Minnesota Community Continues to Transform Lives in Rural India

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On June 19, Sehgal Foundation had the privilege of hosting an intimate gathering of

approximately 25 dedicated Minnesota supporters and friends at India Spice Restaurant. The evening was a celebration of shared purpose, longstanding friendships, and the remarkable impact that committed individuals have on the lives of schoolchildren thousands of miles away.

For many years, the Minnesota community has been one of the foundation's strongest champions of the Transform Lives one school at a time initiative. Through generosity and unwavering commitment, these supporters have already helped transform thirteen government schools in rural India, creating safe, engaging, and technology-enabled learning environments for thousands of students.

The Minnesota gathering recognized the extraordinary leadership of Mr. Ram Gada, whose passion and dedication have inspired the Minnesota community to support the foundation's mission: Together we empower rural India! He has been instrumental in bringing together friends and families who believe that every child deserves access to quality education.

"When people come together with a common purpose, even a small community can make a lasting difference. Supporting children's education is one of the greatest investments we can make, and I am proud that our Minnesota community has been able to contribute to transforming schools and creating brighter futures for rural children in India."—Ram Gada

Jay expressed heartfelt appreciation to all who came together to help expand awareness and strengthen support for the successful initiative.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Godan Nambudiripad highlighted one of the defining principles of Sehgal Foundation’s development approach—sustainability

“What inspires me most about Sehgal Foundation is that its work is not about providing temporary solutions. The foundation empowers communities to take ownership, build local capacities, and sustain improvements long after a project is completed. That commitment to sustainability is what creates lasting impact.” —Godan Nambudiripad

One of the evening’s most inspiring moments came when Preeti and Anoop Mathur shared their reflections on their recent return visit to India, where they participated in the inauguration of a transformed government school in Telangana. Seeing firsthand the joy of students, the dedication of teachers, and the appreciation of the local community reinforced the profound impact of donor support. 

“Visiting the school and witnessing the transformation firsthand was an incredibly moving experience. Seeing the excitement on the faces of the children and the pride of the teachers reminded us that every contribution truly changes lives. We came away deeply inspired by the work being done by S M Sehgal Foundation and the communities themselves.” —Preeti and Anoop Mathur

Addressing the gathering, Sehgal Foundation Executive Director Jay Sehgal expressed his gratitude to the Minnesota supporters for their enduring partnership.

“The transformation of thirteen schools is not simply about improving buildings or providing digital learning resources—this is about giving children hope, confidence, and opportunities for a better future. This would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of our Minnesota supporters. Your partnership has changed the lives of thousands of students! On behalf of the children, teachers, parents, and communities we serve, we extend our deepest gratitude.” —Jay Sehgal

We also welcomed new friends, including Dr. Rahul Mehra and Dr. Kirit Kothari, who learned about the foundation's work through Ram Gada. Deeply inspired by the foundation's mission and the tangible impact of its education initiatives, Dr. Kirit Kothari shared, “I have known Ram Gada for many years and have always admired his commitment to serving others. Through him, I learned about the remarkable work of S M Sehgal Foundation and its lasting impact on rural communities. After hearing how lives are being transformed through education, I felt compelled to become part of this mission. I hope many others will join us in supporting these deserving children and communities.”

The evening served as a reminder that meaningful change is built through partnerships rooted in trust, compassion, and a shared vision. Every transformed classroom, every child empowered to learn, and every community strengthened stands as a testament to what can be achieved when people unite around a common purpose.

The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated during the June gathering culminated in an exciting vision for the future. Inspired by the success of the evening and the tremendous impact their collective support has already achieved, the Minnesota supporters unanimously agreed to organize a larger event in October 2026 to raise funds for more school transformations.

The entire Sehgal Foundation team extends its sincere appreciation to the Minnesota community for their continued friendship, generosity, and belief in the power of education. Together, they are helping create brighter futures—one school, one child, and one community at a time.