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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JANUARY 16, 2026 | The Indian Eye 26

FIA NY-NJ-CT-NE “Joy of Giving” Initiative

Empowers Differently-Abled Children with

Wheelchair Donation Drive in Gujarat

OUR BUREAU
Ahmedabad
he Federation of Indian As-
sociations of USA (FIA NY–
TNJ–CT–NE), the largest and
premier grassroots nonprofit organi-
zation representing the Indian com-
munity across eight states on the East
Coast of the United States, success-
fully concluded its “Joy of Giving”
wheelchair donation drive dedicated
to supporting differently-abled chil-
dren in Ahmedabad.
The humanitarian initiative took
place today, Monday, December 29,
2025, at 3:00 PM at Apang Manav
Mandal, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Through this meaningful ef-
fort, 100 wheelchairs were donated
to children in need in Ahmedabad,
India, marking the beginning of
FIA’s larger commitment to donate
500 wheelchairs across India. The
remaining 400 wheelchairs will be
distributed in other states, helping
enhance mobility, independence,
and dignity for differently-abled chil-
dren nationwide. The ceremony was
graced by the presence of FIA Chair-
man Mr. Ankur Vaidya, alongside
distinguished donors and organiza-
tional leadership.
The “Joy of Giving” initiative was
made possible through the generous
support of Mr. Sreekanth Akkapalli,
FIA President 2026, the Vaidya Fam-
ily, and distinguished donors, includ-
ing FIA Board Member Mr. Kenny Reflecting on the initiative, FIA will transform the lives of our chil- Throughout the year, FIA hosts
Desai, FIA Board Member Mr. Anil Chairman Mr. Ankur Vaidya shared, dren,” while inviting the guests for events including Dance Pe Chance,
Bansal, FIA Vice President Ms. Pri- “Our visit to Apang Manav Man- “Deep Pragatya,” a traditional lamp International Women’s Day, Bihar
ti Ray Patel, and Mr. Saurin Parikh, dal has been truly transformative. lighting ceremony. Day, Odisha Foundation Day, Gu-
FIA President 2025. The resilience of these exceptional Dr. Kamal C Shah, General Sec- jarat-Maharashtra Day, Interna-
students has taught us invaluable retary of Apang Manav Mandal, de- tional Yoga Day, India Day Parade
Carried out under the powerful lessons about courage and persever- livered a vote of thanks, expressing with Flag Hoisting at Times Square,
Bharat Beyond Borders Grand Gala
profound appreciation. “On behalf
ance. FIA pledges to continue such
message “Because Every Child humanitarian drives, ensuring we re- of Apang Manav Mandal and the at Cipriani Wall Street, and the Di-
Deserves to Move Forward,” main steadfast partners in building a children whose lives will be forev- wali Soup Kitchen.
Established in 1970, the Fed-
the program underscored the more inclusive society.” er changed, we extend our deepest eration of Indian Associations has
Shri. Kshitish Madanmohan,
gratitude to FIA, Mr. Ankur Vaidya,
importance of accessibility, in- Managing Trustee and President of and all the distinguished donors who earned official recognition in the
clusion, and equal opportuni- Apang Manav Mandal, expressed his made this initiative possible.” United States Congressional Re-
This initiative aligns with FIA’s
ties for children with physical heartfelt gratitude, stating, “We are 2026 theme “Harmony in Heritage,” cord, been honored with India’s
deeply honored to partner with FIA
prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Sam-
challenges. for this noble cause. The generosity which celebrates the rich cultur- man Award, and holds two Guinness
demonstrated by FIA and its donors al diversity of the Indian diaspora. World Records.

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