NEW YORK (Diya TV) — A leading education nonprofit is bringing together global voices, inspiring alumni and influential supporters for a night focused on opportunity and impact. The Akanksha Education Fund will host its annual gala, “Breaking Barriers, Building Futures,” on May 1 in New York City. The event will take place at Cipriani 25 Broadway from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Organizers say the evening will highlight the organization’s mission to provide high-quality education and career pathways for children from underserved communities in India.
The gala aims to showcase how education can change lives. The Akanksha Foundation has worked for more than 35 years to improve access to learning in cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. Today, it serves more than 14,500 students across 27 schools and supports nearly 6,000 alumni. Leaders say the event will celebrate these achievements while raising funds to expand programs. The evening will also bring together professionals, corporate leaders, and philanthropists from across the United States.
The program will feature a pre-recorded conversation between Sal Khan, founder and CEO of Khan Academy, and Akanksha alum Sajida Shaikh. Organizers say the discussion will explore the power of digital learning and access to education.
Guests will also hear from alumni Dhanashree Birajdar and Salman Sayyed. Both speakers previously appeared at earlier galas and will return to share how education shaped their personal and professional journeys. Saurabh Taneja, CEO of the Akanksha Foundation, will outline the organization’s vision for the future. He is expected to discuss plans to strengthen school-to-work transitions and expand opportunities for students.
The gala will also focus on the role of families in education. Shubhashree Sathe and her parent, Roopali Sathe, will take part in a conversation led by podcast host Jasmine Kaur. The discussion will examine how parental support influences student success. Organizers say this segment reflects the nonprofit’s holistic approach. The Akanksha model works not only with students but also with families and communities to create lasting change.
The evening will include a performance by Columbia Sur, a South Asian fusion a cappella group from Columbia University. Guests can also expect music, dancing, and networking in a historic setting. Event planners say the mix of storytelling, performance, and community engagement will create a memorable experience for attendees.
The Akanksha Education Fund supports programs that help students move from school into higher education and careers. Its leaders say the goal is to break cycles of poverty by equipping young people with skills and confidence. Executive Director Sejal Desai emphasized the importance of education in a statement.
“Providing children with a strong educational foundation can transform their lives,” Desai said. “It can also uplift entire communities.”
