The Indian Panorama

Tag: Dr. Santosh Kumar

  • NIAASC HOLDS ITS 33RD CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO ON MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH

    NIAASC HOLDS ITS 33RD CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO ON MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH

    Inaugural candle lighting. From L to R : Harish Doshi, Madhura Sane, Gopi Nair, Santosh Kumar, Rajeshwar Prasad, Gunjan Rastogi, Vasundhara Kalasapudi, Shree Guruswamy, Roshita Pandey.
    Presenting Certificate to Santosh Kumar. From L to R: Dipti Shah, Rajeshwar Prasad , Santosh Kumar, Gunjan Rastogi, Vasundhara Kalasapudi, Roshita Pandey.

    CHICAGO (TIP): National Indo-American Association for Senior Citizens (NIAASC) held its 33rd Conference on 26th Aug 2022 in Naperville, Chicago in collaboration with Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) on Mental, Physical and SpiritualHealth. The conference started by lighting the auspicious lamp by all the dignitaries followed by the beautiful Ganesh Vandana kathak performance by the graceful Madhura Sane. All esteemed guests and panel of speakers Ms. Gunjan Rastogi; Mr. Rajeshwar Prasad; Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi; State Rep Janet Yang Rohr; Ms. Sadia Covert, DuPage County Board member; Dr.  Radhika L. Chimata; Dr. Santosh Kumar; Mr. Harish Doshi, MD International University of Vedic Wellness; Shree Guruswamy, case worker and social activist and Mr. Gopi Nair, the renowned motivational speaker addressed a very important issue that not just the senior community but all of us as a society are facing – the issue of Mental or behavioral health in the conference.

    Ms. Gunjan Rastogi, apprised us that NIAASC works with Indo-American organizations in providing technical and logistic support in organizing activities for seniors. When it comes to mental health, she believes depression is something that can occur to anyone irrespective of age, gender, and status. Mr. Rajeshwar Prasad stated that NIAASC is not just a theory; it’s a practice.He also mentioned that NIAASC has nine different language-speaking people to serve the community. Mr. Rajeshwar Prasad honored Dr. Santosh Kumar by giving her a certificate of appreciation. Vasundhara Kalasapudi, M.D.  geriatric psychiatrist shared their journey of serving seniors in the New York area. India Home is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of and empowering the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean senior immigrant community in New York City through culturally competent services.Anybody can join the India Home even if the senior is on a tourist visa and enjoy their services.

    Dr. Radhika L. Chimata, Psychiatrist & Neurologist gave a deep knowledge of the Importance of Mental Health. In her speech, she stated Mental health is a state of mind. When you’re mentally healthy, your feelings, actions, and relationships are in a good place. You’re able to live, learn, work, and enjoy your life. She shares her personal experience asa Psychiatrist & Neurologist which was related to the South Asian community.

    Mr. Harish Doshi gave a presentation on Ayurveda &Mind-Body Connection. He highlighted the PPD (Psycho Physiological Disorders) or Psychosomatic Disorders &Its management with Ayurveda. The conference ended with a positive approach given by Mr. Gopi Nair in his speech on the Importance of Gratitude. ‘Gratitude is the only attitude a person should have; this is the mantra he gave to all of us to lead a happy life. Such a positive vibe he created at the end of the conference. All speakers handled the questionnaire patiently. As they were speaking in Hindi the seniors felt more comfortable asking questions. All the speakers were honored by giving them a shawl and the book ‘India Calling 2022’ by Dr. Santosh Kumar. Ms. Radhika Subramanian, Public Benefits Coordinator sums up the conference and gave a vote of thanks to all speakers, guests, and attendees.

    The conference was very ably emceed by Ms. Roshita Pandey, MAFS Grant Manager. She introduced and thanked NIAASC President Ms. Gunjan Rastogi; Founder Chairman NIAASC Mr. Rajeshwar Prasad; Geriatric Psychiatrist, Founder and Executive Director of India Home and NIAASC Board member Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi for collaborating with MAFS. Dr. Santosh Kumar, Founder, and Executive Director of MAFS and a NIAASC Board member, welcomed all for coming to attend a very timely conference on mental health. Dr. Santosh Kumar stated that mental health is a subject that is hidden under the sheet. Even though the pandemic has made mental health worse, it helped us to bring this topic to discuss at this conference and we have very specialized speakers on mental health. She also believed that mental health is not taboo, but it is a sensitive topic. NIAASC is a non-profit 501c3 organization. It is the leading national information, referral, and advocacy organization committed to the well-being and quality of life of Indo-Americans in their senior years. NIAASC will be holding its Annual Meeting in New York on Dec 6th for information or membership queries, kindlyemail NIAASC@aol.com.

  • Homage to Father of Non-violence on his 152nd birth anniversary

    Homage to Father of Non-violence on his 152nd birth anniversary

    Dr. Sonty, Awilda, Gonzalez, Bharti Desai, Mrs. Surabhi Kumar, Consul General Amit Kumar, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Mayor of Skokie George Van Dusen, Dipti, Shree.
    Gandhi Jayanti Celebrations 2021.

