The American India Foundation (AIF), was founded in 2001, following the tragic devastation caused by an earthquake in the state of Gujarat in India. Former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, and Former Prime Minister Of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saw the need to create a philanthropic bridge between the “world’s two largest democracies,” with a mission towards “improving the lives of India’s underprivileged.”
I have had the privilege of serving as the Co-President of AIF Chicago Junior Board in 2021. My association with AIF, supporting their initiatives in our community, began in middle school. In 2020 I became a member of CIF Chicago Junior Board. In spite of the lockdowns during the summer of 2020 we raised approximately $10,000 to support rural education in India.
This year we raised funds to help vaccinate underprivileged groups in India. Six months of planning, organizing, and fundraising culminated with a 5K Run on August 15 at Busse Woods, Illinois. The event also commemorated India’s 75th Independence Day.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois’ 8th district attended our AIF Junior Board event as chief guest and flagged off the 5K event. In his remarks the Congressman commended the AIF Junior Board Co-Presidents and the entire team for our efforts in organizing the event and raising funds for an important cause. The Congressman also emphasized the role Indian Americans play as a bridge between the US and India – “to whom much has been given, much is expected”. Sage words of advice from the Congressman to the “vanguard of the next generation of people and leaders in the community.”
So far this year, the AIF Chicago Junior Board has raised $51,276, enough to help vaccinate over 10,200 individuals. This represented a more than a 500% increase over the funds raised in 2020. For that I am very proud of my AIF team and thankful to all those who donated so generously. It is indeed very fulfilling to be able to lead and help make a difference.
