for the last 25 years. We started off small. We met in the drawing room of our Founder Chairperson, late Mrs. Lekha Sreenivasan and I am indebted to her for putting me in this work,” adding “I must say, I did not jump and say okay, I’m going to do it. I was reluctant. I found the task was formidable, as I had no experience.”
Reflecting on her work at the organization, she shared, “I sort of look back with mixed feelings because it hasn’t been easy. It is hard,” emphasizing that only through the support of the community and friends was she able to carry out her role.
When asked about her experience leading the organization, Kalotra told South Asian Herald, “A lot has been done. A lot still needs to be done,” adding that the pandemic has brought “a lot of uncertainty.”
“A woman helped is a family helped,” she emphasized, highlighting the charity’s focus on empowering women as well as serving the community, especially by supporting orphanages and elderly homes.
Reflecting on the organization’s impact, she noted, “People are generous,” and shared that their support has enabled the organization to assist both men and women in need.
Committed to education, particularly for women, the organization has also established endowed scholarships at Montgomery College, Universities at Shady Grove, NOVA community college, and the University of the District of Columbia.
She also expressed that the Singing Talent contest by the organization has become a signature event and a launching pad for many singers. As such, this year’s singing competition showcased nine participants across three categories: female, male, and instrumental. Winners included Padma Giridhar in the female category, Hemanth Kumar in the male category, and Neerav Chalikonda, a Saxophonist, in the instrumental category.
Over 200 members from the audience voted, providing feedback and scores for each performance, contributing to the selection of winners.
Fairfax County resident, Padma Giridhar, who won the title for vocals in the female solo category, expressed her joy in participating at this event.
Giridhar told South Asian Herald, “Singing is my passion, and I don’t miss any opportunity to live up my passion. I strongly believe that age is never a criterion to satisfy one’s passion. I am an Information Technology leader, and a homemaker and it is not easy to make time for my passion,” adding, “But I still do, as this makes me effective in my life priorities and motivates me to be a good leader professionally and a kind, compassionate home maker.”
She extended her gratitude to local organizations and music enthusiasts across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area for supporting her singing journey. This year, she was awarded the first DMV Idol Award for a duet with her music partner, Jagadeesh Aluru, and placed second in a talent competition at her workplace.
“Step up and discover your passion,” is a message for women from Giridhar, who has embraced singing in recent years as her cherished hobby. She is an active member of several singing groups, including the TML Karaoke Singers group, in the DMV area.
