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Anwesha Dutta: One Ray of Hope Warming Thousands of Hearts

By Justin Windheim

About twelve years ago, Anwesha was introduced to Inglis through a volunteer gift-wrapping day. What began as a simple act of kindness quickly became what can only be described as “the gift that keeps on giving”—every day, within the Inglis community, throughout the Philadelphia metro area, and beyond. 

As a board member for almost a decade, Anwesha has made many valuable contributions. However, the most inspiring aspects of her story come from her role as artistic director for the Nava Nritya Dance Academy (NNDA) and co-founder of the Ray of Hope International Foundation. In very personal ways, Anwesha has made an impact by marrying her passion for the art of Indian dance and her devotion to making a direct contribution to programs that have a strong social impact at home and in India.

For more than 12 years, Anwesha’s Ray of Hope Foundation has supported the Inglis Assistive Technology Solutions program and Inglis’ Innovation Centers. Through dedicated annual fundraisers, the foundation has granted tens of thousands of dollars, helping people with disabilities gain access to the technology and services necessary to live independently. Just as impactful as the funding is Anwesha’s passion for spreading awareness not only of what we do, but the need for it and the power of every person to contribute. 

“My nephew said it best when he said, ‘All of us can lift our hands and hold the phone—imagine if you couldn’t.’ More than the funds, just being aware of what a disability is and how it affects the people around us is so important.”

Anwesha has instilled this awareness in both her family and the NNDA community. Through her own example, she’s motivated youth and adults to volunteer with fundraising and education. At NNDA’s annual recital alone, they bring about 800 attendees into awareness of Inglis’ mission and encourage a shared purpose supporting inclusion for their neighbors living with disabilities. 

“The humility in meeting people where they are. The empowerment. The emotional connections. They really stand out. Everything is about community. Inglis is very unique. There is no other organization like this.”

Anwesha’s foundation website makes a clear call to action, “Let’s give hope together!” We thank her for living this motto every day to help Inglis change lives.