Akshaya Patra Gala Interview With Kiran Kothari And Haresh Patel 10 Oct 10:35 AM (12 days ago)
Please click below to watch the full interview with Kiran Kothari & Hareash Patel:
Register For Aksaya Patra USA Tri-State Gala: https://give.apusa.org/event/akshaya-patra
Alka: Good afternoon, friends! You are listening to EBC Radio, 1170 AM, Aapki Choice. I’m your host, Alka, and today we are shining a light on a wonderful organization called Akshaya Patra, which is the world’s largest NGO-run school meal program serving millions of children every day. Behind this mission are passionate volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to making a difference.
Joining us today are such inspiring volunteers who will share their journey, experiences, and what keeps them motivated to serve this cause. So let’s welcome Kiran Kothari and Haresh Patel to EBC Radio.
Kiranji, how are you doing?
Kiran: I’m great, thank you very much. And I must tell you that we want to thank EBC, your whole staff, and especially you for giving us this opportunity to spread the word about an important mission — getting rid of hunger for children in India.
Alka: Well, you know, Kiranji, this is such a great, noble cause and it gives me goosebumps every time I have you all on the radio. I just wonder how these little children are getting fed and how this whole organization, especially in the Tri-State area, has brought together so many people who have been supporting it. So let’s hear a little bit from Haresh Patel ji. Haresh ji, how are you doing?
Haresh: I’m doing great, and thank you for having me at EBC Radio. We are really delighted to have you providing support to Akshaya Patra.
Alka: Thank you so much for that, Haresh ji. So, let’s ask a few questions about all the volunteer and noble work you both are doing. Let’s start with you, Kiranji. Can you tell me about Akshaya Patra’s mission and the idea of Unlimited Food for Education?
Kiran: Sure. Our mission is very simple — that no child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger. If a child comes to school hungry, it’s very hard to concentrate on education, right?
So what we do is serve midday meals in government schools all over India. You’ll be surprised to know that every single day, we prepare over 2.3 million hot, nutritious meals and deliver them to over 24,000 schools across the country. In India, kids literally wait for this meal because some of them have no food at home, which is unfortunate.
It’s a simple mission but a very important one because hunger has been a big problem in India and across the world.
Alka: Right. So how do you manage it? I mean, you feed children in India — how do you support them?
Kiran: Here’s how it works. We started in 2000, very small, serving only 1,500 children at that time. Then we quickly scaled up, thanks to the generosity of many organizations, volunteers, and supporters all over the world.
We started building and working with high-tech kitchens. Once these were ready, we were able to serve between 10,000 and 50,000 — even as high as 250,000 meals from just one kitchen. That’s the scale we operate at.
Three things are extremely important when feeding children:
It has to be nutritious — we think carefully about what we serve.
It must be hygienic — the last thing we want is for a child to get sick.
It should taste good — otherwise, even if we serve it, the kids won’t eat.
Our kitchens start at 5 a.m., and by 10 a.m. all meals are ready. Then we load them onto trucks, and literally thousands of trucks go all over India to deliver them right in time for lunch.
Alka: I’m sure they must follow a strict timeline — kids run for their lunch boxes when the bell rings! So, when the lunch break happens, the meals must reach the schools on time.
Kiran: Exactly right — and we do it every single day. We’re proud to say that we’ve not missed a single meal. Since we started, we’ve served over 4 billion meals.
Alka: Wow!
Kiran: Yes, billion with a “B.” It’s an amazing feat.
Alka: That’s incredible! Haresh ji, I know no organization can survive without fundraising. You all host galas and events. Now Akshaya Patra is having its 2025 gala — can you talk a little bit about that?
Haresh: On October 11, the Tri-State chapter of Akshaya Patra will celebrate its 10th anniversary at the Marriott Newark Airport, New Jersey.
The fundraising event will include cocktails, networking, a live performance by Pan Masala South Asia A Cappella Group, and delicious appetizers and dinner from Moghul Catering. There will also be opportunities to watch videos of our beneficiaries.
Alka: Wow! So how can our listeners or anyone who wants to be part of the gala get involved?
Haresh: The Tri-State Chapter started its first gala in 2016 in Martinsville with about 200 people attending. Over the years, support from the local community has grown — last year we had nearly 500 attendees.
To be part of this noble cause, people can visit apusa.org, click on Upcoming Events, and select Tri-State Gala to register. For further information, they can contact tristate@apusa.org
Alka: So there are two ways — visit apusa.org and click on Events, or go to tristate.apusa.org.
Kiran: Yes, that’s correct.
Alka: So they can become sponsors or buy individual tickets and attend the event?
Haresh: Yes, there are various levels of sponsorship. People can come individually or as groups — all information is available at apusa.org.
Alka: Perfect! There’s still time, so please support Akshaya Patra. The sooner, the better, so they can prepare for the food and seating arrangements.
Kiranji, you told me you’re already preparing 2.3 million meals every day. What is the long-term goal now?
Kiran: Let me share both the short-term and long-term goals. Ultimately, Akshaya Patra’s dream is not to exist — meaning, there’s no hunger left in the world. But until then, we must continue feeding more kids and improving.
We currently have 78 kitchens across India, with 12 more under construction, which will add capacity for another million meals a day. Our goal in the next two to five years is to go from 2.3 million to as high as 5 million children served daily.
The impact goes beyond numbers. When kids know they’ll receive a nutritious meal, parents — especially of girls — are more likely to send them to school. Attendance rises, health improves, academic performance increases, and children break free from the cycle of poverty.
Many beneficiaries have already graduated and become lawyers, doctors, and even staff members working in Akshaya Patra’s kitchens. We process over 500 tons of food every day, and due to our efficiency, we can feed one child for an entire school year for just $20.
Alka: That’s unbelievable — $20 for a whole school year!
Kiran: Exactly. If you think about it, you spend $40 just parking in Manhattan — that’s enough to feed two children for a year. The efficiency and scale are what make this possible.
Alka: You know, when I think about it — as parents, we focus all our energy on feeding and educating our own children. But what if each of us thought a little beyond our own family and supported even one child living in poverty?
That $20 contribution can bring light to a child’s life. In Manhattan, you can’t even buy a pretzel for $15 anymore! So, a small contribution from those listening can make a big difference to children in India who truly need our help.
So again, go to apusa.org — you’ll find all the information about how to sponsor or donate. Please, open your hearts and wallets. Even a small act can transform a life.
Kiran: That’s so true, and you said it beautifully. This gives a child a chance at life — it’s a lifeline. Many organizations do great work, but we focus on scale, impact, and efficiency.
