The Viksit Amritsar Gala, a fundraising event devoted to the development of Amritsar in Punjab, India, was held on January 26, 2025, in Potomac, Maryland. Surpassing its initial goal of $200,000 for the evening, the event successfully raised more than $250,000 with the support of dedicated community members and well-wishers of Amritsar. 

Notable Indian American Physicians Dr. Sudhir Sekhsaria and Dr. Sanjiv Lakhanpal hosted the event, joined by prominent figures such as Chairman of Sikhs of America, Jesse Singh, Governor’s Commission on South Asian American Affairs, Gurpreet Takhar, President of American Hindu Coalition, Harsh Sethi, Senior VP at IBM, Satinder Sethi, President of the Greater Washington Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, Rupinder Sethi, Sukhpal Dhanoa of Panjab Post, and CEO & President of Dazzle Premium, Pauli Singh. 

The Director of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Amritsar, Dr. Nagarajan Ramamoorthy, traveled from India to attend, while several individuals such as former Indian Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Sandhu, Chairperson of FICCI FLO, Simarpreet Sandhu, and Ranbir Singh of Tinkerers’ Lab joined the event virtually from India and the United States. 

Praising the fundraising initiative to support Amritsar, Ambassador Sandhu emphasized the deepening ties between India and the United States, saying, “It’s so clear that this relationship has become a partnership today.”

Dr. Lakhanpal recounted how Viksit Amritsar began as a small conversation with Ambassador Sandhu about raising funds for Amritsar’s development. That discussion has grown into a robust initiative, with Ambassador Sandhu pledging to oversee its operations on the ground.

Viksit Amritsar, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in the United States, aims to support projects in both urban and rural Amritsar. Its key programs include:

• Swachh Amritsar: Focus on sanitation and cleanliness
• Nasha Mukt Amritsar: Combatting substance abuse
• Viksit Amritsar Investments: Driving economic development

Dr. Lakhanpal remarked, “Let’s truly make a difference through this initiative. India blessed us with a healthy mindset and the ability to think clearly. However, that blessing flourished because of the organizational structure provided by the country we chose as our home.”

He also commended Dr. Sekhsaria for his unwavering dedication to the initiative, noting that Dr. Sekhsaria has “nurtured this idea with his resources, time, and connections.” Dr. Lakhanpal expressed his heartfelt gratitude for Dr. Sekhsaria’s commitment and devotion.

In response, Dr. Sekhsaria, lauded for his efforts, shared, “If God has chosen us to do Seva, we should consider ourselves to be very fortunate.” He also expressed his gratitude to everyone gathered to support the initiative.

Reflecting on his visit to Amritsar last year, Jesse Singh recounted his trip to a dumpsite alongside the Mayor of Amritsar, Karamjit Rintu, Takhar, and others. He described the dire conditions, emphasizing the health complications faced by those working there. “We need to raise awareness and educate people about this issue,” Singh urged.

Takhar echoed Singh’s sentiments, noting the need for substantial infrastructure development in the city. “I encourage everyone to really get involved in this project,” he said.

To ensure transparency, Viksit Amritsar has partnered with IIM-Amritsar, local banks, FICCI FLO, Rotary Club, and others to implement initiatives. Dr. Ramamoorthy detailed the institution’s role in fostering entrepreneurship and ensuring proper fund utilization.

Dr. Ramamoorthy provided details about various CST activities conducted by the institution and emphasized the robust control mechanisms in place to ensure funds are used appropriately. He highlighted the institution’s efforts to support MSMEs, promote startups, and engage in societal problem-solving through clubs like Sankalp and the Center for Entrepreneurship.

FICCI FLO Chairperson Sandhu shared insights into collaborative initiatives with Viksit Amritsar.

“We just celebrated 555 years of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s anniversary. Instead of doing Langar, we thought of doing the skilling Langar,” she said highlighting about a training program where 555 girls from rural, suburban and urban areas benefited from upskilling. 

Gurjit Sekhon, discussed upcoming projects at the Rotary Hospital in Amritsar, aimed at bringing high-quality healthcare infrastructure to the region’s rural areas. Meanwhile, Singh from Tinkerers Lab spoke about a cutting-edge facility designed to inspire and nurture the next generation of engineers and innovators.

Mohnish Seth, a California-based businessman, shared his motivation for joining the initiative after learning about Viksit Amritsar through a news article. “I am very passionate and emotional about doing good stuff from Amritsar,” he said. 

Executive Director of Viksit Amritsar, Sabir Sekhon, emphasized his strong connection to Punjab and Amritsar. “Everyone on the Viksit team has been such an inspiration,” he said, expressing hope for more young people to join the cause and support the city’s development.

At the Gala, several attendees including GAWPI’s Sethi, also spoke and reaffirmed their support to Amritsar. 

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