Metropolitan Asian Family Services, Inc (MAFS) launches yet another star-studded Yearly Global Gala Fundraiser to Digitally Shape the Future of our Seniors and to celebrate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, with illustrious elected officials from around the world, including US Congressman, IL State Representatives, renowned international professionals, entrepreneurs from the US and around the world!!!
This event commenced at 3:30 pm at the Waterford Banquet in Elmhurst, IL on October 12th, 2019, with its Round Table Conference. It was a symposium for delegates from all over the world to share their view to mold a better life for our seniors to lead a content and independent life in the digital future.
Ms. Santosh Kumar, the Executive Director/Founder and the Board Members, greeted all the Dignitaries with warmth as they assembled in the conference room. This meeting was attended by 51 attendees from all over the world including Congressman Bill Foster, Congressional Meeting Chair. Before the meeting, SAVING HUMAN LIVES: A TRIBUTE TO MAHATMA Gandhi, an exclusive Hands-On CPR training was presented by Dr. Vemuri Murthy, Chairman – Chicago Medical Society. In order to be prepared for the digital future of seniors, two important conclusions developed out of this discussion:
- Increasing the caregiver base to accommodate the growing senior population which is estimated to be more than one Billion by 2030.
- To include human touch while fulfilling their emotional needs.
While concluding, Congressman Bill Foster and the other leaders were honored by Ms. Santhosh Kumar with the Colors of MAFS. They were also given a special miniature working replica of Gandhiji’s pocket watch specially bought for this occasion, from Rashtrapati Bhavan, India.
Later, Ms. Kumar and President of Cook County Board, Toni Preckwinkle took the center stage on a conversation on how MAFS was created, evolved and multiplied to the 14 well-equipped centers. Ms. Kumar shared her experience with an isolated senior couple, who were left home alone by their working children, who had no other choice. The senior couple had no idea of how to operate an oven, in order to merely make a cup of tea! Ms. Kumar helped them at that time but was grief-stricken! As she explained, Ms. Kumar chocked with tears and was immediately consoled by President Preckwinkle. This incident triggered her to form the now prominent MAFS to help the isolated senior community.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Sesquicentennial Medallion of Excellence and Gandhiji’s Charka to the top 20 Global Icons. Representative Danny K. Davis, President of Cook County Board of Commissioners – Toni Preckwinkle, Chairman Globetrotters – Niranjan Shah, Manav SEVA Mandir Founder – Dr. Bharat Barai, Ms. Paula Basta – Director Of IDOA, Acting President – Dr. Satish Udpa, Dr. Mildred Harris – Commissioner of Chicago Housing Authority, Lalitha Kumaramangalam, Director India Foundation – Delhi, Parvez Hayat (IPS) Former Director General of Police-India, Dr. Vemuri Murthy – Chairman of Board of Trustees: Chicago Medical Society, Tel K. Ganesan – Founder/Executive Chairman KYYBA Group, Dr. Ranga Reddy – Past President – AAPI, Mr. Martino Tangkar – National President Of the Indonesian Diaspora, Ms. Neelam Dwivedi – President Raj Reality, Mr. Mohan C. Hemmadi – Sparsh Hospice Co-Founder, India, Caldwell Velnambi – President Elect – Fetna:Dallas, S. V. Anchan – CEO Safesea Group, and Dr. Preerna Kohli – Clinical Psychologist, Krish Suthanithran – CEO Team Best Group, Virginia were awarded the Gandhi Sesquicentennial Medallion of Excellence by Honorable Consul General Shri Sudhakar Dalela, and the Gandhiji Charka was presented to the Top 20 Global icons by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. This was a truly Historic Moment! Anita Lerche, the International singer from Indianapolis stole the heart of the gathered people as she pleasantly sang Bapu’s favorite Bhajan ‘Vaishnav Jan to Tene Kahiye’. Her pronunciations and rendering of the song were noteworthy and melodious. Then followed the reflections of Mahatma Gandhiji by the adorable, Miss Steffana Angel Paul of the Longwood Elementary School, Naperville!
Lastly but not the least was the Grand Finale, by the Bollywood Fame Sufi Singer, Indira Naik in concert! This nightingale’s voice was hypnotic! Vocally she had a fabulous tone and had good control over the high notes, a great overall performance!
A special thanks to our event chairperson, Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, who spent relentless months planning this event. His handwork was obvious as the show was a huge success! Next year’s organizers will have their hands full trying to equal the quality of this year’s event. Kudos Dr. Prabhakar!
