(A report by Smita Sharma)

“Yes we can, and Yes, we will”. The theme of the evening echoed in the ambience on Oct 18,2008 at Malavalli Auditorium, Milpitas, CA. It was the night that we would be working together, to move one step closer towards ending illiteracy in India.

Volunteers had set the stage, and assembled the hall. Guests arrived at the venue, happy to join each other for an evening dedicated to a noble cause. 

Padmini Ranganathan, our Emcee, introduced the audience to the two groups of artists who would be performing that evening. ‘Yuva Raaga’, a very talented group of young students enthralled the audience, with a flawless rendition of classical and film songs and instrumental compositions. ‘Dil Se’, from Berkeley, captivated the audience with improvisations of old and new Hindi film songs in an Acapella performance with foot-tapping beats.

Dinner commenced, and soon, Venki Venkatesh, our co-founder and an 18-year volunteer, took the stage to earnestly talk about why India Literacy Project had to do what it does, and why he believes that together – donors, volunteers, facilitators and teachers – we can make it happen. 

Subhash Pochareddy “The General”, the California Chapter coordinator, with his eloquent speech, walked the audience through the projects and efforts of ILP over the last year, the successes and challenges we faced. He described ILP’s focus and plans for the years ahead.

The keynote speakers were Pankaj Manglik and Keerti Melkote, the founders of Aruba Networks. They spoke in tandem, of anecdotes, of responsibilities and of sacrifices on the way to starting a successful company in the Bay Area. In encouraging ILP in its efforts to bring opportunity to the underprivileged in India, they were emphatic about the necessity of literacy and education to one and all.

As the evening continued, the crowd mingled, sharing the camaraderie and warmth that can only come from a feeling of having helped to make a difference. Everyone, in their own way, with their time, money or encouragement, had helped take another step towards making the dream come true, the dream of ‘Literacy as a Movement of People’.

Despite the fact that the donors and volunteers immerse themselves in this cause without expectation, a sincere “Thank you” goes out to every one of them…so that the thousands of children can look forward to a new life, and say with a smile “Yes, we can, and yes, we will.”