SUCHI SUNDER
CHICAGO: A wonderful kaleidoscope of events, including dance and musical drama, were showcased by Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) senior participants along with staff members celebrating the “Asian Heritage Month” combining it with MAFS 27thMini Fundraiser dinner May 4 in Naperville, a southwest suburb of Chicago
The evening of celebration started with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Swami Mukundananda of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Aurora,Illinois, along with Santosh Kumar, Executive Director, founder of MAFS/UMAS, Firdaus Jafri, President of Board of Directors, and other dignitaires
Those present on the occasion were Prashant Kumar, Secretary of the Board of Directors, Sagar Kumar, Treasurer, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congressman Bill Foster, Representative Michelle Mussman, Representative Diane Pappas, Phillip Lanier of Age Options, Malini Vaidyanathan, Manager in Air India, Krishna Bansal and Dr Vijaya Prabhakar. Following the lighting of the lamp , Ganesh Stutiwas performed by Rina’s Rockers.The guests were honored with plaques and flowers.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congressman Bill Foster, Representative Michelle Mussman and Representative Diane Pappas, applauded MAFS/UMAS for its commending effort to help seniors of the community. Raja Krishnamoorthi encouraged people to support MAFS by donating generously in order to sustain their community social service.He was presented with an award as “Ambassador Of Asians”.
The entertainment that the seniors staged, was jaw-dropping and flamboyant. A serene Prayer-song performed by the students and tutors of English Literacy Program was conducted by staffer Eva Contractor. Taal, a fusion dance, was performed by Esha Modi. Niles seniors performed a dance sequence, Khatti Meethi Vaangi. Incredible India, a folk fusion dance was well-performed by Naperville seniors.
Santosh Kumar welcomed and thanked the distinguished guests, Board members and the seniors. She spoke about the history of the organization and as to how she left her legal career to help the elders in the community
