Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 5 CITY VIEWS October 24, 2025 The Des ai Foundation Holds Successful Diwali On The Hudson Fundraising Gala M ore than 400 supporters of The Desai Founda- tion, including philanthropists and entrepre- neurs, artists, and social activists, attended the 12th annual “Diwali on the Hudson” charity gala on October 16, at HK Hall, NewYork. The Desai Foundation’s mission is to empower women and children through community programs and to el- evate health, livelihood, and menstrual equity in rural In- dia. Colby Siegel, director of Partnerships and Advocacy, Desai Foundation, said this year was the most successful Diwali on the Hudson event yet. A press release from the Foundation said the event also marked The Desai Foundation’s milestone year celebrating 11 million lives impacted and a Times Square billboard takeover spotlighting its work – a “symbol of grassroots change shining on the world’s biggest stage.” “As we light up NewYork this Diwali, we’re not only celebrating our culture —we’re celebrating dignity, op- portunity, and the 11 million lives that have been touched by our programs,” Megha Desai, president of the Desai Foundation, is quoted saying in the press release. President of The Desai Foundation, Megha Desai, speaking at the October 16 fundraising gala. On stage at the event, Desai said,“Let’s remember that this light we share here in NewYork reaches all the way to rural India – illuminating the paths of women and girls who are building brighter futures for themselves and their communities. May this Diwali remind us that joy and generosity travel together, and that when we lift oth- ers, we all shine a little brighter.” “Being part of the Desai Foundation has been almost a spiritual experience — because when you see the real impact on women and children in rural India, you realize this isn’t just charity. It’s transformation,” said Sindhya Valloppillil, Board Member, Desai Foundation, adding, “What I love most about the Desai Foundation is that it doesn’t just give money to women and children — it gives dignity and opportunity. And when you give dignity and opportunity, you don’t just change individual lives — you uplift entire communities.” – Diwali on The Hudson was hosted by CBS News Cor- respondent Shanelle Kaul and had a live performance by Shevya, a South Asian artist who blends traditional roots with modern beats. Guests enjoyed food and an open bar from Desi Galli, RampurWhiskey, Kolkata Chai Co., Stitched Sweets, Mr. Paanwalla, and more. A hand raise auction was also held exceeding The Desai Foundation’s fund-raising goals. In addition, 100% of ticket sales also support the Desai Foundation’s pro- grams. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS: J’adore Andy Some of the guests at the Diwali on the Hudson event October 16, 2025, hosted by The Desai Foundation, in New York City. President of The Desai Foundation, Megha Desai, speaking at the October 16 fundraising gala. Hundreds Attend TiECON East 2025 To Focus On The “Heart Of Entrepreneurship” F rom billion-dollar founders to first- time entrepreneurs, more than 450 attendees gathered at the Sheraton Boston Hotel for TiECON East 2025, a much-anticipated conference, organized by TiE Boston and co-hosted by TiE NewYork. TiECON East is the flagship confer- ence of TiE Boston, part of the global TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) network. TiE Boston is one of the oldest and largest TiE chapters. With this year’s theme, “The Heart of Entrepreneurship,” the day-long event explored the deeply human aspects of building ventures—courage, creativity, clarity, and resilience, organizers said in a press release October 16, 2025. “This was a very unique conference in the sense that it was very different from a typical entrepreneurial conference,” said President of TiE Boston Purnanand Sarma. “It went straight into the heart of entrepreneurship—what drives people to build, take risks, and overcome adversity. The attendance was fantastic, and the energy was undeniable. We want to keep up this momentum and continue offering something truly unique every year.” The event kicked off with a keynote conversation between Nitin Nohria, former Dean of Harvard Business School and now Partner and Chairman at Thrive Capital, and Steve Papa, founder of Paral- lel Wireless and Endeca. “Steve Papa has scaled multiple com- panies, built category-defining technolo- gies, and shaped global industries,” said Dr. Atul Dhir, TiECON East 2025 Co-Chair. “The opportunity to hear him in conversa- tion with Nitin Nohria—a thought leader on leadership and performance—was a rare gift for entrepreneurs at any stage.” Added Dhir: “In addition to exploring the inner mindset and the creative side of entrepreneurship, we had a powerful session on the breakthrough technologies in mRNA and the evolving AI technology ecosystem.” Another major highlight was the after- noon keynote by Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley, who brought a storied public and private sector experience to the discussion. As the newly appointed Secretary of the Execu- tive Office of Economic Development and former Managing Partner at Founder Collective, Paley shared insights on grow- ing the state’s innovation economy and how entrepreneurs can help drive impact at scale. “From navigating uncertainty to build- ing with resilience, our speakers exempli- fied the emotional and intellectual depth that entrepreneurship demands,” said Co- Chair of TiECON East 2025 Satish Bhat. “Beyond the talks, the environment—the Innovation Showcase, networking loung- es, breakout sessions—was charged with creative energy and collaboration.” The Innovation Spotlight featured over 20 early-stage startups innovating in AI, digital health, robotics, and cross-border ventures to highlight what TiE considers the next wave of bold ideas and ambitious founders. Attendees traveled from across the U.S. and India to attend. “Boston and NewYork chapters have developed a unique synergy,” said Jignesh Patel, President of TiE NewYork. “This partnership has brought new energy and reach to TiECON East, and we’re excited to keep building together. Other chapters should absolutely look to this as a model.” Panel topics ranged from creative leadership and emotional resilience to technology’s role in social transformation. “This year’s theme really resonated,” said Dr. Dhir. “We didn’t just talk about product-market fit or capital strategy. We focused on the mindset, the heart, and the personal grit it takes to truly innovate.” By a StaffWriter PHOTO:TiE Boston An estimated 450 entrepreneurs gathered for the TiECON East 2025 event. NATIONAL AFFAIRS