Dave Chadha, a first-year student at Lehigh University, has launched a nonprofit aimed at providing dental care to blind children in New Delhi, India, following a deeply personal inspiration. Each summer, Chadha walked the streets of a poverty-stricken area in New Delhi with his grandfather, Harish Khosla, handing out essentials like toys, clothes, and food to those in need.
“My grandfather always believed that even a small amount could make a difference. If we had $2, he’d give 25 cents to someone who needed it more,” Chadha recalled. “He was someone who gave his last dollar to help others.”
When Khosla passed away during Chadha’s first year of high school, he wanted to honor his grandfather’s legacy by addressing a pressing issue: the lack of proper dental care for children in New Delhi.
After gaining experience working at Tarrytown Dental in his hometown of Ardsley, New York, Chadha founded Dental Care Bridge, a nonprofit dedicated to providing oral health services for blind children in the area. The organization collects donations from U.S. benefactors to purchase dental supplies and compensate local healthcare workers who deliver care to children in New Delhi. These workers examine children for cavities, check for signs of tobacco use, and replace water filters to ensure proper hygiene.
A significant portion of the funding for Dental Care Bridge comes from Chadha’s parents, Manny and Ranjana Chadha, and their networks. His outreach efforts have also drawn support from the American Indian community, local schools, and district leaders. To date, Chadha has raised over $100,000, including an $84,000 fundraiser this year alone.
“My fundraising comes from high-net-worth individuals who see the passion and determination in me and want to support the cause,” Chadha said. “They also benefit from tax deductions, making it a win-win situation.”
Chadha’s efforts extend beyond fundraising. He is also working with Lehigh University’s Dental Care Day, where his nonprofit pledged $10,000 in support. The event, held on February 23, required less than $2,000, and Chadha partnered with the Lehigh Dentist Society and a local Bethlehem dental office.
Despite his success, managing a nonprofit while being a full-time student presents unique challenges. Chadha is balancing his studies, travel to India, and nonprofit commitments, all while maintaining his academic performance. His roommate, Jake Spradlin, ‘28, has witnessed firsthand the challenges Chadha faces.
“It’s tough seeing him juggle everything, but he always gives his best,” Spradlin said. “He’s still figuring out the balance, but he’s committed to both his education and his mission.”
Chadha, who plans to pursue a career in general dentistry, credits his mother for helping with communication during his work in New Delhi. Though he speaks Punjabi and Hindi, he says his mother’s fluency and local knowledge have been instrumental in navigating complex situations, including negotiating with local school leaders.
One such instance involved the director of the Andh Mahavidhyalaya Blind School, who initially sought additional funding for personal purposes. Chadha responded firmly, but it was his mother’s diplomatic approach in Hindi that ultimately resolved the situation.
