Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 6 CITY VIEWS April 3, 2026 T he India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA), a U.S.-based coalition of nonprofit organizations focused on India, recently announced its 7th Annual Youth Essay Competition. This year’s theme, #YouthWith- Purpose, highlights the role young people can play in creating a better future for India and the world, with critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing, a press release from IPA said. Held since 2020, the Youth Essay Competition’s goal is to encourage students to research what they consider one of the most pressing issues facing India today and write an essay that examines the challenges and offers poten- tial solutions. “We believe that young people bring fresh perspectives to complex social challenges and can inspire innovative solutions,” said Alex Counts, Executive Director of the India Philanthropy Alliance. “This competition reinforces that students have the power to shape India’s future through creative ideas and a commitment to making a difference.” Essays will be evaluated separately in Middle School and High School categories by a panel of nonprofit pro- fessionals. Each year, approximately ten standout essays are selected for publication on the India Philanthropy Alliance website. Winners in each category will have the opportunity to present their ideas at a national gathering of philanthro- pists, business leaders, and nonprofit executives in the fall. In addition, winners will be able to direct a $1,000 grant to the charitable organization of their choice. Run- ners-up will be able to direct a $500 grant to a nonprofit they select, and their essays will be promoted through IPA’s website and social media channels. The deadline for essay submissions is July 1, 2026. Winners will be notified in early September and invited to attend and speak at a major philanthropy conference in Dallas, Texas, on September 29. Airfare and accommoda- tions for the two winners will be provided by IPA. The Youth Essay Competition is sponsored by Sehgal Foundation, Ujala Foundation, Mamta Bhandari, and the Gupta Giving Fund. About the India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA) The India Philanthropy Alliance (http://www.indi- aphilanthropyalliance.org) is a coalition of nonprofit, philanthropic, and charitable organizations that mobilize people and funding in the United States (and elsewhere) for development and poverty-reduction programs in In- dia. The twenty-two core network organizations include Aarti for Girls, Agastya USA, Akanksha Education Fund, Akshaya Patra, American India Foundation, etc. India Philanthropy Alliance Announces 7th Annual Youth Essay Competition By a StaffWriter IPA poster for Youth Essay Competition 2026, posted on March 13, 2026. PHOTO:FACEBOOK.COM @INDIA PHILANTHROPY ALLIANCE Jersey Women Physician Alliance Holds Inspiration Tour For High School Students “T eens with Stetho- scopes” program, a first of its kind inspiration tour of a medical facility for students considering medical careers, was organized March 21, 2026 by the JerseyWomen Physician Alliance (JWPA). Supported by Allied Diges- tive Health and RWJ Barnabas Health, the program is com- pletely free for students, ac- cording to a press release from JWPA. The program aims to inspire high school students consider- ing medical careers through hands-on clinical experience. One hundred students were se- lected out of three hundred applications, to participate in this inaugural event. The day-long program included rotations through 10 interactive stations covering various specialties such as Gas- troenterology, OB-GYN, and Cardiology. Students engaged in practical activities, learning basic clinical skills like listen- ing to heart sounds and performing CPR, while gaining insights into the diagnostic processes of healthcare professionals. Complementary meals, lab coats, and stethoscopes were provided to the partici- pants, the press release said. A highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring diverse medical professionals who addressed students’ questions about medical school experi- ences and the realities of working in the healthcare sector. The event concluded with remarks from New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill, who encouraged the students. Cahill also performed an inaugural ribbon-cutting ceremony and recognized supporters of the initiative. Dr. Sudha Nahar, founder of JWPA and gastroenterologist at Allied Digestive Health, highlighted the significance of the “Teens with Stethoscopes” initiative, say- ing the program aims at fostering young leaders in medicine through mentorship and service. Nahar shared her own jour- ney as a foreign medical graduate receiv- ing mentorship from seniors at her job and how it shaped her career. “Shaping young leaders in medicine requires more than technical training; it demands mentorship, character develop- ment, and a culture of service,” she said. Nahar said the “Teens with Stetho- scopes” initiative is provided at no cost to the participants. It aims at eliminat- ing financial barriers, working to inspire future healthcare professionals. She said the program ensures equal access for motivated students, particularly those from underrepresented and underserved communities in New Jersey, according to a press release. “This newest initiative— Teens with Stethoscopes—is especially meaningful to me,” Nahar said, “I deeply believe in the principle Learn, Earn, and Return.” The “Teens with Stetho- scopes” program is guided by an advisory board of dedicat- ed physicians and healthcare leaders, including Dr. Sudha Nahar, Dr. Sameera Maganti, Dr. Christopher Gilligan, Dr. Gloria Bachmann, Dr. Rachna Kulkarni, Dr. Rashmi Acharya, Dr. Nidhi Goel and Dr. Ritu Nahar. These advisors bring a wealth of ex- pertise from various medical specialties to collaborate with JWPA, matching educational materials with the needs of the participating students. Functioning for over 15 years, JWPA has grown into a network of over 600 women physicians who gather annually to con- nect and support each other, thereby fos- tering a spirit of mentorship which they now extend to young aspiring healthcare professionals through the “Teens with Stethoscopes” initiative. Allied Digestive Health is a leading practice in gastroenterology and hepa- tology with more than 60 locations. RWJ Barnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest integrated health care delivery system, sponsors this initiative. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM @TEENSWITHSTETHOSCOPES PHOTO:COURTESY KETAVFLICKSVIA ORGANIZERS Students, leaders, and healthcare professionals came together to learn, connect, and take meaningful steps toward the future of medicine at the Teens With Stethoscopes event March 21, 2026, in New Jersey. Aspiring students being put through the experience of medical practices. By a StaffWriter