If your passion is education, hunger relief, or women’s empowerment, Akshaya Patra touches all of those. When girls are educated, families rise. Make Akshaya Patra your weapon to fight hunger and poverty, and help create a path to a better future.
Alka: Exactly. When we go to India and see children begging outside temples and streets, it’s heartbreaking. If Akshaya Patra can support these kids so they no longer need to beg, that’s real change.
Kiran: Absolutely. This is how we not only fight hunger but also create a better future for these children. Those of us who are more fortunate and educated can now give that same opportunity to a child who doesn’t have it.
Alka: Thank you, Kiranji. Let me ask Haresh ji — how can someone help or participate as a volunteer, whether they’re an adult or youth, and be part of this grassroots movement in the U.S. to help children in India?
Haresh: Like Kiran mentioned, Akshaya Patra’s goal is that no child should be deprived of education because of hunger. Our midday meal program increases school attendance, improves health and academic performance, and breaks the cycle of poverty.
If you believe in this mission, please join your local Akshaya Patra chapter. Most states in the U.S. have one. You can spread awareness, volunteer your time, or donate.
We also have a very active Youth Ambassador Program where students support their local chapters, organize fundraisers, and spread the message in their schools. It’s a wonderful way to get involved.
Alka: Yes, youth here might not be in poverty, but volunteering with Akshaya Patra helps them gain real-world experience and develop empathy.
Haresh: Exactly! And they learn how local chapters operate, gaining leadership experience while making an impact.
Alka: Thank you so much, Haresh ji, for all this great information. Let’s wrap up now. Kiranji, what final words would you like to share with our listeners?
Kiran: My message is simple – join the Akshaya Patra team. We tackle hunger and educate kids. You don’t have to be a millionaire to make a difference. Even a small donation matters.
There are about a million people in our community in the Tri-State area. If each one gives just $20, imagine how many children we could feed every year. Help us sustain this important program — just become a part of it.
Alka: Thank you so much. Haresh ji, your last words?
Haresh: Akshaya Patra has 78 centralized kitchens in 16 states and 3 union territories, serving 2.3 million children daily. Last year, the organization was recognized by the United Nations for serving 4 billion meals.
Charity Navigator has given Akshaya Patra a 4-star rating, and 85% of funds raised by Akshaya Patra USA directly support the program.
I encourage everyone to visit a kitchen and a school when you’re in India — it’s a truly heartwarming experience.
Alka: Thank you so much, Haresh ji and Kiranji, for coming on EBC Radio. Listeners, go to apusa.org and click on Events for information about the gala. Remember — $20 feeds one child for an entire school year.
Looking forward to seeing you all at the gala on October 11th.
Thank you so much!
Haresh: Thank you.
Register For Aksaya Patra USA Tri-State Gala: https://give.apusa.org/event/akshaya-patra
Interview With Raj Goyle 9 Oct 1:37 PM (13 days ago)
Click the video below for the full interview with Raj Goyle:
Alka: Aap sun rahe hain EBC Radio WWTR 1170 AM Bridgewater, Aapki Choice. EBC Radio, Aapki Choice, 1170 AM. Good afternoon, friends — you are listening to EBC Radio 1170 AM, Aapki Choice, and I’m your host, Alka. You can listen to EBC Radio through our online EBCmusic.com, or you can download our app, which is on Android and iOS — EBC Radio (free download). You can also talk to Alexa and ask her to play EBC Radio 1170 AM, and Alexa will certainly play.
Today I have a very, very special guest in the studio. He is working very, very hard, and we’ll be hearing him a lot in a few seconds. So let me tell you who he is. He’s Raj Goyle.
Alka: Raj Goyle is the founder of Phone Free New York and the board chair of the Five Borough Institute, a leading think tank in New York City dedicated to solving public policy issues facing the New York City metro area. Goyle has an extensive career in politics and advocacy, including four years of service as a state representative in the Kansas Legislature, where he was one of the first Indian Americans elected to office in the country.
Raj is also one of the co-founders of Indian American Impact, the leading Indian American advocacy and political organization in the United States. He has worked as a civil-rights lawyer at the American Civil Liberties Union and was CEO and co-founder of Bodhala, a legal artificial intelligence company. His commentary and writings have appeared widely, including in The New York Times, Fox News, and NPR. He and his wife, Monica Arora, live in New York City with their two beautiful teenage daughters.
A very warm welcome, Raj, on EBC Radio. How are you doing?
Raj: Thank you so much for having me. Thank you for that very kind introduction, particularly about my daughters.
Alka: Yes, they are precious. I have two daughters, too, so they are the most precious.
Raj: How old are they?
Alka: Well, let’s not get there. You’re going to reveal my age with that, you know, so we don’t.
Raj: That is true, that is true. My daughters are 13 and 15.
Alka: Fantastic! Such a beautiful age, joyful and a little scary, but a fun time with them.
Raj: Well, my 13-year-old was up at midnight, and we told her she could do that because the new Taylor Swift album, of course, dropped. So I am positive there are many blurry-eyed teenage girls throughout America today.
Alka: Yes, definitely. So, first of all, I want to congratulate you on all your achievements. What I just read — a little bit of your bio — it’s amazing, the work you have done and you are doing and the mission you have coming forward. I would say we all, as Indians, have to be very, very proud.
Raj: Oh, well, thank you very much. That’s kind of you to say, but I, of course, tip my hat to many, many people in the community. There are so many things we should be proud of as a community, and I applaud you and your family for building this business. Doing anything from scratch is very, very hard. And I’m very excited to be running for the New York State Comptroller. It’s a very, very powerful office — one of the most powerful state executive jobs in America. And right now people are hurting. It’s a very tough time with how expensive life is, with all the political tumult and controversies we have. And right now, the person who has had this position for 20 years, as an Albany insider, is wasting and squandering that power. So one of the most important things we can say as Americans and as South Asian Americans is that we need to use political power to help people live better lives.
Alka: Definitely. As you said, it’s the most difficult time right now. Everybody — whoever we talk to — is just saying, “I don’t know what’s going to happen; I don’t know what’s going to happen.” So the time is truly very, very tough right now. So, Raj, tell me now: I know you are standing for New York State Comptroller. Can you tell us a little bit about what a comptroller is and why you are running?
