IDFUSA’ORG Hosted Annual Event to Champion the cause of Education, Health and Women Empowerment in Chicago, USA.

Chicago, IL: 
On the evening of March 22, 2025, IDFUSA.ORG welcomed guests to its annual Gala at the Fairfield by Marriott in Schaumburg, Illinois. As a nonprofit dedicated to Education, Health, and Women Empowerment since 2012, the organization brought together supporters, advocates, and community leaders for an unforgettable night. The event buzzed with energy as attendees celebrated achievements, raised awareness, and rallied resources to drive meaningful change.

(IDFUSA.ORG team with Honorable Consul General India - Chicago Mr. Somnath Ghosh)

The event commenced at 5:30 PM with an engaging Meet & Greet, where attendees, donors, and supporters connected over shared goals and commitments. Hosted by the eloquent Anjali Mohanty, the evening was structured to inspire, inform, and invigorate the spirit of giving.

Eminent Personalities such as the Consul General India - Chicago Mr. Somnath Ghosh graced the annual event and showered his blessings with a message of service above self.

This year’s event featured a keynote address and presentation from Founder & CEO Mr. Cecil Joseph, Mr. Aunali Rupani Hon. Trustee IDF India, Ms. Sana Rupani Global Head PR &. Dr. Shailaja Donempudi, Chief Scientist and Advisor Ignite Stem Passion project. 

“We were thrilled to host the event in Chicago, bringing together change-makers who are committed to making a difference,” said Mr. Cecil Joseph, Founder & CEO of IDFUSA’ORG. “This event was not just a celebration of our achievements, but a call to action for everyone to join us in creating a lasting impact.” The evening also honored individuals and organizations that have been instrumental in the IDF's journey. Donors were recognized with Certificates of Appreciation, acknowledging their invaluable contributions. Additionally, young philanthropist Advik Mohanty was celebrated with the Kiddo Award, reinforcing IDF’s mission of nurturing future leaders.

Dr. A.P. Jayaraman, the eminent nuclear scientist from India and Hon. Trustee President of IDF India, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the IDF USA team led by Mr. Cecil Joseph for their outstanding work in supporting IDF India projects through a video message.

Dr. Jayaraman is the visionary behind Ignite STEM Passion, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among teachers & young minds. Dr. Shailaja, through her key role at CSIR, works closely with Dr. Jayaraman to drive STEM workshops and promotion efforts across India, ensuring the initiative’s reach and impact continue to grow globally.
Felicitation for 50 Years of dedicated service by CEO Mr. Cecil Joseph through IDF India & IDF USA inspired the youth present. IDF USA’s success is driven by a team of visionary leaders who work tirelessly to mobilize resources and implement life-changing projects. The event honored these individuals for their dedication: Cecil Joseph (Founder & CEO), John Trivedi (President), Thomas Abraham (Vice President), Mukesh Shah (Treasurer), Ivy Joseph (Office Coordinator), Anjali Mohanty (Director of Special Initiatives) and Queenie Mendonca (Communications Director). Their unwavering commitment has been instrumental in expanding IDF’s reach and impact across borders.

Hon. Trustee Mr. Aunali Rupani of Indian Development Foundation threw light on mission of the foundation and singular focus on improving the quality of education by providing access to education through its flagship PROJECT AASHAYEIN which has touched over 102,000 school children from remote villages in India over last 11 years. Mr. Rupani applauded the efforts of Project Leaders, Mr. Shashank & Mr. Anish. 

Global Head PR, Ms. Sana Rupani emphasized on PROJECT DIGNITY catering to menstrual hygiene among young school girls , who inadvertently missed the school during the cycle. Ms. Sana applauded the dedication of project leader Ms. Aruna Naik who also happens to be the CEO of IDF India, under her leadership over 1,00,000 Kits that includes 96 pads, undergarments, towels, soaps along with printed logo of donor is distributed at abysmally low cost of Rs.555/- i.e $.6.45 per kit. 

The real catalyst for improving the quality of education would be STEM Training for teachers, Dr. Shailaja emphasized the 5 important focus areas of Ignite Stem Passion training programs namely, Science teacher to now step in role of technology teacher, enhance her skills by participating in govt research projects, improve scientific temperament by storytelling and hands on demonstration of experiments along with higher focus on climate change and ethical use of science & technology for betterment of mankind. 

Dr. Shailaja also revealed the importance of CSIR Institute and contribution of Indian Generic Pharma to USA alone saving them over $13 trillion. 

PROJECT ANNADANAM the morning breakfast offered to school going children has crossed the 865,000 meals over last 3 years, IDF India is launching its first ever Container Kitchen shortly, each container kitchen can support 5000 meals per day and 1.55 million meals per year. Cost of the container kitchen was pegged at meagre $24,500/- only.

Esteemed business leaders and Good Samaritans gathered and discussed the pressing issues in society and shared inspiring stories and testimonials of the impact made by the foundation in India, Uganda & USA. The evening took an inspirational turn as Anjali Mohanty and Queenie Mendonca shared their powerful experiences from CSW69 at the UNITED NATIONS HQ’S in NEWYORK. Their stories emphasized the significance of global advocacy, the resilience of women leaders worldwide, and the urgent need for education and policy changes in marginalized communities. They also highlighted IDF’s honor of being invited to the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, a testament to the organization’s growing influence in international development.

IDFUSA’ORG Team, welcomed the public, media, and corporate partners to participate and support this transformative event. Part of the proceeds from the event would directly support the flagship projects and more so $2000 collected would be allocated to save the life of a young girl from Uganda undergoing pediatric heart surgery in Bangalore, India. 

For more information about IDFUSA’ORG and future events, including ways to get involved, please visit www.IDF.org.IN or contact Mr. Cecil Joseph.

About IDF USA
Founded in 2012, IDFUSA’ORG is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization dedicatedly working to Improving the Quality of Education, Health & Women Empowerment.

Note: (IDFUSA’ORG is a tax-exempt organization, all donation qualifies as a tax deduction), Learn more at www.IDF.org.IN