The Desai Foundation celebrated a major milestone in its mission to empower women and children across rural India, marking more than 13 million lives impacted at its 13th annual Diwali on the Hudson gala in New York City on October 22.
The event, held at HK Hall, brought together more than 400 supporters, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, artists and community leaders to celebrate Diwali while raising funds for initiatives focused on health, livelihoods and menstrual equity in rural India.
Recognised by Time Out as one of the top 10 places to celebrate Diwali in the previous year, the annual gathering has become a prominent fixture of New York’s cultural and philanthropic calendar. The celebration welcomes people from all backgrounds, reflecting the festival’s universal message of light, hope and community.
The evening attracted several prominent personalities from the entertainment, business and cultural sectors, including Grammy Award-winning musician Falu and Gaurav Shah, Broadway actress Lauren Mariasoosay, beauty creator Arshia Moorjani and Vishal Moorjani, former senior adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris Opal Vadhan, and Indo Warehouse’s Kunal Merchant.
The host committee included Sindhya Valloppillil and Nikhil Kalghatgi, Hitha Palepu, Miraj Patel and Ami Sheth, Arianna Afsar, Falu and Gaurav Shah, and Sree Srinivasan, among others.
“Diwali is about bringing light to the people around you,” said Megha Desai, president of The Desai Foundation. She emphasised that the event’s inclusive spirit enables people from diverse backgrounds to participate in a celebration that also supports women and girls seeking better opportunities in rural India.
The foundation’s latest milestone reflects the growing reach of its development programmes, which now span more than 4,000 villages across eight Indian states, with expansion into a ninth state planned. Its portfolio includes 33 programmes designed to improve health outcomes, strengthen women’s economic independence and address barriers to education and dignity.
A key component of its work is Asani, the foundation’s menstrual equity initiative. Through five women-run production units, the programme has produced 13 million sanitary napkins and reached more than 2.1 million women. Other initiatives have reached 716,000 people through anaemia awareness and testing, while health camps have served 193,000 people. The foundation has also trained thousands of women in livelihood skills to support economic independence.
The organisation announced two significant initiatives during this year’s celebration. A new partnership with Girl Rising, designated a Clinton Global Initiative Commitment to Action, will support the foundation’s expansion into West Bengal. The collaboration aims to help girls remain in school, manage menstruation with dignity and pursue opportunities beyond the limitations imposed by social and economic circumstances.
The foundation also outlined a broader effort to help thousands of schools across India comply with the Supreme Court of India’s recognition of menstrual health as an integral part of the constitutional right to life and dignity under Article 21. The initiative will be accompanied by a campaign to help girls understand their rights and develop the confidence to advocate for them.
US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand conveyed her Diwali wishes to attendees in a letter congratulating the foundation on reaching more than 13 million lives. She acknowledged its work supporting women and children in rural India and drew a connection between its mission and Diwali’s message of the triumph of light over darkness.
Beyond the formal proceedings, the gala featured food, music, dancing and interactive experiences celebrating South Asian culture. Baked by Melissa presented an installation of Diwali-inspired cupcakes arranged in the shape of a traditional diya, while Mr. Paanwala served its signature paan with a dramatic flaming presentation. Guests also enjoyed Malai ice cream, food from Desi Galli and chai from Kolkata Chai.
D’YAVOL, the luxury spirits brand associated with Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and his son Aryan Khan, participated as a beverage partner. Guests received gifts from a range of South Asian and international brands, including Tribe Bohemian, RANAVAT, NAVAA, Doosra, Aaji’s, MA Cosmetics, Burlap & Barrel, MCoBeauty, Pareva Beauty, Lladró, ANOKHI LIFE, Gold House and SALUTE.
Proceeds from Diwali on the Hudson will support the Desai Foundation’s programmes for women and children throughout rural India. As the organisation expands its geographic reach and partnerships, its work highlights the role of community-led initiatives in addressing menstrual health, improving access to healthcare, strengthening livelihoods and advancing opportunities for girls.
The 13th annual celebration underscored how cultural gatherings can serve as platforms for social impact, bringing together communities across borders to support a shared vision of dignity, opportunity and empowerment.
