NETWORK OF SOUTH ASIAN PROFESSIONALS (NetSAP-Boston) PICKS NEW LEADERS AND ADDRESSES TSUNAMI CRISIS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
January 31st, 2005, Boston, MA - The Boston Chapter of the Network of South Asian Professionals (NetSAP-Boston) recently held its annual holiday celebration and Executive Board Election at Tantric Restaurant and Lounge in Boston’s Theater District. The newly-elected Executive Board is looking forward to continuing the traditions and chapter legacy of NetSAP-Boston as one of the premier professional networking organizations in the New England area. The elections were held during the first week of December, bringing a slew of new officers to the organization's Executive Board. The group's new officers include: Kas Sharma, President; Binita Pathak, Vice President; Vijay Daryanani, Treasurer; Tushneem Dharmagadda, Secretary; Aradhana Kumar, National Liaison; Vyshali Murthy, Membership Chair; Akhil Dua, Social Co-Chair; Ruchi Kumar, Social Co-Chair; Kaushik Patel, Social Events Consultant; Nirva Kapasi, Professional Development Co-Chair; Sangita Joshi, Professional Development Co-Chair; Jitender Chopra, Community Service Chair; Shailender Nagpal, Cultural Chair.
Outgoing President Yash Chitre said, "It has been an honor, privilege and absolute pleasure these past few years serving as President of NetSAP-Boston. I have high hopes for the coming years and the utmost confidence in our Executive Board to continue the traditions and legacy forged within the local chapter and with NetIP North America.” Yash will continue to serve as an Advisor to the Executive Board throughout 2005. Incoming President Kas Sharma has served two terms as Vice President and was an active participant in planning the 2002 NetIP Annual Conference held in Boston. “I am excited by the continued increased interest in our organization and am optimistic about the upcoming year," said Kas Sharma. "The partnerships we have established with other South Asian organizations in the Boston area such as The Indus Entrepreneurs - Boston, American India Foundation, and AID-Boston over the past year have enabled us to reach a wider audience and co-brand our events to meet the needs of the South Asian community," Sharma continued.
Binita Pathak, Vice President, remarked on the various events ranging from the popular monthly networking mixers, to summer outdoor activities and community service events at local shelters, bringing a wide variety of people with different backgrounds together. “We try to hit the four corners—professional development, community service, political awareness, and social/cultural programming. This is done twofold--by following NetIP North America’s quarterly themes as well as responding to the immediate needs of the South Asian community.”
One of the first immediate action items for 2005 was to react to the Tsunami crisis in South Asia. The freshly elected incoming Board did not hesitate to spring into action when it became evident that a massive relief operation would be necessary and NetSAP needed to play a role in mobilizing aid relief as soon as possible. Yash Chitre remarked, “Part of the responsibility of leading a professional organization is tapping into all the resources and alliance partner organizations we hold relationships with to devise the most effective and efficient response.” NetSAP-Boston has planned two fundraising events in cooperation with the Association for India’s Development (AID-Boston) and is asking its membership to contribute funds to the American India Foundation (AIF Boston). The initial Tsunami Relief Fundraiser held on January 8th at Opal Lounge raised over $2000 and the co-sponsored dinner at Tantric Lounge on the 16th raised $18,000 for AID-Boston.
About NetSAP-Boston
Founded in 1995, the Network of South Asian Professionals of Boston (NetSAP-Boston) is a professional, 501c(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving the professional, political, cultural and civic needs of the South Asian community in the Greater Boston area. NetSAP-Boston was founded in 1995 to provide a forum to communicate about business, politics, social trends and issues affecting the South Asian community. We seek to unite South Asian professionals, nurture leadership, and build partnerships in the New England area through professional programs, networking events, and community service efforts. NetSAP-Boston is part of NetIP-NA, The Network of Indian Professionals, North America. For more information on events, membership and other initiatives, visit www.netsapboston.org. To learn more about NetIP North America and other chapters in other cities, visit www.netip.org.
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