Desai Foundation’s Megha Desai on the Lotus Festival, Menstrual Equity and Empowering Women in India

BOSTON--As the Desai Foundation prepares for its 12th Annual Lotus Festival on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, President Megha Desai is highlighting the organization’s mission to empower women and children across rural India through health, livelihoods and menstrual equity.

In a video interview, Desai discusses the foundation’s growing impact and the importance of connecting the Greater Boston and New England Indian American community with efforts creating change in India. The foundation reports that its more than 30 community-driven programs have impacted more than 12 million people across more than 4,000 communities in eight Indian states.

A major focus of the foundation’s current work is the expansion of its Asani Sanitary Napkin Program. Following a landmark Article 21 ruling recognizing menstrual health and dignity as a fundamental right for school-aged girls, the foundation is working to help schools provide menstrual products, education and awareness. The initiative is part of a broader effort to connect health, education, economic opportunity and dignity for women and girls.

This year’s Lotus Festival will bring together about 400 Indian American leaders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and community members for an evening combining cultural celebration, entertainment and fundraising.

Zenobia Moochhala, co-founder of Care.com and Massachusetts Undersecretary of Business Strategies, will deliver the keynote address, focusing on entrepreneurship, leadership and the power of community to create lasting change.

Internationally acclaimed fusion artist, percussionist and entertainer Nihal Singh will headline the festival’s opening and closing performances. Known for blending tabla, dhol, drums and contemporary sounds, Singh uses music and storytelling to celebrate South Asian culture. Kalyani’s Dance Group will also make its Lotus Festival debut with an opening performance centered on culture, community and empowerment.

The evening will include a cocktail reception, South Asian dinner, open bar, live entertainment, live and silent auctions, special guests and VIP access to Gillette Stadium’s Lighthouse observation deck. Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities remain available, with organizers reporting that the event is already more than halfway sold.

The festival holds particular significance for the New England Indian American community, which has supported the Desai Foundation since its early years. Proceeds from tickets, tables and sponsorships help support programs serving women and children in rural India.

Desai brings two decades of experience in social impact, philanthropy, marketing and community development to her leadership of the foundation. She is also a TEDx speaker, advisor to social enterprises and contributor to leading publications. She serves on the boards of Take Two Media Initiative and TiE Boston and is a member of the Resistance Revival Chorus, performing at venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the Newport Folk Festival.

For the Desai Foundation, the 2026 Lotus Festival represents both a celebration of the Indian American community and an opportunity to advance a broader mission of creating health, economic opportunity and dignity for women and children across rural India.

Watch the video interview with Megha Desai above to learn more about the Lotus Festival, the foundation’s mission and its expanding work across India.