NEW YORK: Pratham USA was declared this year’s winner of the Times of India Social Impact Award in the category “International Contribution to India.” It was commended for utilizing philanthropy to positively impact the children of India.
With 14 volunteer-run chapters across the United States, Pratham USA raises more than $10 million annually. Over 94% of the money raised by Pratham USA goes directly to Pratham and its partner organizations in India. Pratham provides educational programs, conducts research on educational standards and offers various innovative learning opportunities for children and young adults throughout India.
“This award not only recognizes the efforts of Pratham USA, but most importantly, it recognizes the continued generosity of our donors, both large and small,” says Arvind Sanger, Chairman of the Board of Directors Pratham USA. “Every donor to Pratham USA has a strong belief that education provides the foundation for individuals to raise themselves socially and economically.
Our donors understand that they have succeeded because of education and they want their resources to support the children of India in their own path to success.”
The International Contribution to India Award is given to an organization based outside India that makes significant contributions to address key challenges within India. Social issues of concern include poverty, lack of access to quality education, poor healthcare, social inequity, and limited employment opportunities among others.
In presenting the award, by the unanimous decision of its jury, the organizers recognized Pratham USA for the seminal role it has played in supporting the activities of Pratham in India. Since its founding in 1994 by Dr. Madhav Chavan, Pratham has reached more than 34 million children across India through its pre-school, community libraries, and remedial learning programs.
In addition Pratham is the only organization in India that conducts ongoing research regarding the status of education among India’s children and outcome of the nation’s educational investments through its ASER program.
“Pratham USA should serve as a model for many communities in the U.S. as they support global social and economic transformations,” says Dr. Molly Easo Smith, Executive Director of Pratham USA. “The Indian American community understands the concept of organized and impact-focused philanthropy as a basis for significant social change globally.”
Smith added that this is the first time Pratham USA has been recognized by a national organization in India for its fund-raising efforts within the United States.
Pratham USA was represented at the ceremony by its President, Dr. Atul Varadhachary. A former student who attended a Pratham pre-school in New Delhi presented the International Contribution to India Award to Mr. Varadhachary.
The star-studded ceremony attended by the President of India as well as many other prominent leaders within the Indian community and the Indian Diaspora was held on January 28 at the Convention Hall at The Ashok, in New Delhi, India.
On the heels of Pratham’s recognition in November 2012, when Dr. Madhav Chavan was presented the 2012 Prize for Education at the 4th World Innovative Summit for Education (WISE) in Doha, Qatar, the Times of India Social Impact Award adds to Pratham and Pratham USA’s expanding global reach and reputation.
Pratham is the largest non-governmental organization providing quality education to underprivileged children of India. With a budget of less than $14 million, Pratham uses very low-cost and scalable methods and works in collaboration with the government, local communities, parents, teachers and volunteers across the country to educate millions of children every year. Pratham’s mission is “Every Child in School and Learning Well.”
India Post News ServiceÂ
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