Annual Pratham Gala raises millions for education programs

HOUSTON – Those who are part of the South Asian community in Houston know that the annual Pratham Gala is one of the biggest of the year, raising more than $1 million for education programs.

Pratham, which means "first" in Sanskrit, was founded in 1995 and helps educate children in India by trying to address the educational gaps that exist in the public school system there.

With a particular focus on lifting up girls who might not otherwise receive encouragement and have such opportunities, this program really hits home for me as the father of a young daughter.

Among the guests of honor at the event was the stunning Miss Universe 1994 turned Bollywood star, Sushmita Sen. She spoke to the crowd about the importance of education, saying education is a birth right for every single life.

This year’s sold-out gala raised more than $1.4 million to support its initiatives.

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