Sushmita Anand (left) stepped down from the Youth Group Chair after many years of service. Sushmita, who teaches at Pinkerton Academy, has joined a Master's program in Counseling with Southern New Hampshire University. She loved working with the Youth Group but that become difficult given the rigors of her Master's studies.

Sushmita gave a new direction to the Youth Group towards more service and less cultural activities. Under her leadership, youth group invited many speakers and undertook a number of fundraising initiatives for worthy causes. Besides, her service as Youth Group Chair, she has participated very actively in the organization of various IANH events, such as Education Bees, Vasant Festival, Diwali Festival, Visits to to Nursing Homes and Serving at the Soup Kitchens. 

Everyone on the IANH Executive Committee has appreciated Sushmita's service to the Youth Group and IANH in general. We will miss her positive presence at executive meetings and interactions but Sushmita has expressed interest in continuing to participate in IANH activities as her time permits. 

Here is what Sushmita had to to say, "IANH has brought so many wonderful memories and fulfillment into my life and am so grateful for all the support and love I have received from each and everyone one of you. This was a really difficult decision to make and I hope we can all stay in touch." We wish Sushmita the best with her studies and her working towards a new career when she finishes her studies.

We are very glad to have found a fine successor as the Youth Group Chair in Nisha Padhye (picture on the right). Since their joining, IANH a few years ago, Nisha and Vikas, have already proved themselves as very active volunteers helping IANH organize various events. She has already started meeting and working with the Youth Group members.  

Nisha has a PhD in Microbiology. She has a passion for working with the younger generation as the her biographical information (in her own words) below shows clearly.

I am Nisha Padhye and I am your new Youth Affairs Committee Chair. I am looking forward to coordinating activities with your children. We moved to NH three years ago after spending 20 years in Nebraska and have settled in Nashua for the past two years. I have a doctorate in Microbiology from University of Wisconsin and have worked in various roles at several Biotech companies for the past 25 years. My passion has been to make a difference in young students' lives, and I have volunteered at several youth organizations throughout my life. After moving to NH, I decided to pursue my passion and changed my career to become a high school science teacher. I have been teaching Biology and Chemistry to juniors and seniors for the last two years at Pelham High School. I also volunteer at Nashua PAL, a safe haven for inner city kids. I am married to Vikas Padhye and I have two adult children.

We welcome Nisha to the Executive Committee and as the Chair of the Youth Group and look forward to working with her. If you have any questions regarding the Youth Group, please contact Nisha at nishapadhye@gmail.com.