The gala included performances by Secret Siren, Maanasa Iyer, Sara Kaye, Kelia Hopkins and Austin Dance India / Flicks by Raj

Indian and Jewish communities united at Austin’s BMBB 2026 charity gala on May 17 at the Dell Jewish Community Center, where organizers raised funds to provide more than 1,500 backpacks and school supplies for homeless and economically disadvantaged students in the Austin, Round Rock and Manor Independent School Districts.

The 13th annual Bollywood Meets Borscht Belt gala was hosted by Hindu Charities for America in partnership with Shalom Austin. Organizers said this year’s event focused on strengthening ties between Austin’s Indian and Jewish communities while supporting local students ahead of the 2026-27 school year.

The fundraiser coincided with both Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month in May.

Organizers said the backpacks will be customized according to grade-specific school supply requirements. During the program, comedian and emcee Samson Koletkar discussed the initiative and its focus on classroom preparedness.

“It isn't just a generic bag of random supplies; every child gets a backpack custom-tailored to their exact school curriculum,” Koletkar said.

Participants in the event. / Flicks by Raj

The event also featured a “Leaders’ Lightning Round,” where regional elected officials discussed community partnerships, educational equity and volunteer engagement instead of delivering formal speeches.

Austin Mayor Pro Tem Jose “Chito” Vela said initiatives bringing multiple communities together were important for the city.

“A cultural fusion movement like Bollywood Meets Borscht Belt isn't just entertainment — it's exactly what the City of Austin needs to foster deep, lasting community partnerships,” Vela said.

Cedar Park Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin spoke about the role of local communities in addressing basic needs for families and students.

“At the end of the day, what makes America special is the core idea of people working together in a community, believing they can shape their own neighborhood because they know what's best for it,” Penniman-Morin said.

Round Rock Council Member Frank Ortega said the volunteer-driven effort reflected the area’s community values.
 

Speakers at the event. / Flicks by Raj

“We are actively embracing different cultures and ensuring our community is welcoming to everyone,” Ortega said. “Don't listen to divisive outside rhetoric; instead, look at the goodness and cooperation we see right here in our local community.”

The gala included performances by Secret Siren, Maanasa Iyer, Sara Kaye, Kelia Hopkins and Austin Dance India. Organizers said volunteers handled stage coordination, registration and security operations throughout the event.

Cassandra Norton, vocalist for Secret Siren and a longtime public school educator, connected the fundraiser’s mission to her experience working with students.

“I can tell you from decades of experience in the classroom: when children are cared for and have their basic needs met, they show up as their absolute best selves,” Norton said before performing “Woman of My Heart.”

Stage producer Malvika Rao said volunteer participation remained central to the event’s success.

“Just know that deep down you can always carve out time to collaborate and volunteer when not everything has to be a transaction in life,” Rao said. “If you can find the time, you will get the rewards which are like a thousand times better than doing something to earn money.”

Dignitaries in front of the ceremonial lamp. / Flicks by Raj

The backpacks funded through the gala will be assembled during the annual School Supplies Packing event scheduled for Aug. 2. Volunteers will pack the supplies based on school district requirements before distribution later in August.

Dr. Robert Sormani, superintendent of Manor ISD, said access to school supplies can influence a student’s confidence at the beginning of the school year.

“On that very first day of school, the child feels confident, included, and ready to learn, setting a positive tone for their education for the rest of the year,” Sormani said.

Dr. Mark Cantu, deputy superintendent of Del Valle ISD, said the supplies help students feel connected to their schools.

“A child naturally wants to feel integrated and involved with their school community and culture,” Cantu said. “When we provide these tools, it changes the dynamic because they are empowered to contribute fully.”

Carla Scott of Project HELP in Austin ISD said the initiative supports students facing unstable living conditions.

“For many students, school is not just a place to learn — it's a place of safety, consistency, belonging, and where hope exists,” Scott said. “HC4A's program is absolutely foundational and essential to making that happen.”

Discover more at New India Abroad.