Ekal Vidyalaya Chicago 2026 Fundraiser Draws 700+ Attendees

The Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation’s Chicago chapter hosted a vibrant, sold-out fundraiser in 2026, featuring a captivating musical performance by Milind Oak and his acclaimed group. The event brought together more than 700 donors, guests, and dignitaries committed to advancing education in rural and tribal regions of India.

The evening commenced with the singing of national anthems, followed by a traditional diya lighting ceremony, setting a respectful and inspiring tone. Milind Oak’s group delivered an engaging performance that resonated with audiences across generations, blending nostalgia, energy, and artistic excellence while reinforcing the mission of Ekal Vidyalaya.

Organizers shared updates on the foundation’s impact, emphasizing its efforts to provide education, healthcare awareness, and skill development in underserved communities through its one-teacher school model. In a strong show of support, attendees contributed generously, resulting in sponsorship of more than 100 Ekal schools during the event—an important milestone toward expanding educational access.

The program was meticulously planned and executed by the Chicago Metro and North Chapter teams. A highlight of the evening was the exceptional participation and leadership demonstrated by Ekal youth volunteers, whose contributions were widely appreciated by attendees. Their visible involvement underscored the emergence of the next generation of leaders within the organization.

The event was led by a dedicated leadership team including Kamlesh Shah, Executive Board Member; Ankita Shah, Regional President and Chicago Metro Chapter President; Rootvij Bhatt, Chicago North Chapter President; and Kinnari Sachala, Vice President and Youth Coordinator.

They were supported by a committed core team including Monal Shah, Nilesh Shah, Ashwin and Gita Desai, Smita Shah, Dina Shah, Bhaskar Patel, Shilpa Doshi, Mahesh and Geeta Shah, Dr. Nishendu and Purvi Baxi, Narayan Doshi, and Pravin Raval. Ekal leadership and volunteers worked tirelessly to deliver a well-organized and impactful program that reflected both professionalism and community spirit.

In addition to its flagship one-teacher schools, the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation runs a range of integrated programs aimed at holistic rural development, including digital literacy, women’s empowerment, vocational training, health awareness, and sustainable farming initiatives.

The 2026 fundraiser not only showcased cultural excellence but also reinforced a shared purpose—empowering education where it is needed most, while inspiring strong community engagement for years to come.