Indians For Collective Action

04/01/2026

ICA Quarterly Newsletter is Here!
https://www.icaonline.org/resources/newsletter/2026-newsletter-apr/

As we navigate a rapidly changing world, ICA Board Member Medha Jaishankar shares a powerful perspective on the role of music, storytelling, and shared experiences in driving social impact. Her message reminds us that while data informs, it is stories that create connection, empathy, and inspire collective action.

✨ NGO Spotlight: Shelter Associates (Pune)
We’re proud to feature Shelter Associates, an ICA-supported organization transforming urban communities through innovative housing, sanitation, and data-driven planning. From GIS-based mapping of informal settlements to building sustainable homes and promoting hygiene solutions, their work is creating lasting, scalable impact across India.

🚀 Youth Leadership Program Updates
A life-changing opportunity awaits!
• 2026 International Immersion Trip to Hemalkasa (June 28 – July 12, 2026)
• Limited spots remaining for high school & early college students
• Focus on leadership, cultural immersion, and community service

👥 Welcome Our New Board Member
We’re excited to welcome Sangari Bimal, a seasoned technology leader with a passion for digital literacy and rural empowerment. His work aims to uplift communities by enabling women to achieve financial independence through education and technology.

🎤 Community Highlight: Meet & Greet with Dr. Dhir Jhingran
ICA members gathered for an inspiring session with Dr. Jhingran, a leading voice in education reform. The discussion emphasized the importance of foundational literacy and equitable learning opportunities for children across India.

This newsletter reflects the heart of ICA—storytelling, youth empowerment, and sustainable impact.

📖 Read the full newsletter, learn more about our work, and explore ways to get involved.

💙 Together, we continue to turn empathy into action.

👉 Read the Newsletter: https://www.icaonline.org/resources/newsletter/2026-newsletter-apr/

03/01/2026

ICA is Inviting you to “Meet & Greet” Session with Dr. Dhir Jhingran of Language and Learning Foundation (LLF).

March 28, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

📅 March 28, 2026
⏰ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 India Community Center
525 Los Coches St., Milpitas, CA 95035

Language and Learning Foundation is an ICA Supported NGO dedicated to bring changes in Literacy and Education in India.

About Dr. Dhir Jhingran:
- Founder & Executive Director of LLF
- Former IAS Officer & Senior Advisor to UNICEF India
- Expert in education reform across Asia & Africa

📲 Register today! (Registration by March 25 via QR code and link below)
https://forms.gle/9vSiW8tS41F2bxzT6

01/29/2026

ICA Quarterly Newsletter is Here!
https://www.icaonline.org/resources/newsletter/2026-newsletter-jan/

As we step into a hopeful new year, ICA President Prakash Agarwal shares powerful reflections from his recent travels across India—highlighting the critical need for stronger collaboration between rural and urban NGOs to create lasting, inclusive change. From navigating deep-rooted social barriers to scaling grassroots impact, this message reminds us that real progress happens when compassion meets capacity.

✨ NGO Spotlight: Ek Tara (Kolkata)
We’re proud to feature Ek Tara, an ICA-supported organization transforming the lives of marginalized girls through high-quality education, healthcare, and community empowerment. From digital classrooms to livelihood programs for women, Ek Tara is breaking cycles of poverty and building brighter futures.

🚀 Youth Leadership Program Updates
Exciting milestones ahead!
• A new partnership with India Community Center (ICC)
• Strong interest in the 2026 International Student Trip to Hemalkasa (June 28–July 12, 2026)
• A newly established smart classroom in Hemalkasa, enabling year-round virtual mentorship by ICA student leaders

This newsletter reflects the heart of ICA—partnership, learning, and collective action.
📖 Read the full newsletter, learn more about our work, and find ways to support or get involved.

💙 Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive nonprofit ecosystem in India.

👉 Read the Newsletter: https://www.icaonline.org/resources/newsletter/2026-newsletter-jan/

12/11/2025

ICA Quarterly Newsletter is Here!
https://www.icaonline.org/resources/newsletter/2025-newsletter-dec/

As we step into a new year, ICA continues its mission of strengthening India’s most impactful grassroots leaders.

This edition features:

✨ Leadership Message from Reshma Nigam – A powerful reminder of ICA’s commitment to social change, compassion, and action.

🌱 NGO Spotlight: YOKE Society – From restoring the Tamirabarani river to empowering over 1200 youth annually, YOKE is creating lasting change in Tamil Nadu.

🎒 Youth LEAD Update – After a transformative 2025 trip to Hemalkasa, ICA announces the 2026 International Student Immersion Program, with special opportunities for aspiring pre-med students.

🎬 New Board Member – Welcoming Medha Jaishankar, an award-winning filmmaker and tech innovator, to ICA’s Board.

🤝 Forum Highlights – A powerful gathering featuring Yasmeen Fatimah of the Foundation for Equal Citizenship, reinforcing ICA’s commitment to equity and inclusion.

Dive into the full newsletter and join us in uplifting grassroots changemakers.

Support ICA’s mission: Together, we build a better future.