Raj: Yeah. Yeah. So comptroller is actually Punjabi for “Raj Goyle.” No, I’m just kidding. No — comptroller is the most powerful office you’ve never heard of. And one of the things I explain to people is that the political establishment almost likes to have you not know about these things. It’s such a powerful job. So, in New York State, it controls almost a $300 billion pension fund. And that pension fund is there to secure the retirement of over a million people — almost a million retirees and active people working for the state system in New York. So it’s got enormous political power. It’s also the state auditor. So there are hundreds of auditors, and that office has a constitutional mandate to review all the dollars that are spent in New York State to make sure that there isn’t waste, fraud, and abuse — that it’s being used in the way it’s intended to help people live better lives.
And, as you just mentioned, Alka, anecdotally people are struggling at this time in their lives. That office could be used to build affordable housing all over the state. Instead, the incumbent is building housing in Florida and Chicago and making very expensive investments outside New York.
Right now, you know, our community is being targeted. Trump promised to combat illegal immigration, and he’s out there arresting legal immigrants. We have so many immigrants in our community. Somebody last night, a cousin of mine called me and was worried if his green card would be revoked.
Alka: Right. I’ve been noticing people have been sending little text messages here and there — “carry your ID all the time with you.” You never know when you could be stopped. And, you know, you need to show the ID. There’s no such thing like, “Okay, I don’t have it with me; it’s at home,” so they will just take you.
Raj: That’s right. The stories will break your heart. There was an ICE agent who threw a woman to the floor and caused her to go to the hospital. They’ve taken families in the middle of the night. And now the Supreme Court has said that ICE can apprehend somebody based on how they look.
So now, as a South Asian community, how is that going to affect us? I’ll tell you a little story. I was at a concert, a Beyoncé concert in New Jersey at MetLife. And, you know, this is a little anecdote, not a huge deal, but there was a rain delay. So the concert ends late. It’s 2 a.m. Everyone’s trying to get back to the city or get out of the stadium. Thirty people asked me how much it was to get a ride to the city. Why did they ask me? Because they assumed I was an Uber driver.
Alka: Oh my.
Raj: Right? Because a very large share of drivers in New York are South Asian, and the vast, vast majority are men. And so, you know, these people — maybe they had been drinking, maybe they hadn’t — but that’s how appearances can deceive. And now ICE can go around and arrest anybody. So we have a real challenge right now. The New York State Comptroller is an amazingly powerful job to help people live better lives. And I’m very, very excited to run for this. And we’re confident we’re going to be victorious next June in the primary.
Alka: Yes, and I wish you all the best for that, because what is going on right now is not a good picture. So we all — even citizens — I mean, you never know: citizen or green card or H-1 or whatever status you have. You don’t know what is in their mind and what documents you’re carrying and who can just take you away, you know?
Raj: Yeah. I mean, this is not America, where people should be… If somebody is committing a crime, doing something harmful to others, we should absolutely — we’re the first people to stand up and say that should be taken care of. That’s the role of law enforcement and Border Patrol. But this is not where people who are here legally and lawfully and contributing to society — no matter what their status — should be apprehended and made to be fearful by the government.
And Donald Trump knows what he’s doing. There’s an emerging sort of battle in MAGA and in “Trump-land,” where Steve Bannon and others are very deliberately coming after Indians — very deliberately coming after us. One of the things that’s very disgusting is that if you go on Twitter and on social media, they use an analogy, Alka, where they say that South Asians “smell.”
Alka: But, Raj — sorry to cut you — if you see, it’s coming after Indians. If you look at the multi-billion-dollar companies, every large company you see, there is an Indian CEO or CFO, or somebody of Indian descent sitting there and running the brains, the hard work. Indians have it.
Raj: There is no question that the South Asian and the Indian American success story has been just that. And also what we find is that, yes, at the highest levels of the Fortune 100, the success has been amazing — but look at all our taxi drivers, the backbone of the middle class, the bodega owners, everybody. Look at your business — you have a thriving media property that you started from scratch. I started a company from scratch. My parents didn’t know anyone; they had ten bucks but they had medical degrees, and they settled in Wichita, Kansas, and nobody would refer them to patients.
And the funny thing is, my mother practiced medicine with a bunch of Filipino American doctors because the power structure, when they got to Wichita, wouldn’t refer them to patients. This is such an American story. By the end of my mother’s medical career, she was serving almost 95 percent Vietnamese American patients. And so, as you and I know, there’s an entire community and a whole world of America that isn’t really reflected on television and isn’t reflected in our popular culture — but it’s a really, really important part of the American story. And that’s why I’m very excited to be running for this office.
Alka: Yes. Now, let me ask you, if you’re elected, and you would be the first Indian American ever elected statewide in the state of New York; why is it more important now than ever for you to run for office as an Indian American?
Raj: I would be, of course, extremely proud of that fact. And I was one of the first Indian Americans — Asian Americans — ever elected in America, now 20 years ago. But I will say this, Alka: I’m running to be very aggressive. I have a very aggressive agenda to help all New Yorkers live better lives. I’m 50 years old. I’ve started a business. I’ve sold a business. I’ve been in the government. I’ve had an interesting and varied career, and I’ve been proud to be a leader for most of my career. What I’ve learned is that we really are better off as a nation and as a community when we’re all viewed in this together.
And so, of course, I do think that the diversity of New York should be reflected in our government. You know, there’s a saying — I don’t know if you’re familiar — but in Albany it used to be called “three men in a room” who decided the budget. It used to be the head of the Senate, the head of the Assembly, and the governor — and those were always three white guys. Well, now it’s actually two women, and of the three, two are women and two are Black. And so that’s a lot of change. And I do believe that, no matter what Donald Trump says, diversity is a strength. You get different perspectives and opinions.
So I’d be happy if that happened. But again, I’m focused like a laser on making sure that we help every single New Yorker have more money in their pension, access to better housing, access to universal child care, and protection from junk fees and scams. That’s my agenda.
Alka: That is fantastic. And I know, when anybody comes from outside the USA, they feel like New York City is the place — when they think they’re going to the USA, New York City is in their mind.
Raj: One hundred percent.
Alka: So that city should always be on top and people should feel comfortable walking on the streets and being there. It should not be like the way it is right now.
Raj: No question. I think there’s a lot of excitement about the change that’s happening in city government in New York. And there’s a very good chance that there will be a South Asian — a South Asian American — new mayor of New York City. So things are changing. And I agree with you, Alka, that right now New York is not where it should be. Right now New York is controlled by Albany insiders and people who don’t do much with the political power they’ve been given. And I have to say, regardless of anyone’s background, that really pisses me off, if I could say that — to have political power and to hold something so precious on behalf of the people and not use it. You may disagree with somebody’s view or their policy, but at least they should use power to enact things they think will be better for people’s lives. And that’s why I’m running.
