On September 15, 2024, during Asha-Jyothi’s 16th annual 5K Run/Walk charity event in Fairfax, Virginia, Senator Ms. Pekarsky presented the Asha-Jyothi team with an official resolution passed in the Senate on March 8, 2024, commending and memorializing the organization’s outstanding community service. The popular 5K event, which attracted over 1,200 participants from Fairfax and Loudoun counties, served as an ideal occasion for the Senator to recognize Asha-Jyothi’s generosity and contributions to the community. Several local Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) officials, including principals, were also in attendance to show their support for the organization’s efforts.

Asha-Jyothi was recognized for its health care and education initiatives, especially its work with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) through the “Educate-Innovate” program. This program helps schools build innovation labs and maker spaces by offering grants that boost technology and learning. It’s all about inspiring the next generation to get creative and embrace STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

“This recognition is a real honor for us,” said Raja Puli, who leads Asha-Jyothi’s local Community Outreach efforts. “We’re grateful to the VA Senate for recognizing what we do, and we’re committed to continuing our work to help local schools grow their technology resources.”

Founder Sekhar Puli was just as excited about the surprise commendation. “This is amazing and a pleasant surprise,” he said. “We’re also looking to help students explore careers in aerospace engineering and aviation.” In fact, the Asha-Jyothi team recently met with FCPS Superintendent Dr.Michelle Reid and school board member Seema Dixit to talk about ways to support FCPS’s aviation program.

The recognition also resonated with students. “The innovation lab at my school is one of my favorite places,” said Sloka Rajeev, a sophomore from Chantilly High School. “It’s where I get to experiment with 3D printing and robotics. I’m excited that Asha-Jyothi’s work is helping more students like me get access to these awesome opportunities.”

With this recognition, Asha-Jyothi is not just celebrating the past but looking to the future, building even stronger partnerships with local schools and continuing to open up exciting new educational opportunities for young people.