11/04/2025

Join Indians for Collective Action for an inspiring Meet & Greet with Yasmeen Fatimah, the visionary Founder of the Foundation for Equal Citizenship.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: India Community Center (ICC), 525 Los Coches St, Milpitas, CA 95035

🎟️ Register here: https://forms.gle/uqVwRmANGrKhBsis8

10/16/2025

ICA Gala Highlights India’s Water Crisis And Grassroots Solutions
https://indicanews.com/ica-gala-highlights-indias-water-crisis-and-grassroots-solutions/

By Ritu Jha- Indians for Collective Action (ICA) highlighted one of India’s most pressing chall - ICA Gala Highlights India’s Water Crisis And Grassroots Solutions

10/13/2025

Indians for Collective Action's annual fundraiser in Palo Alto this year shared its mission’s alignment with water conservation through its Ponds for Farming project.

https://www.newindiaabroad.com/english/indian-diaspora-community/indias-sinking-water-table-a-crisis-beneath-our-feet

Learn about the alarming reality of India's sinking water table and the impending crisis that looms beneath our feet. Find out what is causing this phenomenon and what can be done to address it before it's too late.

09/30/2025

The ICA Quarterly Newsletter – September 2025 is now available.

This edition highlights our upcoming Annual Gala 2025 on October 5th, themed “Water for Life, Hope for Communities.” We are honored to host Mittal Patel, Nari Shakti Puraskar recipient and grassroots changemaker, as our guest of honor.

You will also find updates on our collaboration with VSSM, insights from the Youth LEAD students’ India trip, and a recap of our recent ICA Forum on creative approaches to education.

The Gala promises to be an evening of impact, community, and inspiration, complemented by dinner and cultural performances.

📰 Read the full newsletter here: https://www.icaonline.org/resources/newsletter/2025-newsletter-sep/

🎟️ Seats are limited. Please secure your tickets at the earliest.
👉 https://givebutter.com/ICA-WaterForLife

08/08/2025

Join us for ICA's Annual Event 2025 on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza, Palo Alto.

📅 Sunday, October 5, 2025
📍 Crowne Plaza, Palo Alto
🔗 Register Here: https://givebutter.com/ICA-WaterForLife

This year, we are proud to honor Mittal Patel, recipient of the Nari Shakti Puraskar and founder of Vicharta Samuday Samarthan Manch, for her remarkable work empowering marginalized communities.

Join us for an evening of inspiration, impact, and community connection, featuring engaging presentations, networking opportunities, and celebrations of changemakers.

08/01/2025

Meet & Greet with IITK Alum Rahul Pandey – Join Us on Zoom!

📅 Friday, August 1st, 2025
🕖 In-Person: 7:00–10:00 PM PST | 🖥️ Zoom: 8:00 PM PST
📍 Sunnyvale, CA
💻 Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86128796128?pwd=X47PvMA9G6pJivVbtQllxDKl00XfFv.1

Join us for a meaningful evening with Rahul Pandey, IIT Kanpur alum and founder of CLE TRUST, a non-profit transforming education for marginalized children in India through creativity and critical thinking.

🎤 Fireside Chat Moderated by Namita Maunder, Bay Area special education coordinator
🍕 Pizza & drinks served
💬 Thought-provoking conversation
🌐 Learn more about:
🔹 CLE TRUST: www.cletrust.org
🔹 ICA: www.icaonline.org

✨ Can’t join in person? JOIN THE ZOOM MEETING AT 8 PM PST!
👉 Don't miss this chance to be inspired and connect with like-minded changemakers.

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

07/25/2025

Meet & Greet with IITK Alum Rahul Pandey – In-Person Event

🗓 Friday, August 1st, 2025 | 🕖 7:00 – 10:00 PM
📌 Seema & Bimal’s Residence, 813 Pierino Ave, Sunnyvale, CA

Join us for an inspiring evening with Rahul Pandey, founder of CLE TRUST, a non-profit dedicated to making education fun, creative, and empowering for underserved communities across India.

💬 Agenda: Fireside chat with Rahul Pandey, moderated by Namita Maunder, followed by an open discussion
🍕 Dinner: Pizza & drinks will be served
🏡 Host: Graciously hosted by Seema & Bimal at their beautiful home
🚗 Parking: Limited street parking — please consider carpooling

A perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and enjoy an evening of meaningful conversation in a warm backyard setting.

🔗 RSVP: https://forms.gle/uEVt93uM58MouzUH7

06/25/2025

🌟 ICA’s Quarterly Newsletter – June 2025 🌟

Empowering Grassroots Change for Over 50 Years

🔗 https://www.icaonline.org/resources/newsletter/2025-newsletter-jun/

We’re excited to share what’s new at Indians for Collective Action (ICA) — from inspiring leadership updates to youth-driven impact and grassroots transformation across India! 💛🌱

🗣️ Leadership Message
We're proud to welcome Jai Rawat to our Board!
“As someone who has built companies and mentored others, I joined ICA because it's not just a nonprofit—it’s a movement of passionate changemakers committed to building a just, sustainable world.”

📚 Youth Leadership in Action
✅ Our Student Trip to Hemalkasa kicks off this July—bringing together students from the US, Canada & India for a two-week journey of service and learning.
✅ ICA’s Online English Tutoring Program has expanded to 3 locations in India! Big applause to our youth leaders Simran, Prisha, Dhruvi & Om Gandhi for their dedication—and for raising funds to donate laptops to underserved students. 👏💻

💧 NGO Spotlight: Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS)
Founded by Rajendra Singh, the “Water Man of India,” TBS has revived rivers, trained 25,000+ conservationists, and empowered 5,000+ farmers with sustainable irrigation. A true model of people-powered environmental change. 🌍💧

🎉 Save the Date!
ICA Annual Event – October 5, 2025 @ Crowne Plaza, Palo Alto
Join us as we come together to celebrate collective action and sustainability. 🌿

🙌 Get Involved!
Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply share our mission—your contribution matters.

🔗 Click here to support ICA today: https://www.icaonline.org/action/

💛 Together, we’re creating a better tomorrow—one community at a time.