NEWYORK (TIP): American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) QLI donated $10,000 towards flood relief in Chennai at a fund raiser “Chennai – we are with you” organized by America Tamil Sangam in Antun in Long Island New York earlier this month.
According to Dr Madhu Korrapati, President of AAPI-QLI, Chennai and its neighborhood witnessed worse floods in recent times throwing the city life out of gear for over 10 days. Several thousands were killed in flash floods and millions rendered homeless. “It’s our duty to take part in the massive relief work to mitigate the problems of those affected,” he said.
On behalf of AAPI-QLI, Dr Korrapati, Dr. Vaijinath Chakote, President-elect, Dr Rakesh K Dua, Vice President, Treasurer Dr. Himanshu Pandaya, Dr Bhavani Srinivasan, committee member presented the check to John Joseph, executive vice president and Jaya Sundaram, secretary of America Tamil Sangam.
The fund raiser was co-sponsored by Indian Association of Long Island (IALI), Five Town Indian Association and Association of Kerala Medical Graduates Association (AKMG) of Greater New York.
“The monies will be used 100 percent towards the cause. Our target is to collect at least $25, 000,” John Joseph said.
Jaya Sundaram said the practice of honoring all the guests with traditional shawl in Tamil style and presenting of bouquets were dispensed with as the association felt every penny collected should go to the deserving individuals,
Satnam Singh Parhar, president of IALI, Dr Anila Midha, President of Five Town Indian Association and Dr Thomas Mathew, president of AKMG of Greater New York, Padma Shri awardee Dr Dattatreyudu Nori, leading oncologist, spoke and offered their financial support to the flood affected people of Chennai.
AKMG Greater New York was represented by Dr. Dheeraj Kamalam, Immediate Past President, and Dr. Radhakrishnan Palangat, Secretary besides Dr, Mathew.
Dr Madan Raj coordinated the event that and made a power point presentation of the gravity of flood situation in Chennai and the relief work undertaken by the President of America Tamil Sangam Prakash M Swamy in Chennai. The event was followed by cultural programs by Janani Sundaram, Lavanya Pradeep, Swati, Divya, and Kalpita.