Pune: Indian American Youth from California Fundraises for 150 Visually Impaired Students to Celebrate Diwali
Pune, 25th October 2024: In a heartwarming display of cultural connection and compassion, an Indian American youth from California, Abhaya Alurkar, organized a fundraiser to bring Diwali joy to 150 blind students in India. The initiative, held in collaboration with the National Association for the Welfare of Physically Challenged (NAWPC), allowed these students to celebrate the festival of lights with new hope and happiness.
NAWPC, led by Rahul Deshmukh, a visually impaired activist in India, has been at the forefront of empowering individuals with disabilities. Deshmukh’s organization works tirelessly to support physically challenged individuals through education, vocational training, and community engagement. Abhaya visits her grandparents in Pune during the summers. During her last visit, she toured Deshmukh’s institution located in the heart of Pune and decided to fundraise for Diwali. The funds raised by the California-based youth were directed toward organizing special Diwali celebrations for the students, providing them with necessary supplies, festive gifts, and opportunities to fully engage in the spirit of the holiday.
Diwali, celebrated by millions worldwide, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, making it especially poignant for those with visual impairments. Abhaya, a fifteen-year-old from El Segundo High School, said, “I hope that my little fundraising will bring them joy during this Diwali.”
Through this initiative, the students received material support and experienced the sense of inclusion and joy that comes with being part of a larger cultural celebration.
