Association of Indians in America provides COVID-19 relief to India, launches dedicated website

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The New York Chapter of the Association of Indians in America, had been raising funds for different projects over years, as one of the oldest community organizations in the country.

Now, most of those funds are being diverted for Covid relief and saving lives, the organization said in a press release June 9, 2021.

The AIA-NY sent some $50,000 to Oxygen Mission in India; and $10,000 to Gurdwara in New Delhi for those who are food-insecure; $50,000 for oxygen concentrators and medical supplies to different hospitals in India through Northwell.

This June 8, the New York Chapter of AIA hosted a dinner at Mint, Garden city, in New York as part of its new initiative –Help India for Covid.

Consul General of India, Randhir Jaiswal, was the event’s chief guest. Northwell Health Chief Operating Officer Mark Solazzo, India’s Deputy Consul General Shatrughna Sinha and many community leaders attended the event.

Consul General Jaiswal thanked all those present for their efforts and especially extended India’s gratitude to Northwell for “the generous medical supply to India.”

AIA-NY President Harish Thakkar in his speech, noted that AIA is the oldest organization of Indians in this country, established 54 years ago in 1967.

It has repeatedly risen to the occasion when needed, he said, and helped causes like gaining minority status for Asian Indians in America, the press release from the organization said.

And 34 years ago, AIA launched its flagship event, the Annual Diwali Festival at South Street Seaport in Manhattan, which served to enhance awareness about Indians and Indian culture, in the mainstream.

The organization “sprang into action” when Covid 19 struck, Thakkar said, raising funds and distributing masks and food to those on the front lines, including to hospitals and the Police Department, as well as helping stranded Indians in America.

Despite all the efforts being made, the “Covid Pandemic is not over and disastrous after effects are still to come,” Thakkar warned, adding, “It is time to gather our resources to help India.”

Recognizing that need, AIA-NY Chapter launched a new Website called www.HelpIndiaForCovid.com

At the meeting, AIA Advisor Dr. Shahi Shah presented a plaque to Northwell COO Mark Solazzo. Dinner and networking followed.