AustIndia raises funds for development in India

By Yvonne Lim Wilson Tuesday, 16 February 2010

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN — Varun Bhatnagar, 16, wanted to help the native country of his parents. So he decided to put on a show raising funds for the Association for India’s Development (AID).

“It was a spur of the moment decision. I wanted to make an impact in Austin and in India,” he said.

Complete with dancing, yoga demonstration, vendors and a presentation about AID, the evening was a fun and educational one. The event, called AustIndia, was held Jan. 30 inside the cafeteria at Small Middle School and raised more than $2,000.

AID is an international non-profit organization that supports social development projects in India. Projects range from literacy and vocational training to alternative energy projects in India.

When Bhatnagar researched the group, he was attracted to the grassroots level of organization and low overhead costs, which means more money will go directly to those in need.

The Austin chapter of AID began in 1997 and includes student members from UT Austin as well as professionals.

“We usually have one big concert during the year,” said AID member Bala Krishnan. “Varun wanted to do a fundraiser [to supplement that].”

Bhatnagar, who lives in southwest Austin, said he is happy with the success of the event, and would like to do another fundraiser at some point.

“I learned a lot from this experience. I hope that the Austin community was able to get a better understanding of Indian culture. All of that money will help some part of India in some manner,” he said.