Alka: Very good. So now tell me — about the comptroller we’re talking — New York State has had the same comptroller for the last 20 years. What’s been going wrong, and why are you running now?
Raj: Sure. Yes. Well, the current incumbent, Tom DiNapoli, has this enormous power, and he does nothing with it. As I said, he’s investing in real estate all over America, as opposed to investing in affordable housing right here in New York. He hasn’t said anything about how ICE is targeting our community and other vulnerable New York communities — immigrants who are the backbone of New York and America. He hasn’t said anything.
You know, one example I give is that he has a huge stock position through the pension fund in Tesla. At the same time, Elon Musk was behaving recklessly in Washington — metaphorically “with a chainsaw” — going after public workers, talking about and making terrible decisions that were harming people overseas. His whole initiative is now out of the news, but it was a total reckless failure. DiNapoli said nothing to stand up for public workers.
And I’ll say one other thing, Alka: right now the red states — Texas and the southern states — use their pension funds as a weapon against New York and New Jersey. They say, “Oh, these companies are all out of control,” and they criticize our CEOs and our companies. And in New York and New Jersey, we don’t do anything to fight back. With me as New York State Comptroller — because of everything you said: New York is the cultural center of America, and because of the role of the financial markets — the New York State Comptroller should be the natural organizer and national leader of these pension funds. And I’m going to do that.
Alka: Yes, that would be very, very good. So now tell me, in the end, how can our vibrant South Asian community support you?
Raj: Well, you’re so very kind. If the community could spread the word — let them know — go to RajGoyle.com. That’s RajGoyle.com. My website is there. Of course, I’m on social media — on Instagram and Twitter and TikTok. And spread the word among the community in New York State. It’s a huge state, you know. It’s not just the five boroughs of New York City. It’s Long Island. It’s upstate. It’s Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca. You know, my mom and dad left Delhi in India in 1970 and moved to Rochester. My older brother was raised in Rochester. We then spent decades in the Midwest.
And then one thing I should say before I go — because it’s the thing I’m most proud of in my life, and I think the community would like to know this — is that ten years ago, when my wife and I and my then one-year-old baby, my older daughter, moved to New York City, my parents were alone. And so, at ages 79 and 72, my dad and my mom moved to New York City. They became Manhattanites. They took the subway and learned Spanish, and my father worked until he was 86. Then we very, very sadly lost him a few years ago. Then we moved Monica’s parents from Orange County. She’s been a New Yorker her whole life. She was raised in Orange County, a daughter of public school teachers. They live on our block, and we sadly lost my father-in-law a couple of years ago. We miss him horribly. But, you know, we lived in a joint family. Monica and I basically created a joint family in Lower Manhattan. That is the best way to live.
Alka: I love that Indian culture back home. We never felt like who is who over there — everybody was your people, right? Everyone was your sisters’ sisters, and brothers, and cousins, and aunties, and uncles.
Raj: Yeah, of course. Somebody asks you how many brothers and sisters you have — you just count everybody, and you tell them that number. Well, also, one thing: I never really knew my grandparents. In fact, I never even met them properly, and that’s because of immigration and because of finances. My parents didn’t have the money when we were growing up, and then we got so busy. So the fact that my daughters were raised with all four grandparents… One thing I say is, they didn’t even say hello to my father when he walked into the apartment. Not because they were being rude but because there was no reason to say hello. He was around all the time.
Alka: Yes. And that blessing they have — and you are blessed to have them around your children. The values they learned when they were present. That is the root.
Raj: That is, you know… It doesn’t matter what happens in business or politics. We’ll be right back. The values they learned when they were present, that is the root. That is the root. That is — you know — it doesn’t matter what happens in business or politics for me. My soul is at peace because I was able to serve my parents, continue to serve my mother and my mother-in-law, and give that to my daughters, whatever happens with them. That’s the thing I’m most pleased with that’s happened in our lives. And, you know, on the campaign, of course, we’re fighting like a dog to make sure that this office works — works for New Yorkers — to give them the better life they deserve. Times are hard, and the government and these offices should be leading in to help them.
So if you can spread the word at RajGoyle.com, obviously we’ll take anybody’s financial support as well. I should say quickly that in New York State there’s a really clever matching program. So if you give $200 to the campaign, it actually becomes $1,400. That’s a six-to-one match up to the first $250 for any New Yorker. That’s a very powerful thing. So we’d be grateful for anyone listening to go to RajGoyle.com and volunteer — sign up to volunteer or financially support the campaign.
Alka: Well, let me tell you, friends: if you want to go and support Raj Goyle, his website is RajGoyle.com — Goyle is spelled G-O-Y-L-E.
Raj: Yes, thank you. Yes, thank you for clarifying that. Yes, my father spelled it G-O-Y-L-E. There’s probably a million Rajiv Goyles in the world, but I’m the only Raj Goyle spelled this way.
Alka: And if you Google and you go to New York State, then you will find him there.
Raj: Yes, yes. Thank you all. Thank you, Alka, for coming on EBC Radio and sharing your thoughts and views and what is the future planning for you to do. And I’m really happy and, again, wishing you all the best for the success.
Alka: Thank you so much. We’ll talk to you soon.
Raj: Honored to be on.
Alka: Yes. Bye-bye. Take care.
Raj: Bye.
Interview With Dr. Manpreet Kohli 3 Oct 1:20 PM (19 days ago)
Click the video below for the full interview with Dr. Manpreet Kohli
Namashkar and welcome to EBC Radio 1170 AM, RP Choice, and I’m your host Alka. I invite all my lovely listeners to join us for a very special health education series which is brought to you by RWJ Barnabas Health. We bring you conversations with leading doctors and health experts. Together we’ll explore simple tips, important guidance, and the latest updates to keep you and your family very healthy.
So today our topic is breast cancer in the health education series. The doctor to speak on this topic is going to be Dr. Manpreet Kohli. Dr. Manpreet Kohli is the director of Breast Surgery for Monmouth Medical Centre and Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health Hospital. Dr. Kohli is a Cancer Liaison Physician for the Commission on Cancer, recognized locally and nationally for her work in the field of breast cancer.
She is an early adopter of new technology and created the region’s first lymphedema prevention program utilizing bioimpedance spectroscopy and MacTrace, and helped launch the state’s first Paxman Scalp Cooling program to help prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss. Dr. Kohli was the first in New Jersey to become certified in Hidden Scar breast surgery. In 2015, she was named American Cancer Society’s Healthcare Professional of the Year.
