Sample all the ‘Colors of India’ at Davis benefit

“Colors of India,” an Indian cultural extravaganza, is planned Saturday, Nov. 17, to raise funds for children’s learning centers in rural India. The event is sponsored by the UC Davis chapter of Visions Global Empowerment, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing leadership and life skills to youths affected by poverty and conflict in South Asia.

The event, which runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Brunelle Performance Hall at Davis High School, 315 W. 14th St., will feature Bollywood dance, Hindustani and Carnatic music, classical Indian dance and more.

Advance tickets are $15 general or $10 for students, available online at visionsglobalempowerment.org/colors-of-india. Tickets at the door will be $20 and $15. Senior citizens and children will be admitted free.

The children’s learning centers offer after-school instruction in language, math, English and science for children who live in deeply impoverished communities. Children also learn environmental, health, social and leadership skills.

The average cost of a center for 30 children is $810 per year, said Annie Falleiro, the UCD chapter’s treasurer.

“Providing these types of opportunities to children in impoverished communities, we as a community, are helping them build foundations to better their lives and community as a whole,” said Sumitra Tatapudy, the chapter’s president.