Bighelp for Education held its 12th annual “Pongal-Republic Day Celebrations 2015” on Jan. 10 at Holliston High School in Holliston, Massachusetts.  This fund-raising event held from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. was attended by about 1,600 people and helped raise nearly $20K for children in the most backward areas of India who aspire for a better life through education.  Spelling Bee, Math Bee and coloring competitions were held for kids and a Rangoli contest was held for adults during the day.  All bees were expertly lead by Boston Chapter Secretary, Mr. Jagadeeswara Nagalamadaka. Art contest was held a few weeks prior to the event on Dec 6, 7 and 13 at Mansfield Public Library, Burlington Public Library and BNY Mellon Westboro Beantown Hall by Mr. Raja Chilakamarri. Nearly 425 children took part in the closely competed contests.

Bighelp for Education, a Mass based non-profit organization founded in 2002, is focused on helping underprivileged children in India through three programs: Sponsor-A-Child, Adopt-A-School and Merit Awards. 

Conclusion of contests heralded the initiation of colorful cultural performances.  These began in earnest with a welcome address by Executive Vice President, Mr. Amar Jayam, and a presentation on Reduce, Reuse, and Recyle by Greenhelp team.  Renditions of ‘Vande Mataram’ and the US National Anthem by adult and youthhelp volunteers were quickly followed by a fantastic array of cultural items from all genres. About 280 enthusiastic adults and kids alike displayed their singing, dancing, and acting talents through classical, semi-classical, film, and folk dances, songs, and skits.  Sporting eye-catching costumes tiny tots of pre-school age to svelte tweens and teens had the audience clapping hands and tapping feet thoroughly enjoying all the performances.

During the celebrations, Bighelp Founder & President, Mr. Chand Pasha Shaik, detailed the organization's efforts and achievements over the last year.  He and Boston Chapter President, Mrs. Sandhya Bommaraju, thanked the sponsors, donors, and volunteers for their continued support and encouragement.   Volunteer of the Year - 2014 award in appreciation of outstanding service to Bighelp and thereby helping the organization bring a positive impact in the lives of many children was given to Mrs. Lakshmi Jayaraman, Mrs. Vasanthi Vemparala, Mrs. Madhavi Poreddy, Mrs. Geeta Jakkaraju, and Mr. Yerriswami Chilumuthuru. The Rising Star award was given to Susritha Kopparapu, Sana Pasha Shaik, Srihitha Yalavarthi, and Suruth Vuppala in recognition of their exceptional initiatives for raising funds for Bighelp during the year 2014.

Trophies and certificates were presented by the contest coordinators to all the winners at the conclusion of the stage performances by our Honorary Guests - Smt. Ranjani Saigal, Smt.Kausalaya Srinivasan, Sri. Kapoor Singh, Sri. Deepak Sanan, Sri Sasidhar Nayudu, Smt. Kamala and Sri. Ravi Uppalapati and Smt. Madhavi Donepudi. Boston Chapter Vice President, Mrs. Deepthi Gora, delivered the vote of thanks.

Emcees for the event were YouthHelp members: Veda Chandwani, Deepika Pokala, Divya Polu, Saicharan Dadireddy, Sreya Bommaraju, and Armaan Dhillon.  

A complimentary dinner prepared by the volunteers was served after the stage performances.

More details about Bighelp organization can be found at www.bighelp.org.