In 2019 and 2021, she created the nonprofit organization Eye Pink Eye Can to help provide equality in breast cancer care, regardless of financial status. This has helped remove barriers to care for many women in Monmouth County after a breast cancer diagnosis. She strives to provide the highest level of comprehensive and compassionate care to set patients up for a long and successful survivorship.
Dr. Kohli received a medical degree from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University in India. She completed her surgery residency program at Monmouth Medical Centre and completed her Breast Surgical Oncology fellowship at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Roosevelt and Beth Israel Centre in New York. She’s also a member of the American College of Surgeons.
So with that, let’s welcome Dr. Kohli on ABC Radio.
Dr. Kohli: I’m great. Thank you so much for having me and for such a wonderful introduction.
Alka: Well, I’m so honoured to have you back again on the radio and it is a privilege and honor to be speaking to you today here.
Dr. Kohli: Oh, well, it’s a wonderful time to come back, especially with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Alka: Yes, doctor, as you know, the topic is breast cancer. So let us talk a little bit about that, why it is so important for women to understand the importance of screening for breast cancer.
Dr. Kohli: Well, it’s hugely important to be aware of the risk of breast cancer that all women have. And when somebody waits to feel a lump, they’re often finding this lump when it’s a higher stage. If a patient is going for a mammogram when they don’t have any lumps or anything that they can feel, sometimes we find things before you can feel it. And if we are, we will be finding breast cancer at an early, early stage when it’s less aggressive with fewer treatments. Potentially sometimes we find things even before there is cancer and have an opportunity to prevent cancer from developing. So none of that is possible without going for screening imaging. That’s so important.
Alka: So, at what age should women start getting a regular mammogram and how often should they get screened?
Dr. Kohli: Certainly, all women should at the very least have a mammogram at age 40, and they should continue this once a year. When they stop is really a matter of when will we stop wanting to do something with the results of that imaging study. As long as a patient is healthy, can tolerate a mammogram, and tolerate any treatments I might be able to offer, which tend to not be so aggressive, then we continue to screen. What is really important though is sometimes there are women that benefit from starting before age 40. And those are patients who might have had a family history of breast cancer or some other risk factors that make them at a higher risk than the average person. If that’s the case, we want to start screening earlier than age 40, and using maybe some additional tools, not just mammogram, but maybe MRI.
Alka: So somebody who has a family history, they should be really seeking to go for the screening earlier, right?
Dr. Kohli: Definitely. Yeah, so family history is a really important thing to keep track of. But what I will say, most people are very surprised to hear that most breast cancers happen in people that have no family history. And 85% of breast cancer happen in people that have no history in their family of breast cancer. So it often, even though it is very important, sometimes we have a false sense of security if we don’t have any family members that have had it. And that’s sometimes why I see women not go for screening imaging, because they think that they’re not going to get it because no one else in their family has.
Alka: Hmm, yeah, that’s something they should not be following.
Dr. Kohli: Of course, if you have a history, it is more important to be more alert and talk to the physician. And if they recommend you go for early screening, you should. But if you’re not having history as doctors say, I think still we all should go after age 40 for every year screening.
Alka: Right, exactly. Okay, so doctor, now what are different treatment options for someone recently diagnosed with breast cancer?
Dr. Kohli: Treatment options are improving every single day, and the care of breast cancer is changing at such a pace that we really have to be very aware of the latest research updates. And it’s amazing to see how the process has improved. So it’s a much less aggressive course for patients who are treated for breast cancer. We’re really aiming specifically at the cancer and trying our best not to have as much collateral damage to the individual, so really targeting the cancer with few side effects. So we have so many different options that we really tailor the plan based on the person right in front of us and their specific type of cancer.
Alka: As you said, the care, like, you know, you have done the study and research with chemotherapy, the hair loss, and scalp cooling.
Dr. Kohli: Yes, so I think it’s really a scary thing when people hear the word cancer, they immediately envision themselves as very sick, very ill without hair. And the truth is many breast cancers don’t need chemotherapy. And if somebody is in need of chemotherapy, which in that case is really considered life-saving treatment, it’s very sad to see one in 12 women decline chemotherapy because they’re worried about hair loss. So the way that we address that is with scalp cooling. And that does a great job of preventing chemotherapy from having as much of an effect on the hair follicles. And so it preserves identity. You can still get excellent treatment and still look like yourself without people knowing if you’re getting chemotherapy and saving your hair. And chemotherapies are not as aggressive as they once were. Some regimens don’t have hair loss. And we even have some really new groundbreaking options where we’re doing immunotherapy using the body’s immune system, working on vaccines for breast cancer. It’s really unbelievable to see what is on the horizon for breast cancer care. So science and technology is really moving so fast, which is helping the patients.
Alka: Oh, absolutely. So doctor, can you let me tell again, my friends who have just joined EBC Radio, we are in talks with Dr. Manpreet Kohli and our topic today is breast cancer. So please, listen carefully. They are very, very good information doctors providing us.
Dr. Kohli: Oh, absolutely.
Alka: So, doctor, can you talk about the prevalence of breast cancer in the South Asian community and provide any advice to this population?
Dr. Kohli: Absolutely. As someone of Indian heritage myself, I’ve really seen how there are misconceptions. Culturally, this isn’t something that was always so readily shared. People are very private sometimes and don’t want to burden other people with their health problems. Sometimes we aren’t aware if there is a history of breast cancer in the family or it was once very taboo. But the truth is breast cancer affects all ethnicities, and in Indian women, it is the most common type of cancer. Though it was previously cervical cancer, now breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Indian women.
What’s unfortunate is because we don’t have as high a level of awareness, Indian women get diagnosed at a later stage with more advanced cases. Over 70% of Indian breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a more advanced stage, which can reduce the survival rate. So it’s important to go for screening imaging to give us the best chance of early detection. If caught very early, breast cancer has a very high 99 to 100% survival rate.
We also want to make sure we’re eating healthy. Obesity is a risk factor, having a poor diet, really keeping ideal body mass index—these are very helpful. Being active is also important. These are things that every doctor will say are beneficial, but especially in breast cancer care, it can really help reduce risk if you’re taking care of yourself. Lifestyle is extremely important for every individual.
Alka: Yeah, so now doctor, the last question I would ask you is why should listeners seek cancer care at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centre like Rutgers Cancer Institute and Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health?
Dr. Kohli: NCI-designated cancer centers are not common. It takes a lot to establish that distinction. This means that this is a cancer center that has access to the latest clinical trials. Sometimes people think of clinical trials as experimental, but it’s not experimental on the individual. It gives access to the latest and greatest treatments before anyone else has them more widely adopted elsewhere, proving that there are better options than previous ways we were treating cancer.
