150 guests, celebrated speakers, a spellbinding performance by Sparsh Shah, and an outpouring of generosity — Atlanta’s first VOSAP Gala was a landmark evening for disability inclusion.
April 26, 2026 · Atlanta, Georgia
Voice of Specially Abled People (VOSAP) made history on April 25, 2026, hosting its very first fundraiser gala in Atlanta. Held at Chef Dinesh Cafe in Duluth under the theme “Empowering Ability: VOSAP Gala – Chapter: Atlanta,” the evening united 150 guests at full capacity — community leaders, doctors, philanthropists, and advocates — all rallying behind a shared vision of a more inclusive and accessible world.
By the close of the night, the gala had surpassed every expectation — raising over $150,000 in a single evening.
A Milestone Evening for VOSAP and Atlanta
The gala’s success was not just financial — it was a powerful affirmation of community belief in VOSAP’s mission. VOSAP Founders Usha and Pranav Desai addressed the gathering, returning to Atlanta after 25 years to a room full of inspired supporters — a moment described by Usha Desai as profoundly moving.
“Coming back to Atlanta after 25 years and seeing so many friends and people rallied behind VOSAP’s mission — it is humbling and energising.” — Usha Desai, VOSAP Founder
Chief Guests: Padma Bhushan Dr. Jagdish Sheth & Smt. Madhu Sheth
The gala was graced by distinguished chief guests Padma Bhushan Dr. Jagdish Sheth and Smt. Madhu Sheth. Dr. Sheth — a globally renowned scholar, born a migrant from Burma — delivered a deeply moving address on his journey from hardship to becoming one of India’s most celebrated academics and philanthropists. His foundation today supports over 60 non-profit organisations.
His message to the room was clear: giving is not a burden — it is a privilege and a purpose. His words moved many guests to contribute generously to the VOSAP cause.
Sparsh Shah: A Performance That Proved Disability Is No Limitation
One of the most unforgettable moments of the evening came from VOSAP Ambassador Sparsh Shah — a celebrated singer born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a rare bone disorder — who has inspired millions worldwide with his voice and story. His live performance was met with cheers, tears, and standing ovations, reminding every person in the room that disability is not a limitation, but a different expression of strength and talent.
Atlanta’s VOSAP Chapter: A Community That Showed Up
The success of the gala reflects months of dedicated outreach by VOSAP’s Atlanta Chapter, led by Shri Nimish and Parul Sevak. Working tirelessly for two months, the team invited community members, shared VOSAP’s impact stories, and encouraged people to see the cause firsthand — an effort that directly translated into full-house attendance and generous donations.
The chapter was further strengthened by prominent community advocates including Mustafa Ajmeri, Jatin Shah, Dr. Naresh Parikh, Dr. Dhaval Shah, Dr. Darshana Vyas, Dr. Sameer Parikh, Atul Bhingarde, Mukesh Shah, and Ashish Udas, whose advocacy amplified VOSAP’s message across the broader Atlanta community.
Behind the scenes, 26 volunteers — spanning ages 14 to 75 — brought the evening to life. Sagar and Malay captured the night through their lenses; Ankur helmed the complete AV and tech setup and also took to the stage for a live performance alongside Rehman and Anita. Youth volunteers guided guests through an exhibition of innovative assistive devices, while an artwork showcase added a creative dimension to the evening — together crafting a rich, immersive experience that stayed with every guest long after the night ended.
Generous Donors Leading by Example
The evening saw remarkable generosity from Atlanta’s medical and professional community, from the chief guests and their family and friends, and from across the broader attendee community — collectively pushing fundraising past the landmark $150,000 mark. Their contributions will directly support VOSAP’s programs in assistive technology, accessibility, and inclusion for specially abled individuals in India and the US.
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