Friday, July 2, 2010

IDF launches "Hope on the Horizon" in Chicago

“Hope On The Horizon”, the life and times of Dr ARK Pillai, India’s eminent social scientist and founder President of Indian Development Foundation (IDF) was launched by Mr.Nirajan Shah, CEO, Globetrotters Engineering Corp, before an elite audience in Chicago on Thursday evening (01/07/2010) at India House, Schaumburg, Illinois. Mr. Niranjan Shah congratulated the relentless efforts of Dr. Pillai rendered for the uplift of the poor and the need. He termed Dr. Pillai as `Social Soldier' and wished him good luck in his development path.
Dr. Bharat Barai, leading oncologist - Mr. Kanti S. Patel, Chairman, Gujurat Cultural Association - Mr. Dinesh Gandhi, Vice President, National Republic Bank - Mr. Sunny Gabhawala, Chairman FIA, Director at Large, AAHO and Mr. Chandresh Brahmbhatt, Regional Director, AAHOA & Motliers appreciated the work of Dr. Pillai and his team and felt happy for the launch of "Hope on the Horizon" in America. They exhorted the members and friends to buy the book and support IDF social programmes.

Chronicling the events that led to successful target of leprosy elimination in India by 2005, Dr Pillai said that creative awareness programmes with good medical campaigns and firm will earned India prime success in eliminating the centuries old leprosy disease. From 4 million leprosy cases during 1982, the case load had come down to 60,000 in 2005. IDF has current focus on health care, education for the deprived and rural development. It has linkage with nearly 100 hospitals, set-up 22 Gurukuls (free schools for the poor) and spearheads rural development.IDF is a self-reliant NGO with 27 years of excellent track record in public service.
The IDF team headed by Dr Pillai, Dr. Narayan Iyer, CEO and Dr S.Franklin, Manager Southern India showcased the highlights of their work and sought participation of the Indian community in US for empowering developmental programmes in India.


Dr. Pillai inducted 11 IDF Social Ambassadors - Mr. Kanti S. Patel, Mr. Kanti N. Patel, Mr.John Trivedi, Mr. Girish Patel, Mr. Anil Thakkar, Mr. Kiran Shah, Mrs. Queenie Mendonca, Mr. Thomas Poovathur, Mr. Ramesh Gandhi and Mr. Cecil O. Joseph - to prompt social responsibility initatives of IDF in America. Mrs. Ivy Joseph was inducted as IDF International Social Ambassador to co-ordinate overseas social operations and work towards achieving millennium development goals.
Dr. Austin D'souza, Past Director Governor, Lions Club International, Dist I-A, Chicagoland presented the The President of America's Volunteer Service Award to Dr.A.R.K.Pillai for lifelong service to the causes like leprosy, TB and education.

Mr. Cecil O. Joseph spoke on rich social experience and Foundation's commitment in bringing smiles on many lives. This is a great testimony to Dr. Pillai who is my Guru and mentor, Mr. Joseph expressed with a smile. Mr. K. C. Patel, former President and Chairman, Manav Seva Mandir, Chicago presented the certificate to Mr.Cecil Joseph
Earlier Mr. Glenn Joseph invoked blessings while Mr Sam George, Executive Director, Parivar International proposed a vote of thanks.
IDF was all praise for Air India for carriage of its literature to USA. IDF thank all the sponsors for hosting the event in America and promoting the social work among Indo-Americans.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Congratulations to Dr Pillai, Dr Iyer and very special hearty congratulations to Mr Cecil Joseph, who made possible Dr Pillai's trip to the USA. I am really proud of the effort Mr. Joseph made to launch Dr Pillai's book and gather the who's who of the Indian community to come to gether and become aware of the fantastic selfless service Dr Pillai has provided to the less fortunate in Indian and around the world.
I know personally Cecil changed my life by introducing me to Dr Pillai, many years ago. I was fortunate to meet Dr. Pillai who placed on the path of REIKI, and personally trained me at his home in Mumbai! I considered myself blessed! Thanks Cecil and Dr. Pillai. I am indebted to you both forevver!
Good luck in everything you do.
Warm regards.

Billy Singh, New York, USA