    CHICAGO (TIP): Consulate of India, Chicago collaborated with The Gandhi Memorial Foundation, Chicago to celebrate the auspicious day of Mahatma Gandhi’s 152nd birth anniversary on October 2nd, 2021, at Heritage Park in Skokie . The Consul General of India at Chicago Mr. Amit Kumar and Mrs. Surabhi Kumar graciously joined Dr. Santosh Kumar-President of Gandhi Memorial Foundation of Chicago, Dr. Sriram Sonty-Vice President, Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar – Vice-President, Mr. Suresh Bodiwala – Trustee, Dipti Shah-Treasurer, Awilda Gonzalez-Director-At-Large, Bharti Desai-Director-At-Large and Shree Gurusamy – Secretary.

    The event commenced with Consul General Amit Kumar who addressed the guests. He highlighted India’s freedom struggle and the significant role played by Mahatma Gandhi, who walked the path and preached non-violence throughout his life. He highlighted “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, which is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of India’s progress and the glorious history of its people, culture, and achievements. Consul General praised the Gandhi Memorial Foundation of Chicago Team of Board Members, Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) staff and Consul General staff members lead by Mr. Ranjeet Singh ji, for doing an excellent job in organizing this important event.

    His inspiring speech was followed by the Mayor of Skokie, George Van Dusen, during his speech he said that Township of Skokie is fortunate to have the life-size statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Heritage Park since October 2, 2004, He praised and appreciated the Indian American Community for their support and friendship. Following that, seniors from Metropolitan Asian Family Services aptly sang the famous Bhajan, “Raghupati Raghava Rajaram”, a song which was extensively used by Mahatma Gandhi to project a secular and composite vision of Indian society.

    Next, Dr. Santosh Kumar – President of Gandhi Memorial Foundation of Chicago addressed the guests in her motivating speech. She sincerely thanked Honorable Consul General and his wife for taking their precious time to collaborate and to join this memorable event. She mentioned that Mahatma Gandhi inspired her as a teenager to choose Law as her career rather than being a physician for what she studied for. Gandhiji ‘s freedom struggle and the injustice done to the motherland emboldened her to become an Attorney to fight for the oppressed. In her speech, she felt the valid reason to talk in Hindi as Hindi being the official language of India. In her assertive speech she emphasized the great saying of Mahatma, “No Religion is higher than the Truth and Righteousness!” She said that Mahatma taught Dedication, Sacrifice and to Stand against Oppression and Wrongful forces, which induced chaos amongst people. A nation should join as one and not get influenced by these wrongful forces. In her speech she urged everybody to follow that and if asked if they were ready to do that! She thanked Dr. Chadrakant Modi and his wife Dina Modi for donating the 12-foot statute of Mahatma Gandhi, to the Village of Skokie and the Gandhi Memorial Foundation of Chicago. She pointed out that Gandhiji’s practice of Ahimsa (non-violence) which was an extension of his respect for other religions creating a sense of fraternity. She further added that Mahatma Gandhi vehemently opposed injustice and authoritarian rule, which is the primary manifestation of the Gandhian legacy today. Dr. Santosh Kumar was very enthusiastic about the Global Gandhi Youth initiative and praised them for taking this initiative.

    Dr. Sriram Sonty, Vice President, Gandhi Memorial Foundation of Chicago presented a set of Gandhian books to Mayor of Skokie George Van Dusen for the Skokie Public Library. He also introduced Global Gandhi Youth USA Chapter Members- Nandini Kandamuri, Rithwik Chekicharla, Sri Sai Kaushik Gollamudi and Manikantha Sri Sai Gollamudi, who spoke about the teachings of Gandhiji as it applies to them today.

    State Senator Ram Villavallam, of 8th District of Illinois gave certificates and books to the Global Gandhi Youth USA Chapter Members and congratulated them on their thought-provoking speeches which emphasized the need for tolerance, harmony, and inclusion.

    Other important Community leaders present on this occasion included Sohan Joshi, popularly referred as Mayor of Devon – Chicago, 85-year-old Manish Patel-MAFS Senior Citizen, Porus Dadhaboy of United For Peace-Naperville, Sunil Shah-Founder President of FIA Chicago, Dina Modi and Martino Tangkar- Chairman of MEATF. Pastor Jerome Athishtam of Congressman Danny K Davis’s Task Force,  Mir Ali-Popular Singer, Anica Dubey AMEC’s Global Outreach Chair, Bihari Beti Neelam Dwivedi of Indian American Business Coalition-Oak Brook, IL Harinder Mangrola-Community Activist, Cook County Judge Sanjay Taylor, & SAPNA Founder Dr Sarada Sonty.

    Rudra Garjana Chicago Dhol Tasha Team led by Mandar Pitre did a fabulous job that elevated the spirit of the day. The percussion ensemble performed at the conclusion of the event which reminded of traditional drums being played during Ganeshotsav in India. The Consul General praised the percussion ensemble for their vibrant performance. Dr. Vijay Prabhakar gave a token of appreciation to each artist and emphasized establishing the first GANDHI KING LEGACY CENTER in North America in Chicago, USA.

    The event was well moderated by Shree Gurusamy, Secretary of Gandhi Memorial Foundation of Chicago. She thanked the Metropolitan Asian Family Services Seniors and staff for all the floral and food arrangements at the event. Gandhi Memorial Foundation of Chicago Board of Directors, Dipti Shah – Treasurer, Awilda Gonzalez – Director-At-Large, Bharti Desai – Director-At-Large and Suresh Bodiwala – Trustee were recognized for all their voluntary services during the past year.

    Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) as usual prepared delicious Boxed lunches along with hot Tea and water for all the guests. For more information regarding Gandhi Memorial Foundation of Chicago please visit https://gandhimemorial.org/

    (Photographs and Press release by Asian Media USA)