Indian-Americans have raised 2 Lakh dollars to reduce maternal and child mortality in impoverished rural areas of India. The fund was raised at an annual gala organised by American India Foundation in US Capital Washington. The programme was attended by influential guests from the US and Indian governments, corporate and entrepreneur leadership, media and philanthropy.<br/>'<br/>In his keynote address, renowned film writer, lyricist, and poet Javed Akhtar, praised the involvement of the American-Indian community in strengthening villages and small towns in India.<br/><br/>Indian Ambassador to US Arun Kumar Singh talked about current development challenges in India and the solutions being implemented across the country, including initiatives to revitalize the economy through entrepreneurship and start-ups. He also highlighted the crucial contribution of foundation's initiatives in female literacy and empowerment to this national economic effort.