It’s really important to remember that not just awareness to go for imaging matters, but if you are diagnosed, you want access to the latest and greatest care. This is how you get through it with minimal side effects and the longest long-term outcomes with a good prognosis.
You also want to ensure your breast imagers only do breast imaging, and your surgeons are specialty-trained in surgical oncology of the breast. These things matter. Thankfully, we have access to multiple locations throughout New Jersey, with a centralized phone number to connect patients to physicians in their area affiliated with our NCI-designated cancer center at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson.
Alka: Wow, that is really amazing because, as a patient, you don’t need to run around in different places. It’s all in one place.
Dr. Kohli: That’s right. All you have to do is call and show up, and the rest we take care of. Many decades ago, people had to travel far to New York City or Philadelphia, but now that level of care is close to home. You don’t have the barriers of transportation issues, traffic, or stress from missing an appointment.
Alka: Yeah, we really want to make it as easy as possible because we know it can be difficult and stressful. Now they have a beautiful new hospital in New Brunswick, the Morrison Cheryl.
Dr. Kohli: Hell yeah, it’s beautiful. We also have another new cancer center, the Vogel, being developed in Monmouth County on the previous Fort Monmouth site, aiming for the end of 2026. You can see it being constructed if you drive down the Parkway—very nice.
Alka: So Robert Johnson is really bringing the best treatment for cancer and all other kinds of disease. People should consider contacting them to see what the best treatment they can get is.
Dr. Kohli: Exactly.
Alka: So doctor, before I let you go, what is the one message you would like to leave for listeners about breast cancer awareness and prevention?
Dr. Kohli: Breast cancer isn’t as scary as it once was. Fear has held women back because they’re scared of being diagnosed. Care has improved so much that it is certainly inconvenient, but in most cases, if caught early, it is extremely treatable with very few long-term side effects and a great prognosis. Rather than letting fear stop you from getting the imaging you need, go and get a mammogram, get reassurance that you’re in the clear, and if you’re not, at least you’ve caught it as early as possible, and we can take care of the rest.
Alka: Very, very good message for listeners. Screening and catching the cancer at the earliest is key.
Dr. Kohli: Absolutely.
Alka: Thank you, Dr. Manpreet Kohli, for sharing such valuable insights with our listeners today. We truly appreciate your time and commitment to spreading awareness. Friends, remember, your health is your wealth. Go for screening—hopefully there won’t be any cancer. If it is there, it is caught early, and there are great doctors like Dr. Kohli to treat you.
Dr. Kohli: Thank you so much for having me.
Interview With Dr. Vignesh Packiam 26 Sep 12:42 PM (26 days ago)
Watch the full interview with Dr. Vignesh Packiam:
You are listening to ABC Radio, WWTR, 1170 AM, Bridgewater. Your choice. Good afternoon, friends. You are listening to ABC Radio, 1170 AM, Apki Choice. And I’m your host, Alka. And you know, whenever Alka comes on the radio, she brings you a very, very special guest. And again, we have a very renowned person on the radio. We will be talking to him a little later. Thank you.
So today, this is a health education series, which is brought to you by Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health. And this is very, very close to my heart, this segment. I believe health is wealth. And if your health is good, you are wealthy.
To talk today, we have a topic: bladder cancer. And to talk on the topic, we have Dr. Vignesh Packiam. Dr. Vignesh Packiam is a urologic surgeon-oncologist at Rutgers Cancer Institute and Jack and Cheryl Morris Cancer Center, specializing in the treatment of urologic cancers with a specialization in bladder cancer.
He earned his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh and completed a urology residency at the University of Chicago, followed by a fellowship in urological oncology at the Mayo Clinic. Prior to joining Rutgers Cancer Institute, he built a busy clinical practice and research program at the University of Iowa, performing more than 100 bladder removals each year and gaining extensive experience with advanced intravesical therapies for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
His research is centered on developing and implementing several new treatments for bladder cancer. He has received funding from the American Cancer Society to improve the safety and effectiveness of therapies for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. His research also explores biomarkers and precision medicine, finding ways to match each patient with the treatment most likely to help them. In addition, he leads studies on quality of life and novel therapeutics with the goal of restoring patients’ bladder function and well-being after treatment. Dr. Packiam has co-authored more than 150 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.
Wow, doctor, such a great bio you have and what an achievement you have achieved in your time here. So a very warm welcome, Dr. Vignesh Packiam, on ABC Radio. How are you doing?
Dr. Packiam: Thank you. I’m doing great and appreciate you having me on here. I’m really excited to be able to talk to you and your audience today about bladder cancer.
Alka: Yes. As we are talking about bladder cancer, the topic is bladder cancer. So can you discuss some of the symptoms of bladder cancer?
Dr. Packiam: Yes, absolutely. One of the troubles with bladder cancer is that a lot of the time it doesn’t show many symptoms. It can be subtle, especially in the beginning. The most common symptom, or way that bladder cancer presents, is painless blood in the urine. So anytime someone has blood in the urine, they should immediately go to the physician. It’s really important to make sure that there is nothing going on beyond just a urinary tract infection. Oftentimes, some men and women will have a delay in diagnosis of bladder cancer if the blood in the urine is thought to be from a urinary tract infection. So it’s always important to see a urologist in addition to the primary care doctor to take a closer look and make sure there’s nothing else going on.
The other symptoms that can sometimes happen, especially if bladder cancers get very large or fill up most of the bladder, are pain with urination, irritative peeing symptoms like feeling the urge to rush to the bathroom, leaking, or sometimes burning with urination. But really, the most common thing is visible blood in the urine.
Alka: So, doctor, as you said, leaking or going more often for urination. Many times people see that when they are diabetic. So they do feel those kinds of symptoms. How do they differentiate between that?
Dr. Packiam: I would say the vast majority of the time, if patients are just having voiding symptoms, it’s not from bladder cancer. It’s really when those symptoms are unexplained that we have to look a little further to see if it’s bladder cancer or not.
Another test that can sometimes be useful is to check for microscopic blood in the urine. We can check for that just by doing a urinalysis and looking for blood there. If there’s no blood inside the urine microscopically, there’s a very low chance of there being bladder cancer. And most of the time, that’s one of the tests that’s ordered when people have troubles with urination.
Alka: From my side, doctor, I would like to ask this question: is this test part of your physical checkup, or does it need to be ordered if there are any symptoms?
Dr. Packiam: That’s a good question. It’s not a standard part of the workup. It just depends on your primary care doctor’s philosophy and how aggressive they want to be with testing. Some primary care doctors order very few tests; others like to order a lot of tests. So this one isn’t mandatory, but it’s usually a good idea if there are any symptoms.
