
India Post News Service
CHICAGO: The National Indo-American Association for Senior Citizens (NIAASC), under the leadership of Dr. Santosh Kumar, hosted its 36th Conference in collaboration with the International University of Vedic Wellness (IUVW). The gathering brought together more than 300 seniors for an afternoon of learning, cultural celebration, and community building.
The conference opened with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and the Indian National Anthem, setting the tone for a day that blended practical insights with cultural pride.

Key Presentations Included:
Impact of New Tax Bills on Seniors — Mr. Mukund Mehta, Vice President of NIAASC, outlined key tax law changes affecting seniors, including deductions, Medicaid benefits, and estate planning.
Holistic Health in Aging — Dr. Abhimanyu Kumar, an internationally recognized Ayurvedic scholar, highlighted wellness across physical, mental, and emotional dimensions, sharing practical advice on diet, natural healing, and maintaining social connections.
Planning for a Dignified Farewell — Dr. Monali Desai, Gynecologist-Oncologist and MAFS Board Member, discussed end-of-life planning, estate wills, medical directives, hospice care, and organ donation.
Attendees also enjoyed music, singing, and dance performances presented by UMAS/MAFS staff and seniors.

In her remarks, Dr. Kumar praised NIAASC’s 26 years of service, recognizing founder Mr. Rajendra Prasad and leaders including Ms. Gunjan Rastogi, NIAASC Chair, for their commitment to improving the lives of South Asian seniors in the U.S.
Ms. Rastogi emphasized the vision of founder Mr. Rajeshwar Prasad for NIAASC as an “Indian AARP,” focused on collaboration and advocacy. She also shared a written message from Mr. Prasad, who noted:
“In creating NIAASC, the focus has been on collaboration with local, regional, national, and international entities. We recognized that concerns—from housing to family conflicts—can be handled with confidence. Across our conferences, more than 3,000 issues and concerns have been raised, and the interactive discussions have led to meaningful contributions.”
The 36th Conference reaffirmed NIAASC’s mission: empowering seniors to live with dignity, health, and purpose in America.