The Karuna Charities Washington, Inc. is a local grassroots non-profit organization that truly encompasses the meaning of their name – Karuna in Sanskirt means “compassion.” Founded in 1998, the Karuna Charities is run by Indian American volunteers. Their mission is to make a difference in the lives of the needy and disadvantaged in the Washington Metropolitan area and in India. From a modest beginning, Karuna has grown in strength and numbers. Today, they have over 125 members and have donated over $300,000 to various deserving causes.
One of their central causes is education. Karuna has set up four scholarships, the first at Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC), the second at Montgomery College (MC), the third at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and most recently, one at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). Along with the scholarship established at USG, Karuna also created a $10,000 endowment fund this year. President Amrit Kalotra said, “We strongly believe the adage, ‘If you educate a woman, then the whole family is helped.’” Although their focus is on helping women and children, any student enrolled in a degree program offered at USG may apply for the scholarship. For the 2013-2014 academic year, two scholarships were awarded, one to Amir Mohammed and one to Christine Beehler.
Amir is a rising senior at Salisbury University in the Respiratory Therapy program at USG. Six years ago, he ventured to American from Ethiopia alone. His parents had both died from health complications, which inspired him to pursue a degree in the health field. Along with his class load, he is also a driver for UBER, which helps pay for some of his expenses. Amir was very grateful and honored to receive the Karuna Scholarship, “Thank you, this has helped me immensely. I keep my parents memories in my heart and continue to work towards a better future.”
Christine is a student at UMBC in the Social Work Program at USG and is expected to graduate August 2015. When asked how receiving the Karuna Scholarship has impacted her life, she replied “It has greatly reduced the amount of money I need to borrow for living expenses above and beyond my tuition. As a single mother of four children, this is a valuable thing.” Christine has had to learn how to balance her family life with her academics, which is a constant struggle. She candidly offers advice to other students struggling to finish their degrees, “Never give up. No matter how hard it seems, you can succeed. Take advantage of the wonderful resources USG has to help you through the tough times. They are here to help and they want to see you achieve your goals.”
Karuna Charities helps students throughout the region achieve their goals. They also support two educational and vocational schools in India. In addition to their emphasis on education, Karuna Charities engages in community service. This includes preparing meals for the homeless, buying medical supplies for HIV/AIDS patients, supporting orphanages and the sick, and raising money for victims of unforeseen natural disasters. For more information, please visit karunacharities.org.
Dr. Stewart Edelstein, USG’s Executive Director, thanked Karuna Charities for their generosity, “Their drive and purpose to help as many students achieve their higher education goals is truly remarkable. Amir and Christine represent two students, among countless others, who have experienced the compassion of Karuna Charities.”
Click here for more information about Karuna Charities and other scholarships available at USG.