Alka: Okay, great. So how does bladder cancer get diagnosed?
Dr. Packiam: Once there’s a concern for the possibility of bladder cancer or if we want to work up a situation where there’s visible or microscopic blood in the urine, there are really two main steps for diagnosing bladder cancer.
The first step is a special type of CAT scan called a CT urogram that has three phases. One phase is without contrast, which looks for kidney stones. The second phase is the enhancing phase with contrast, which helps us look for masses in the kidney or tumors in the urinary tract. The third phase is a delayed phase, where the contrast goes into the urine, helping us see areas in the bladder that may be suspicious for cancer. This is a very useful test and is usually the first step in diagnosing bladder cancer.
The second step is a cystoscopy, where we take a small flexible camera and look inside the bladder. Most of the time, we do this in the office. It’s a little invasive because it’s about the width of a pencil, but usually not painful and very quick, taking about 30 seconds. We look around the bladder to make sure there’s nothing going on. Sometimes bladder tumors are too small to be detected on a CAT scan, but the camera allows us to see them easily. Early detection is very important so that we can treat bladder cancer more effectively and reduce the chance of recurrence.
Alka: All right. So, doctor, what are some treatment options for bladder cancer, and are there new approaches for managing it?
Dr. Packiam: It’s a very exciting time for bladder cancer treatment. Before 10 years ago, there weren’t many new advances, but in the last decade, we’ve seen a lot of progress, both in surgery and treatments.
Usually, the first step is to remove the tumor endoscopically. We use a special instrument to look inside the bladder while the patient is asleep and use a loop to remove all of the tumor from the inside. There are no skin incisions, and once removed, the pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of cancer. Endoscopic removal is therapeutic by itself.
At Rutgers, we use blue light cystoscopy, where a special chemical taken up by bladder cancer cells makes tumors glow bright pink under a certain wavelength of light. Studies show this finds 30–40% more tumors than standard white light, reducing recurrence.
After removal, medicines can be placed inside the bladder to prevent recurrence. For a long time, we only had one or two decent therapies. In the last five years, we’ve had FDA approval of four or five new treatments and new drug delivery devices, making treatments more effective.
Alka: That is fantastic, doctor. I hear that bladder cancer often comes back. With the new treatments, can you really target most of the cancer cells in the bladder?
Dr. Packiam: Yes. This cancer is prone to recurrence, but newer treatments are increasingly effective at both preventing recurrence and treating it if it comes back. Previously, if the first treatment failed, we often had to remove the entire bladder. Now, that’s less common, especially for non-invasive cancers.
Alka: Friends, if you have just tuned in, we are talking to Dr. Vignesh Packiam about bladder cancer. This segment is a health education series brought to you by Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health.
Alka: Doctor, how does bladder cancer impact the South Asian community?
Dr. Packiam: That’s a great question. We don’t fully understand how different populations are affected. Most U.S. research focuses on white patients, but bladder cancer does affect South Asians. The recommendations I mentioned earlier—monitoring closely for blood in the urine—are very applicable to South Asians.
Alka: Personally, I notice when you first see a doctor, forms usually don’t allow you to specify South Asian or Indian ethnicity.
Dr. Packiam: That’s true. Many forms just say “Asian” and don’t let us specify. If that data isn’t collected, South Asians aren’t fully counted in research studies.
Alka: Why should listeners seek cancer care at NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers like Rutgers Cancer Institute and Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health?
Dr. Packiam: I’m proud to work at Rutgers. Our cutting-edge research informs our clinical program. Patients benefit from the best surgical and pharmaceutical treatments, research programs, and clinical trials. Specialists like us dedicate their time and energy to one problem, and our expertise helps patients get the best care.
The Jack and Cheryl Morris Cancer Center, next to Rutgers, is a beautiful, patient-centered hospital. It’s designed to be calming and peaceful, which helps patients recover.
Alka: Doctor, before we let you go, how can listeners prevent bladder cancer, or if they have it, how can they get timely diagnosis and treatment?
Dr. Packiam: By far, the number one preventable cause of bladder cancer is smoking. Stopping or never starting smoking is the best prevention. The longer someone has quit, the lower their risk.
Other exposures, like processed foods and microplastics, are being studied. Even though smoking rates have gone down, bladder cancer diagnoses remain stable, so research continues.
The most important step for early detection is to see a doctor immediately if there’s blood in the urine and advocate for more in-depth testing beyond ruling out a urinary tract infection.
Alka: So microscopic blood in the urine—how is that detected?
Dr. Packiam: There are two types of blood: visible (gross hematuria) and microscopic. Microscopic blood is found via urinalysis, where urine is examined under a microscope. If a certain threshold is met, further evaluation with a CAT scan and cystoscopy is recommended. Most peeing symptoms alone are not due to bladder cancer, but urinalysis is a cheap and non-invasive test to check for microscopic blood.
Alka: Thank you so much, doctor. I also want to thank Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health for sponsoring this health education series and bringing great doctors to ABC Radio to educate listeners. Life is busy, and this helps people know what to do and avoid. I look forward to speaking with you again, doctor, and happy Navratri to you. Stay well.
Dr. Packiam: Thank you so much. Great to chat with you, and we’ll be in touch.
Interview With Dr. Rachana Kulkarni 16 Sep 10:36 AM (last month)
Watch the full interview with Dr. Rachana Kulkarni, Akshaya Patra Foundation.
Good afternoon, friends. You’re listening to EBC Radio 1170 AM, Apki Choice, and I’m your host, Alka Ji. Today we will be talking to an extraordinary leader, a changemaker, Dr. Rachana Kulkarni. She is a renowned cardiologist in New Jersey, the president and CEO of Medicor Cardiology, and also serves as director of cardiovascular services at Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health System.
Beyond her medical achievements, she is a true philanthropist, passionate about furthering education for children. Dr. Kulkarni has been instrumental in starting and growing the Tri-State chapter of Akshaya Patra, and today she also serves as vice chair of Akshaya Patra USA.
So join me in welcoming Dr. Rachana Kulkarni on EBC Radio.
Dr. Kulkarni, how are you doing, Alkadi?
First of all, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity and thank you for your kind words. I’m doing well and I wish well to all the listeners.
Well, that’s very nice of you, Dr. Kulkarni. So as we know, you have been so active in the community and, of course, in your profession, which is amazing—saving people’s hearts and health. And along with that, you do such philanthropic work. And when you talk about education, you know that for children, education is something very, very important, right?
