$1.75 mn raised at the annual gala

The third annual fall benefit gala of the American India Foundation (AIF) titled Bangles and Bow Ties at the gorgeous Westin St Francis Hotel in San Francisco on Saturday, says Shalini Narang.

The third annual fall benefit gala of the American India Foundation (AIF) titled Bangles and Bow Ties at the gorgeous Westin St Francis Hotel in San Francisco on Saturday, September 23 was attended by the who's who of the Indo American community and others. Every year the organisation at its annual shindig honours two corporate chieftains—one from India and another from US, for their leadership, entrepreneurial endeavours and commitment to corporate social responsibility in India.

This year's awardees were Paul Otellini, President and CEO of Intel Corporation for his role in technology with perspective to philanthropy via technology in India and Nandan Nilekani, CEO of Infosys Technologies Ltd for his altruism efforts via the Infosys foundation.

"It is an honour to receive this award for Intel's work in bridging the digital divide in India. By multiplying the effects of computers, the Internet and education, Intel hopes to accelerate the reach of technology's benefits across India in the next five years," said Otellini.

The premier event has grown to become the most glamorous and glitzy south Asian event on the west coast in US.

This year's Rajasthani theme was ubiquitous in the decorations and displays in the foyer, conference room and podium hosting the gathering.

The program commenced with the cocktail hour. Men and women dressed in their formal best-greeted and conversed amidst sips of martinis and wine. Arrays of multi hued glass bangles are a signature item of the fundraiser and several women could be seen trying and matching their glamorous outfits to the bangles in the foyer. A medley of creatively choreographed dances on old and new Hindi numbers by the Naach troupe enhancing the taste of the hors d oeuvres of Mewari Kachodis began the formal program. The upscale Amber Indian restaurant catered the epicurean delights for the evening.

Then, Lata Krishnan, the foundation President came up to the stage and recapped the five years of AIF's work including collaborations with varied non-profits in India.

The foundation is tasked with collecting funding in the US for investment in the best of the breed Non Governmental Organisations in India running innovative and scalable projects in elementary education, livelihood with a focus on women's economic empowerment and public health, with an emphasis on combating HIV/AIDS.

Commenting on the choice of India as a partner, Bill Draper, the gala chair and one of the first venture capitalists in US said: "Democracy, English language expertise and Indian food have attracted me and my wife to India over 20 times."

In the same vein, other speakers reiterated their continued interest and investment in India and their support for the vital work of organisations like AIF.

The main highlight of the evening was the need for involvement of the well-endowed diaspora in improving the human condition of the marginalized populace via investment in primary education, health and other initiatives.

After receiving his award for corporate leadership, Nandan Nilekani spoke about the optimistic change in mood and mindset of the people of India. He opined that Indian corporate are gaining in confidence to take on the best in the world and the to do attitude to tackle the problems, that were earlier considered insurmountable is apparent in the nation.

The program ended with the performance of their album titled Reincarnation by Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan.