Prayas Insights
About our Organization
Prayas was established in April 2012 at Columbus, Ohio. Prayas is a nonprofit organization aimed at infusing the traditional Bengali culture with our Western lifestyle to build a stronger community. It promotes Bengali Culture among new generation growing up in USA and raises awareness in other local communities. Our goal is to strengthen the relation of the Bengali community with its roots by celebrating Bengali festivals and organizing other cultural events. The name, Prayas, the Bengali word for effort (derived from Sanskrit), signifies our incessant strive for excellence in service to the community. We believe in nurturing our symbiotic relations not only within our own community but also with the local communities around us... more
Promote Bengali culture through drama, literature, poetry, music, and dance in Bengali and other South Asian languages for the benefit and education of the general public. Foster a sense of community in South Asian Communities of Central Ohio by celebrating major festivals of Bengal and sponsoring community events. Give back to the local and global community through charitable activities. Organize fundraisers for financial assistance and provide emotional support if needed for our Prayas friends and families.
Promote Bengali culture through drama, literature, poetry, music, and dance in Bengali and other South Asian languages for the benefit and education of the general public. Foster a sense of community in South Asian Communities of Central Ohio by celebrating major festivals of Bengal and sponsoring community events. Give back to the local and global community through charitable activities. Organize fundraisers for financial assistance and provide emotional support if needed for our Prayas friends and families.
Respect
We will strive to:
Recognize and respect each member, each donor and each patron with equality.
Treat others as we would ourselves like to be treated.
Honesty and Integrity
We will:
Be truthful in all dealings with members, donors, patrons and the general public.
Strive to maintain transparency in financial transactions and asset management in a manner that will merit the respect of the members, donors, patrons and the general public.
Compassion
We will strive to:
Maintain genuine concern for fellow community members.
Organize community outreach activities for benefit of all the communities around us.
Work tirelessly towards our mission, goals and objectives.
Meet the Board
Bijit Bhaduri
Chairman
Soumya Mitra
Vice Chairman
Swati Datta
General Secretary
Sanghamitra Bhattacharyya
Treasurer
Santayan Paul
IT Director
Illina Sarkar
Cultural Secretary
Mahua Dasgupta
Food & Community Outreach
Please scan the QR code to Register
Prayas Columbus is honored to receive the Ohio Arts Council's (OAC) Grant for 2023. The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.
Objectives & Goal
Community & Social Initiatives
- Senior Meet-Up & Tea Circle
- Wisdom Sharing Sessions
- Intergenerational Mentorship
- Senior Talent Showcas
Service & Volunteer Initiatives
- Community Care Team
- Charity Drive Leadership
- Senior Volunteer Recognition Program
Fundraising & Growth Ideas
- Senior Cultural Night
- Cooking Classes by Seniors
- Community Sponsorship Opportunities
Cultural & Educational Initiatives
- Cultural Heritage Preservation Project
- Senior Book & Movie Club
- Festival Ambassador Program
Volunteer Spotlight – Prayas
At Prayas, our strength lies in the passion and dedication of our volunteers—the heart of everything we do. Each volunteer brings their unique energy, creativity, and commitment to preserving culture, building community, and creating meaningful impact.
From organizing vibrant cultural events and celebrating Bengali festivals to supporting charitable initiatives and fundraising efforts, our volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes to make every effort successful. Their contributions help promote Bengali culture through art, literature, music, and dance, while also fostering a strong sense of belonging within the South Asian community in Central Ohio. ...more