The Power of Youth: Centering Young Voices at the 2025 AIF New England Gala
We don’t want to just hold the mic; we want to take the Stage
By Nirmala Garimella, India Philanthropy Alliance
Amid glittering chandeliers, inspiring program videos, and a room filled with supporters, at this year's American India Foundation (AIF) New England Gala, something remarkable happened: the spotlight shifted from traditional speechmakers to entirely fresh faces. Standing proudly in the spotlight were young leaders and changemakers, who brought a fresh perspective to what inspires them and how Youth voices matter.
As someone integral to the growth of this chapter over many years, I have seen the potential in youth to think deeply and thoughtfully about a world that is so different from their own. Our local board and volunteers recognized it early. The chapter was the first to introduce the ‘Light a Lamp’ campaign, a crowdfunding effort led by young middle and high school students who actively fundraise for migrant children who benefit from AIF's LAMP program. Very often, I found them to be curious about child rights, the digital divide, and the education of girls. There was a thirst for learning that went beyond simply handing out table cards to attendees; they wanted to not only hold the microphone but also to take the stage.
At this year’s Gala, we saw the full potential of these young voices. The Youth fireside chat, led by the Gala Co-chair Ramani Varanasi, featured three young women: Mehar Jauhar, an AIF Banyan Fellowship alumna; Karishma Navani, a Global Health and Public Policy graduate; and Arshia Sharma, who is studying business and Entrepreneurship at Northeastern University. Each of them shared their stories on why they are passionate about development and how they have contributed to bringing about change.
One of the evening’s highlights also came from Victory Yinka-Banjo, an MIT Graduate from Nigeria who electrified the attendees with her powerful Spoken Word performance, taking the program on maternal health (MANSI) of AIF and weaving it in verse to engage the audience. By the end of her performance, guests were so moved that they gave her a rousing standing ovation. These young people who took the stage spoke their truth and reminded us why we do what we do. Their presence was not symbolic; it was transformational.
At the India Philanthropy Alliance, where I am now, we believe that youth participation is not just a box to check — it is essential to building sustainable change. In fact, three of our leaders wrote about this in the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Young people bring creativity, passion, and bold vision to the work we do. When we create spaces for them to lead, we do not just uplift a generation — we future-proof their impact. One of our signature programs is the Youth Essay Competition, which offers a platform for young students to author an award-winning essay on India’s development, empowering them to take control of their future.
At the India Philanthropy Alliance, we recognize that youth need platforms, mentors, and above all, trust. The nonprofits we serve are striving to establish a youth leadership board, offer more internships, and incorporate youth input into their programs. All of this reminds us that our investment in youth pays dividends far beyond a single event, because youth do not just belong in the room. They can own it. If we do not harness their power and potential, we lose a future that we all hope to see.
Nirmala Garimella is a Senior Advisor at India Philanthropy Alliance and is on the Advisory Board of the New England Chapter of the American India Foundation