On June 1, 2020 Indian American community leaders came together to express gratitude to the nursing and administrative staff at the Hillsborough county nursing home as they work diligently to keep the residents safe during this Pandemic.

It began when, Justin Andrew, founder of Urja foods readily donated 230 bottles of coconut water at cost, exemplifying the YAGNA spirit.In mid-March, when we suddenly found ourselves in the midst of a pandemic and the city of Nashua had just shut down, a group of concerned Indian Americans got together to pool resources to help those affected by the crisis. That group has evolved into the Indian Americans United for NH (IAUNH), with over 100 members. We reached out to some of the most vulnerable in the city, such as the Nashua Soup Kitchen and End 68 Hours of Hunger, and helped small businesses by donating food purchased from them. We also acquired N95 masks for Southern NH Medical Center and St. Joseph's Hospital, and donated fabric and supplies to New England Maskateers towards mask production and distribution.

When State Rep. Latha Mangipudi approached IAUNH with a proposal to provide lunch for the staff at Hillsborough County Nursing Home, we were keen to carry out this worthy effort, along with the India Association of NH (IANH), given that many of us serve as members of both groups. Since its establishment in 1989, IANH has enthusiastically served the community while building strong relationships with various organizations across the state. Its association with the Hillsborough County Nursing Home spans nearly two decades, during which IANH adults and youth provided entertainment for and spent time with the residents at the home every Father's Day.

It ended up being a very special occasion for not only IANH, but AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian origin), and the new IAUNH along with Urja foods and Rep.Latha Mangipudi to join together in solidarity for the Hillsborough County Nursing Home, even through something as small as supplying their staff with a meal. We admire the sense of duty, responsibility, and service that they have shown at this time, despite grave personal risk to themselves. So on Monday, June 1st, 2020, we provided a delicious Indian lunch of pulao, naan, and chickpea curry courtesy of Mr. Gurnam Singh of Gurnam's Catering Service. Partnering with Mr. Singh also allowed us to support another local business. We are all grateful to be able to express appreciation for the dedicated nursing home staff who have been selflessly serving the needy during this crisis.