IndiaPost.com - Desis join hands to combat developmental disabilities

NEW YORK: In a rare, yet welcome show of solidarity, the Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi American community came together to demonstrate support for the Center for Social Change International, an organization which has pioneered the movement in the United States to further the cause of children and adults suffering from Developmental Disabilities.

At an awareness meet held in Silver Spring, Maryland on March 11, distinguished members of all three communities turned out in significant numbers determined to make a difference in the lives of people suffering from this ailment in the Indian sub continent. It has been established that collectively a staggering 35 million suffer from some sort of Developmental Disability in the Indian sub continent.

The launch of the community outreach program and expansion of board members of the Center for Social Change International was officially announced during this meet. Centers have already been opened in the rural areas of Kerala, Indore and New Delhi. Similar centers are being planned in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Ghana. Additionally, Center for Social Change International will open at least six more centers in various parts of India. Highlighting the generosity of the Diaspora from the Indian sub continent, Jasdip Singh, National Director of India Center for Social Change said, "Let the momentum continue."

Singh informed that all of money collected as donations/sponsorships would go directly to fund various programs in the subcontinent. Jayshree Kundu, recently appointed as a member of the board of Directors of CSC International spoke on the need for the community to get more involved. She said, "CSC has been a proven model for the past 15 years and this makes me confident that we can spread this model to remote corners in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh."

Dr Suresh Gupta, a renowned physician and Regional Director of AAPI admitted, "It has been my passion to work with children with Developmental Disabilities and I am extremely happy that CSC International is making a difference." Dr Gupta promised to activate the charity wing of AAPI to help CSC International. Atiya Khan, Vice Chairperson of Human Developmental Fund declared that her organization would partner with CSC International using their expertise in opening centers in Pakistan.

"I am looking forward to working with CSC International and his organization to make a similar difference in Pakistan." "It was wonderful to note the close participation of the communities present today," said Dr Joseph Mathew, Founder and CEO of the Center for Social Change. It has been enriching to me personally and especially to the mission of CSC."

The Center for Social Change, a private non-profit organization was founded in 1993 with a core mission: Supporting children and adults with Developmental Disabilities and providing the knowledge they need to make informed choices and to direct the employment process enabling them to find fulfillment for a job well done.