India Home, a nonprofit serving South Asian and Indo-Caribbean older adults, held its annual fundraising gala on Oct. 5, raising $232,000 to support renovations at the South Asian Community Home (SACH) Center—a space dedicated to providing seniors with care, community, dignity, and belonging.
“This gala marks a milestone in our mission,” said Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi, executive director of India Home. “Our elders have built lives of resilience and strength in this country, and they deserve a place that honors their culture and contributions. The SACH Center will be that home; a place created for our seniors, by our community.”
With $232,000 raised at the gala, India Home is now closer to its goal of fully funding the renovations. To complete the project and officially open the doors of the SACH Center, India Home aims to raise an additional $70,000 by the end of the year.
Shaaranya Pillai, deputy director at India Home said “With the SACH Center, we are not only renovating a physical space, but also creating a symbol of belonging. This will be a place where our seniors can thrive, surrounded by care, culture, and community.”
Once completed, the center will provide accessible facilities for community gatherings, educational programs, wellness classes, and intergenerational activities.
The event was attended by community leaders, philanthropists, and elected officials, and a number of individuals and groups were honored for their work for immigrant communities. Honorees included Sunil Aggarwal, Kavita Shah, the Delwar & Dilruba Foundation, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Chuck Schumer, and the Doshi Family Foundation. These honorees were recognized for their leadership, philanthropy, and advocacy on behalf of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean New Yorkers, especially elders.
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Prominent elected officials including Senator John Liu, Assemblymember David Weprin, and Senator Leroy Comrie praised India Home’s work in addressing the needs of elders and building community-based care that celebrates diversity. The gala also showcased India Home’s impact through moving video tributes and senior testimonials, showcasing how the organization’s programs, from nutritious meal services and wellness classes to social and creative activities, have transformed lives by combating isolation and promoting joy.
Attendees of the gala enjoyed an afternoon of music, dance, and cultural celebration. The Sakhi Dance Group, composed of India Home’s own senior members, delivered an energetic performance that had the audience on their feet. Nikita Katta performed a Kuchipudi dance, showcasing one of India’s classical traditions with grace and artistry.
Founded in 2007, India Home has since been empowering South Asian and Indo-Caribbean seniors through culturally tailored meals, wellness classes, mental health workshops, and social engagement activities. Its programs include congregate meals, creative aging initiatives, case management services—such as assistance with citizenship, benefits access, and service referrals—and educational talks on health, nutrition, financial planning, and elder law.