Institute of Technology (MIT) professor and inventor Ramesh Raskar will deliver the keynote address at its Annual Gala on July 12 at the Boston Marriott Burlington. This event brings together leaders from technology, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare, and education to support values-based education initiatives in India.
The annual fundraising gala will also feature Indian American entrepreneur and philanthropist Desh Deshpande as chief guest. At the same time, Rajendra Khaitan, National Vice Chairman of Vidyabharati, India, will attend as guest of honor. The program will include addresses by Pooja Ika, founder and CEO of AI healthcare company Nirvana Health, and Professor Debarshi Nandy of Brandeis International Business School.
According to the foundation, this year’s event aims to bring together accomplished leaders whose work reflects the role of education, innovation, and entrepreneurship in creating long-term social impact.
“This year’s gathering brings together some of the finest minds in technology, entrepreneurship, healthcare, finance, and education. We are deeply honored to welcome Professor Ramesh Raskar, Chief Guest Desh Deshpande, Guest of Honor Rajendra Khaitan, Pooja Ika, and Professor Debarshi Nandy. Their collective achievements demonstrate that innovation achieves its highest purpose when it expands human opportunity through education,” said Satish Jha, board member of the Vidyabharati Foundation of America.
Raskar, an internationally recognized MIT professor, is widely known for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence, computational imaging, computer vision, and technologies designed for social impact. Over the past two decades, he has led groundbreaking research at the MIT Media Lab, developing innovations that span AI-powered imaging, healthcare technologies, autonomous systems, and digital learning. He is expected to speak about the future of education and how artificial intelligence can expand educational opportunities while preserving the human values that remain central to learning.
Professor Debarshi Nandy, the Stephen J. Cloobeck Professor of Finance at Brandeis International Business School, has built an international reputation through his research on corporate finance, entrepreneurial ecosystems, venture creation, innovation, and startup financing. His work examines how entrepreneurs, investors, and institutions create sustainable economic growth and long-term societal value. At the gala, his expertise is expected to offer insights into building resilient institutions and fostering innovation-driven education.
The event will also feature Pooja Ika, founder and CEO of Nirvana Health, who was previously announced as a featured speaker. Ika leads an AI-driven healthcare company focused on modernizing healthcare operations and expanding access to patient care through technology.
READ: Vidyabharati announces Pooja Ika as 2026 gala keynote speaker (June 20, 2026)
Deshpande, founder of Sycamore Networks and chairman of Sparta Group LLC, has long been recognized as one of the most influential Indian American entrepreneurs and philanthropists. Through the Deshpande Foundation and several innovation initiatives in the United States and India, he has championed entrepreneurship, education, and social innovation for more than two decades.
Khaitan represents Vidyabharati, one of the world’s largest educational organizations, which operates thousands of schools across India and serves millions of students through a values-based education model.
According to the foundation, the annual gala supports educational initiatives that expand access to quality education across India through investments in schools, teacher development, digital learning, and educational innovation. Working alongside Vidyabharati, the foundation mobilizes philanthropic support aimed at preparing future generations of ethical leaders and responsible global citizens.
The event will be held on Sunday, July 12, at the Boston Marriott Burlington. Members of the media have been invited to attend, with advance registration requested.