The annual event of Indians for Collective Action (ICA) took place in Palo Alto, California, under the theme "Transforming to a Healthier World." Over 200 distinguished members of the Indian diaspora, including Prakash Agarwal, President of ICA, gathered for an evening dedicated to the mission of improving healthcare and fostering sustainable development in India.
Consul General of India in San Francisco, Dr. K. Srikar Reddy was a key speaker at the event, where he emphasized the Indian government's commitment to providing universal healthcare to its citizens. He highlighted major initiatives, including the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which is recognized as the world's largest government-sponsored health insurance program. Ayushman Bharat has transformed access to healthcare for millions of Indians, particularly in rural areas, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive the medical care they deserve,” Dr. Reddy said.
He also acknowledged the crucial role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in complementing government efforts to achieve inclusive socio-economic development. “NGOs play an indispensable role in addressing grassroots challenges and ensuring that healthcare and other social services reach every corner of the country,” Dr. Reddy added.
The event underscored ICA's significant contributions since its founding in 1968. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, ICA has collaborated with approximately 75 NGOs across India, supporting projects in healthcare, education, sustainable development, and women’s empowerment. Over the years, ICA has disbursed over $5 million to drive transformative, community-led development projects in more than 20 states in India.
ICA's mission is to support sustainable development by partnering with dedicated social workers and activists both in India and the U.S. Their key areas of focus include poverty alleviation, community health, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability. By involving local U.S. communities and facilitating inter-NGO collaboration, ICA aims to create lasting impact and drive systemic change.
One of ICA’s strategic goals is to inspire professionals from the U.S., particularly those with experience in social entrepreneurship and sustainable development, to engage with NGOs in India. The organization is working towards building a collaborative, open-source platform to empower social enterprises and bring human-centric design solutions to the forefront of development projects.
Prakash Agarwal, president of ICA, expressed his gratitude to the attendees and emphasized the need for continued collaboration. “Our goal is to foster a just and sustainable society for every Indian by providing NGOs with the resources, skills, and strategic support they need to succeed,” he said.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from the Indian diaspora to work towards a healthier, more equitable world for future generations, guided by the vision of organizations like ICA.
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