So I want to hear a lot about all that from you. Can you tell our listeners about Akshaya Patra and the mission behind it? Because I know you are vice chair of Akshaya Patra USA, I want to hear from you.
Certainly, Alkadi. Um, Akshaya Patra is the world’s largest NGO midday meal program. It started in Bangalore with a very simple vision: no child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger. Our goal is to eliminate classroom hunger by implementing and supplementing the midday meal program.
So, you know, if a child is sent to school hungry, needless to say, they cannot focus on education. What Akshaya Patra does is provide nutritious hot meals, unlimited hot meals, which anchor the child to study in government and government-aided schools. And we have seen over the last 20 years that by providing unlimited hot meals to a child, the child is retained in the education system, graduation rates improve, and eventually, the child can have an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.
So today we serve children in 72 highly mechanized kitchens across 25,000 schools in India. And we do it very cost-effectively: $20 feeds a child for a full school year. We believe that this work enhances not only the overall health and well-being of a child, it improves overall school nourishment and graduation scores. We give them the opportunity to pursue their dreams for a brighter future and pull their families out of poverty.
Very good. That’s the mission. Yeah, I mean, without food, you cannot focus—if you don’t eat lunch one day, we just go crazy, right? At the office or wherever you are, you don’t get your cup of tea, you just feel, “Oh my God.” So yeah, these kids don’t get meals or they don’t have enough to fill their stomachs or provide food for the family. That is very sad. But yeah, actually, Akshaya Patra provides these midday meals to children for education, which is amazing.
So what inspired you personally to get involved with Akshaya Patra here in the Tri-State area?
Thank you for asking that question because I always felt that we are here because of our education. Education is why our community is one of the very successful communities in the US, because we are all highly educated. My education came from India. The government of India did subsidize my education through scholarships. But I made all my fortune here, like many of us who migrated.
True, so I always feel, what better way than supporting the same vehicle that brought me here, and play an instrumental role in my success, which is education. I was trying to find a way to channel my energies into giving back, because you always worry, right? How can I find a good medium? I want all the money and efforts I give to go toward the right cause.
When I was doing my research, a friend invited us for lunch, and I said, “You know, this is perfect.” Akshaya Patra combines nourishment with education to make a better future for children. I thought it was the perfect vehicle for me to channel my energy.
And fortunately, I met a lot of like-minded people who shared a vision of societal upliftment. That was the genesis of the Tri-State chapter of Akshaya Patra.
That is amazing and how well you have put it together. You found the right organization where you could be part of it, donate, and start working toward service. You have brought it so far. This organization is now well-known in the Tri-State area and even across the USA and globally.
I would say now this is getting very popular. The mission is very clear and simple, and $20 feeds a child for the entire school year—what more could you ask?
So if you look at the impact that this small contribution makes, you wonder how you cannot make that contribution, right?
Yes. Even a small donation makes a big difference. If you cannot help 100 people, help one. Twenty dollars can change one child’s life. And if so many people come together, we can serve thousands.
Can you give the number—how many children are we feeding every day?
Sure. Today, we are feeding 2.2 million children every day in over 23,000 schools across 75 locations in India. And I’m very proud to say in the last 20 years, we haven’t missed a meal.
I would like to ask all your listeners for support so that we can continue our mission and vision.
So friends, you have just heard Dr. Rachana Kulkarni. She is vice chair of Akshaya Patra USA. She came here with an education, and after achieving her professional success, she wanted to give back. Food is such an important aspect—if your stomach is empty, you cannot focus.
Akshaya Patra is the right organization. We encourage you to come forward and support. To know more, you can go to apusa.org, which is Akshaya Patra USA’s website. There you can find more information, join the team, or volunteer.
What can attendees expect at your annual fundraising gala, and how will it support the mission?
Great question, Alkadi. We are hosting our annual fundraising gala on October 11th at the Newark Airport Marriott from 5:00 to 10:00 PM. It will be an amazing evening full of heartwarming stories and entertainment. Penn Masala, one of the biggest South Asian a cappella groups, will be performing. It will be a fun-filled evening spent with like-minded people. I encourage all of you to come and support our mission.
If someone wants to become a sponsor or buy tickets, how can they do that?
Tickets for the gala are $500 per person, and there are sponsorship opportunities. You can find all the information at apusa.org under the events tab. Akshaya Patra New Jersey also has a Facebook page with details.
I always feel that whatever I have given to Akshaya Patra, I have gotten so much back. The happiness and satisfaction from making an impact on that scale is enormous. You see children who were five or ten years old grow up to support their families and even become part of the Akshaya Patra team. It feels so proud—your contributions truly go to a good cause.
Over the last decade, I have visited kitchens in India. The last kitchen I visited was in Bangalore, which is one of the most state-of-the-art kitchens. There is a whole wall of success stories. In the kitchen, we get fresh food from farms. One beneficiary has now become a landowner and provides vegetables to the kitchen. Another beneficiary who managed a kitchen has grown into a successful entrepreneur. These children have become professionals and are now paying it forward. It feels like a full circle.
You can see many impact and success stories on the Akshaya Patra website.
Friends, we are talking to Dr. Rachana Kulkarni, vice chair of Akshaya Patra USA. By profession, she is a renowned cardiologist in New Jersey, president and CEO of Medical Cardiology, and director of cardiovascular services at Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health System.
Dr. Kulkarni, you are such a busy professional woman—how do you balance your medical career with your charitable work?
You know, if you are passionate about something, if the work gives you pleasure and satisfaction, it doesn’t feel like work—it becomes enjoyment. Being passionate about the cause and joining like-minded people makes it a pleasure to be part of the Akshaya Patra family. Everyone shares the common goal of societal upliftment and supporting education in children.
Money is important for any nonprofit, but with Akshaya Patra, there is so much more you can contribute—time and talent are just as valuable. Anyone who wants to work for the mission can find a way to contribute.
Once again, I want to remind you that the gala is happening on October 11. You can find complete information at apusa.org, and there is full transparency—every dollar goes directly to Akshaya Patra. They are listed with the highest ratings on Charity Navigator and other charity review organizations.
As many listeners may know, in April 2024, Akshaya Patra was recognized at the United Nations for their contribution to addressing world hunger and education. They have served over 5 billion meals, a truly proud moment. In June 2025, they were awarded the Full Safety Culture Award in India.
Dr. Kulkarni, your leadership and the transparency of the organization are truly inspiring. Thank you so much for coming on EBC Radio.
Thank you, Alkadi. My personal invite to all listeners is to support, get involved, and attend the gala.