On May 30th, Smart Village Movement USA hosted a dinner benefit and fundraiser event in California, a testament to the collective power of NRI philanthropists. This event, which raised USD 300,000, has paved the way for significant advancements in education in India. The funds will be allocated to five main education projects in Gujarat and Meghalaya, each one a beacon of hope for underprivileged students: Foundational Learning, STEM Literacy, Skill Center, Business Innovation Course, and a school infrastructure expansion project in Narmada district in southern Gujarat. This event was co-hosted by SVM Chairman Dr. Anil Shah and philanthropists Dr. Indravardhan and Arvinda Shah, who have adopted and supported a school in Savli, Gujarat.
SVM Executive Chairman Dr. Anil Shah expressed profound gratitude for the steadfast support of donors and emphasized SVM’s comprehensive approach encompassing education, healthcare, digital empowerment, and livelihood skills. Anna Fitter, our Director of Communications, shared inspiring stories of empowerment through education, emphasizing the profound impact of early intervention in building a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, and STEM education for all children to enhance their future prospects.
Dr. Indravardhan Shah spoke eloquently of his humble beginnings in Savli Gujarat where children still do not have adequate learning facilities and classes are often conducted outdoors under the shade of a tree. In 2023 his contribution to SVM brought a STEM Innovation Hub at the S.M. Shah Vidya Mandir in Savli, Narmada, where we have seen a significant increase in student enrollment and academic performance. SVM seeks to now support Dr. Indu Shah for infrastructure development and expansion projects to increase enrollment in the school.
The success of our educational initiatives is a testament to the generosity and commitment of our donors. Philanthropists and SVM supporters Mr. Manu and Mrs. Rika Shah of MSI Stone/ Sarvamangal Foundation have pledged to match donations up to $120,000, resulting in a total raised amount of approximately $300,000. This significant support will directly benefit SVM’s education projects, bringing about substantial improvements in the lives of the community and fostering remarkable growth. We are deeply grateful for their support and hope it inspires others to join us in our mission.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all our donors and partners, including Dr. Bharat Patel of ALAPIO and Rajbir Husson of IASA Foundation, whose contributions have been pivotal in our success. We are also grateful to SOCAL for their coverage of the event and to Apollo Printing for sponsoring our printed materials. Your support has made a significant difference in the lives of many, and we are honored to have you as part of our community.
We sincerely appreciate everyone who has supported SVM. Our teams in India and the USA are dedicated to innovating solutions for rural communities. Your ongoing generosity is vital to driving our efforts for a brighter future. Thank you for being the driving force behind the Smart Village Movement and giving hope for a better future.
Read more about our STEM Project :
