Supporting India’s Smile Foundation NGO

By Ashok Bagdy

The Smile Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting grassroots programs that offer children from underprivileged communities medical care and education. This support takes the form of funds and expert guidance. Much of the financial assistance that the Smile Foundation provides to the programs comes from donations. The foundation accepts online monetary donations through its website. It also offers corporations a range of support options, including Pay Roll Giving, Employee Engagement, Direct Child Support, and Cause Related Marketing.

Furthermore, the Smile Foundation offers various community groups (such as schools and college associations) and individuals (including celebrities and college students) options for collaboration. For instance, schools can initiate the Child for Child (CFC) program, which brings together children from underserved communities with those from affluent backgrounds. For a complete list of the donation and collaboration options offered by the Smile Foundation, visit www.smilefoundationindia.org.

About the Author: Ashok Bagdy serves as Vice President of Outsourcing Services at Cameo Corporate Services Limited in Tampa, Florida. In addition, he supports the Smile Foundation, the March of Dimes, and the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation.

The United States-India Educational Foundation: Promoting Mutual Understanding, By Ashok Bagdy

Through the educational exchange of accomplished professionals, scholars, and students, the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) expands mutual understanding between citizens of the two nations. Program participants pursue exchange opportunities for study, research, and work experience that benefit both countries. By forging a close partnership that improves the quality of life for Indian and U.S. citizens, the USIEF strives to serve as a knowledge- and service-driven model for other bi-national efforts.

Using an open and merit-based selection process, the foundation provides fellowship assistance to outstanding individuals representing a wide range of academic disciplines. Prestigious awards include Fulbright, Fulbright-Nehru, and other grants and scholarships.

In addition to financial support, USIEF provides educational advice for students in both countries, informing them about education exchange opportunities. Furthermore, USIEF facilitates linkages between academic institutions in India and the United States to encourage greater cross-cultural collaboration.

Throughout the year, USIEF hosts many professional and academic workshops, seminars, and roundtables. The foundation recruits returning and visiting fellowship recipients for presentations at these events. These venues encourage dialogue on contemporary issues affecting both countries.

About the author:

As a member of the Indo-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Ashok Bagdy stays abreast of issues related to U.S.-India relations. Mr. Bagdy serves as Vice President of Outsourcing Services for Cameo Corporate Services Limited, an established business process outsourcing provider. Ashok Bagdy obtained an M.S. in Computer and Information Science from Temple University, graduating in the top 10 percent of his class.