NIAASC organizes Conference on "Smart Seniors - Legal Issues"
Three honored at 18th Annual Confernce
Ajay Ghosh
The National Indo-American Association for Senior Citizens (NIAASC) held its 18th Conference and tenth annual meeting on Seniors on October 24, 2009. Despite gloomy weather, the conference, which was undertaken in collaboration with the India American Kerala Center , and supported by six non-profit organizations and 15 individual sponsors, had a large gathering.

The subject of conference was related to Elder Law Issues, and the speaker was Rashmi Vasisht Esq. from the Attorney General office, New York State . In her presentation and during interactive discussion, Ms. Vasisht underlined the importance and understanding of implementation of various documents related to end-of-life issues. She also touched on the issues where seniors are more prone to scams and identity theft. For complaints the number to call is 1 800-771-7755 or visit www.oag.state.ny.us. “If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is, don’t fall for it. Be wary of salespeople who call you to solicit business. Never give credit card, phone card, social security or bank account numbers over the phone to any person or organization soliciting from you.” After reading a poem ‘Mother’ by NIAASC Life member, Dr. Prem Prasad, from her chapbook, she donated twenty copies of her book ‘Come Sit With Me’ to NIAASC.

Sudha Acharya, Executive Director, South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS), was one of the three honored during the annual event for her achievements and contributions to the society. Sudha comes with over three decades of community service and leadership experiences at the local, state, national and international levels. As one of the founding members and former President of SACSS, Sudha was introduced by Dr. Samir Dutta,NIAASC Board Member, in the ‘community leader category.’

Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi, Founder and President of India Home Inc.: was another honored. He is a dynamic and committed community leader, who is deeply immersed in service to elders, and through her collaborative efforts with private and public entities has successfully initiated senior program in different parts of the metro NY, Vasundhara was introduced byPraful Shah (2008 honoree), Coordinator of LI Gujarati Cultural Society Senior Program in the category of ‘Person directly involved with an ongoing senior program.’

Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) in Chicago was honored for its contributions to the issues related to the seniors. It was initiated in 1993 and has expanded its services to thousands of seniors. It has five offices in Chicago and its suburbs under the direction of Mrs. Santosh Kumar. The award was accepted by her and Pramod Kumar, a MAFS Trustee and Chief Financial Officer. Introduced by Chan Jamoona (2008 honoree), Executive Director of United Hindu Cultural Council Senior Center , in an ‘ongoing senior program category.’

The event ended with Diwali Greetings presented by Tara Kotecha,NIAASC Board, member and helped by Avinash Suri, Sampurna Jain, Satya Malhotra, NIAASC Board members, and Jaya Bahadkar.

Rajeshwar Prasad, NIAASC Executive Director, opened the conference with condolences to Purabi Nandi, NIAASC Board member who died after being hit by a car, and Prakash Parekh, a staunch supporter of NIAASC and publisher of the Gujarati Times. The participants and guests were welcomed by EM Stephen, Executive Director of the Kerala Center and MK Ramasubramanian, NIAASC President. P. Ramaswamy Mohan, NIAASC Secretary proposed vote of Thanks, and managed the food arrangement with the help of Dr. Ashwin Pandya. Satpal Malhotrapresented the annual financial report. Charu Mehta was thanked for sponsoring breakfast.