Diaspora Connect
The Akshaya Patra USA Michigan Chapter successfully hosted Music for Meals on May 9, 2026, in Novi, Michigan — a beautiful evening dedicated to supporting the cause of providing hot, nutritious meals to children in need.
The event brought together community members, donors, supporters, and talented performers for an inspiring evening filled with music, compassion, and collective impact. Through the generosity and support of everyone who attended, the event helped further Akshaya Patra’s mission of ensuring that no child is deprived of education because of hunger.
Here are some highlights from this memorable evening celebrating music, community, and service.
Had a lovely and heartfelt conversation with Pratibha Singh Baghel for Diaspora Connect. She warmly invited all music lovers to join her for a soulful evening filled with melody, emotions, and unforgettable musical moments.
Presented by Aahan Foundation , join us on May 9 at 6 PM at Yellow Box for an enchanting evening of music while supporting a cause that is changing so many lives.
Check out this beautiful message from Pratibha!
Cook County has officially proclaimed April 2026 as Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month — a proud and historic moment for the community.
Led by Kevin B. Morrison and Toni Preckwinkle, this recognition honors over 120 years of Sikh contributions in the United States and celebrates the values of seva, equality, and unity.
Grateful to see the efforts of the Midwest Punjabi Association and its leadership, including Gurmeet Singh Dhalwan, recognized on this important platform.
A meaningful step toward greater awareness, inclusion, and cultural appreciation.
The Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation Chicago Chapter’s 2026 sold-out fundraiser brought together 700+ supporters for an inspiring evening of culture and impact. From the soulful performance by Milind Oak and his group to the powerful stories of change from rural India, the night was a true celebration of community and commitment.
In a remarkable show of generosity, attendees came together to sponsor 100+ Ekal schools—expanding access to education, healthcare awareness, and skill development in underserved regions.
A special highlight was the incredible energy and leadership of Ekal’s youth volunteers, reflecting a strong and promising future for the mission.
An evening that went beyond celebration—this was impact in action.
04/28/2026
Boost+ Robotics Team from Naperville Wins Illinois State Excellence Award, Advances to World Championship
Naperville, Illinois — April 2026
BoostPlus Academy’s Boost+ Robotics Team 32356B has achieved a major milestone by winning the prestigious Excellence Award at the Illinois State VEX IQ Championship in March 2026, earning the honor of representing the State of Illinois at the global stage of the VEX IQ World Championship, taking place in St. Louis, Missouri from April 28–29, 2026.
The Excellence Award is the highest honor in VEX IQ Robotics, recognizing overall excellence in robot design, programming, teamwork, engineering documentation, and competition performance.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that all five team members are first-time competitors, having started their robotics journey only a few months ago in October 2025. Through dedication, teamwork, and consistent practice, Team 32356B quickly rose to become one of the top elementary robotics teams in Illinois.
The team has been guided and mentored by Coach Ms. Mongelli, along with Ms. Mili Srivastava and Ms. Kanika Talwar, whose collective leadership, mentorship, and commitment have been instrumental in developing the students’ technical skills, confidence, teamwork, and passion for STEM.
“This achievement reflects the power of structured learning, mentorship, and the incredible potential of young minds,” said the Boost+ Robotics leadership team. “To see first-time competitors reach the world stage and represent Illinois is truly inspiring.”
The VEX IQ World Championship will bring together top robotics teams from around the world, celebrating innovation, collaboration, and engineering excellence. Team 32356B will compete alongside the best young innovators globally.
About BoostPlus Academy / Boost+ Robotics
BoostPlus Academy, founded by Ms. Mili Srivastava and based in Naperville, Illinois, is dedicated to empowering students through hands-on programs in robotics, STEM education, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
The Boost+ Robotics program offers:
• Structured year-round programs and summer camps
• Competitive pathway (local → state → world championships)
• Hands-on experience in engineering, coding, and problem-solving
• Focus on Grades 3–8 through VEX IQ robotics
BoostPlus is committed to developing future innovators by combining technical learning with teamwork, creativity, and real-world problem-solving.
Media Contact
BoostPlus Academy / Boost+ Robotics
Naperville, Illinois
📞 +1-425-505-7880
🌐 www.boostplusacademy.com
📧 [email protected]
04/25/2026
Bihar and Jharkhand Association of Midwest BJUS brought colors, culture, and community together at a vibrant Holi Milan in Hinsdale, with 200+ attendees enjoying performances, heartfelt tributes, delicious Bihari delicacies, and festive celebrations. A memorable day honoring traditions, unity, and the spirit of togetherness.
Coverage in Indo-US Tribune.
04/24/2026
A proud moment as Chef Vikas Khanna makes it to the TIME100 list.
“Living the dream my ancestors once whispered…”
“I carry generations of unseen hands…”
More than an achievement — a tribute to countless untold stories and dreams. Congratulations, Chef.
PC: Chef Vikas Khanna
04/22/2026
Akshaya Patra Expands Midwest Footprint with Launch of Indianapolis Chapter
Carmel, Indiana: The Akshaya Patra Foundation USA (APUSA) has taken a significant step in expanding its Midwest presence with the launch of its Indianapolis chapter, following a successful inaugural gathering in Carmel.
The event brought together compassionate, like-minded individuals committed to advancing the organization’s mission of eliminating classroom hunger and supporting education for underserved children. The strong community response marked the beginning of a growing local movement to support the cause.
Recognized as one of the world’s largest nonprofit organizations addressing child nutrition, Akshaya Patra serves over 2.35 million children daily across more than 23,000 schools in India through 78 kitchens. Its efforts continue to enable children to pursue education without the burden of hunger.
With the Indianapolis chapter now taking shape, APUSA aims to build a dedicated network of volunteers, Youth Ambassadors, and community leaders to drive awareness and support. The organization invites individuals across the region to join this impactful mission and be part of a movement committed to transforming lives through nutrition and education.
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