In 1997, a young, ambitious entrepreneur arrived in the United States.

Today, Rahul Walia’s business venture, Touchdown Media, is 15 years old and a thriving multi-cultural advertising agency. While building the business, Walia honored his Indian-American culture through a number of initiatives that would engage several communities throughout the country. It was at the time, he and other dedicated friends and family organized several initiatives such as the South Asian Spelling Bee, The Oaktree Shopping festival, The Kawan Kitchenmate show, and the Cricket Bee!

Despite humble beginnings, the community initiatives created by Walia have become an invaluable positive force to thousands of Indian-Americans through educational and social development.

In particular, The South Asian Spelling Bee has been received with great enthusiasm by families and their children, as well as corporate sponsors. The Spelling Bee competition grew rapidly and has been held in and around New Jersey, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Boston, Charlotte, Atlanta and Seattle.

After 15 years, Walia has become passionate about his commitment to the Indian-American community. He has now founded the newly organized South Asian Engagement Foundation (SAEF). After working with thousands of kids, families, and volunteers, many have come to embrace the idea of empowering and enriching the lives of Indian Americans.

SAEF has built a platform that can and will sustain successful initiatives like the South Asian Spelling Bee and others.

We are now able to have a greater reach and impact potential parents, kids, families, and now, corporations and other community funders. SAEF is created to ensure that the legacy sustains and empowers new and young spellers from across the country.

We look forward to continuing our work for many years to come for our kids, families, and communities throughout the country.