Leadership Message
Dear ICA Family,
I recently joined the board of Indians for Collective Action, and I couldn't be more honored to be part of this inspiring organization. As someone who has built companies and mentored others through many ups and downs, I've always believed in the power of people coming together to create lasting impact. ICA is a shining example of that principle in action.
For over five decades, ICA has empowered grassroots changemakers in India by supporting community-led initiatives in education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, gender equality, and poverty alleviation. The scale is impressive-more than $24 million distributed across 20+ Indian states, mostly in the past decade alone. But beyond the numbers, it's the stories of transformation-the young girls going to school for the first time, the farmers gaining independence, the women leading change in their villages-that speak volumes.
So why did I join? Because ICA isn't just a nonprofit. It's a community of passionate volunteers and selfless leaders-here in the Bay Area and across the globe-who give their time, talent, and treasure to build a more just and sustainable world.
The need is immense. Yet as the African proverb says, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." ICA's model of collective action reminds us that real change takes time-and collaboration.
If you're reading this and wondering how to get involved, start small. Donate. Volunteer. Mentor. Advocate. As Anne Frank once wrote, "No one has ever become poor by giving." Every gesture matters, and your contribution-big or small-has the power to uplift lives and communities.
I'm especially excited about ICA's upcoming Annual Event on October 5, where we'll gather to celebrate our shared commitment to sustainability-a theme that underpins so much of our work. I hope you'll join us to connect, be inspired, and strengthen this movement of collective action.
Board Member
Indians for Collective Action (ICA)
Youth Leadership Program
Thank You for the Overwhelming Response! We are truly grateful to all the students and parents for the incredible response to ICA's upcoming International Student Trip to Hemalkasa. Your enthusiasm and support has been heartwarming. Due to limited availability, we regretfully could not accommodate every applicant this year. However, we hope those who could not join us in 2025 will be part of our journey in the coming year.
We are now all set for an unforgettable two-week experience this July, traveling to Anandwan and Lok Biradari Prakalp (LBP) via Nagpur. Our group includes an amazing mix of excited and energetic students from across the globe-SF Bay Area, East Coast, Texas, Canada, and India, coming together to learn, serve, and grow.
The trip will include a variety of meaningful daily activities, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with the community, witness the legacy of Baba Amte, and gain firsthand experience in service, culture, and rural development.
We look forward to sharing this enriching journey with you through stories and updates.
ICA's Student-Led Online English Tutoring Initiative Expands!
We're thrilled to share that ICA's online English tutoring program, driven entirely by passionate student leaders are going strong and growing. With the addition of a new site, the initiative now supports students in India across three locations: BWF in Kashmir, Snehalaya in Maharashtra, and ABSSS in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh.
Om Gandhi
Kudos to Simran Vohra, Prisha Singh, and Dhruvi, who along with their dedicated teams are leading the way in making education accessible and impactful. A special shoutout to Om Gandhi, one of our inspiring student leaders, for successfully raising funds to donate 3 Chromebooks and 2 laptops for the students at Snehalaya.
Manju Mishra
ICA Youth Leadership Program Team
Spotlight on ICA Supported NGO
This month, Indians for Collective Action (ICA) is proud to spotlight Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS). TBS is an inspiring organization based in Rajasthan, India, committed to restoring ecosystems, empowering local communities, and securing clean water for all. Founded by Rajendra Singh, widely known as the "Water Man of India," TBS has spent decades reviving traditional water harvesting systems like johads, rejuvenating rivers, and introducing sustainable agriculture across dry and arid regions.
Deeply rooted in the philosophy of Gram Swaraj (village self-rule), TBS mobilizes communities to take advantage of their natural resources, creating long-lasting, self-sustaining change. Beyond just water, their work includes the livelihoods of those living in rural communities, encouraging gender equity, and advocacy against illegal mining.
With a global reach of over 100 countries and accolades like the 2021 Energy Globe National Award, TBS has become a model for environmental restoration and progress powered by the people. Their mission is clear: revive nature, create livelihoods, and strengthen communities.
We celebrate TBS's incredible impact and are honored to share their story as part of our collective mission for a just and sustainable future.
- 25000 water conservationists, researchers, CSO members, policy makers and other professionals trained from all over India.
- Trained teams of environmentalists from 30 countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Kenya etc.
- 5000 farmers trained in sustainable irrigation techniques resulting in 50% increase in water productivity.
ICA Forum
Indians for Collective Action in partnership with India Community Center held in person "Greet and Meet" with Yajurvendra Anil Mahajan, a distinguished educationist and social worker on April 8, 2025. Mr. Mahajan is a passionate advocate for providing quality education to underprivileged and marginalized communities. He is the visionary founder of Deepstambh foundation, a testament to his unwavering commitment to social upliftment. Notably, he established Deepstambh Manobal, India's first residential project dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities, orphans, transgender individuals, and economically disadvantaged youth. The forum was well attended by the community.
Save the date for Indians for Collective Action Annual event on Sunday October 5th, 2025 at Crowne Plaza, Palo Alto.
Stay tuned for more details of the program!
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LEADERSHIP
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