AAPI’s Share the Warmth Program Brings Comfort to the Needy

(Chicago, IL: February 20, 2023) “Continuing the tradition of providing comfort and warmth to the needy and the homeless in the United States during this winter season, with the overwhelming support from dozens of Chapters, we at the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) are happy to announce that thousands of people across the nation have benefitted from the generosity of AAPI members, ” Dr. Ravi Kolli, President of AAPI said.

For several years, AAPI at the national level and various Chapters at the state level have been jointly leading efforts to bring warmth and comfort into the lives of the needy across the United States. Launched in 2019, this noble initiative has now become an annual tradition of giving by AAPI to local communities. AAPI’s “Share The Warmth” project has donated thousands of blankets to the poor and the needy in several homeless shelters across the nation every year.

“We are immensely happy to state that our AAPI’s ‘SHARE THE WARMTH’ program has been highly successful this year,” said Dr. Raghu Lolabhattu, Vice Chair of AAPI Board of Trustees and Chair, Share The Warmth program. “We had nearly 30 state Chapters of AAPI who participated in this program and helped about 3,000 homeless and other needy citizens, which is a commendable gesture.”

Dr. Lolabhattu pointed to the local Georgia Chapter, which jumped into action, distributing Blankets to those stranded and without power during this cold winter, in the aftermath of a devastating Tornado striking parts of Georgia state. “It was heartwarming to see how they greatly appreciated our timely help.” Praising the concerted efforts of several other AAPI Chapters, Dr. Lolabahhttu said, “We had the same feedback from several other state leaders that their donations have been very well received and greatly appreciated by the local communities. Thanks to our AAPI President Dr. Ravi Kolli for his leadership and we would say that this is another glorious feather on his cap.”

In a heart-warming gesture, led by Dr. Madhavi Gorusu, Director of Medical Oncology at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Hartford HealthCare, AAPI donated blankets to LifeStar, who in turn provided blankets to local EMS, the Hartford Hospital Emergency Department, and the Neighborhood Health team to hand out in the community.

“We at AAPI are extremely grateful for the opportunities we have been blessed with to serve the communities we live in and work in,” said Dr. V. Ranga, Chair of APPI BOT. “As a token of our appreciation and gratitude, we believe we are happy to be able to give back and serve the less fortunate in our society in times of their need.”

“This has been a one-of-a-kind experience for the teams of physicians and young volunteers alike who have generously volunteered their time and resources to bring joy to the less fortunate. I want to thank all the State Chapter leaders for their commitment and their enthusiastic participation,” said Dr. Anjana Samadder, President-Elect of AAPI.

“Realizing how this initiative benefits several needy in the community, gives us the motivation to organize many such events and give back to the local community. We are very happy to say that the purpose of the program has been accomplished by AAPI working with so many state Chapters and hope more things will happen in the future,” Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Vice President of AAPI said.

AAPI launched the “Share-A-Blanket” project during the holiday season in 2019 during the presidency of Dr. Suresh Reddy to bring warmth to the needy. Dr. Binod Sinha, founder President of NJ AAPI in New Jersey organized and conducted it successfully that year and since then it has been held annually by AAPI and local Chapters of AAPI.

“After experiencing the generosity of AAPI members, we strongly feel that we can accomplish much more with support and participation from all our AAPI physicians led by the local Chapters,” said Dr. Sumul Rawal, Treasurer of AAPI.

Dr. Kolli and Dr. Lolabhattu thanked ATG Tours for being the Grand sponsor of the program, and all the AAPI members for their generous contributions. Dr. Kolli, while expressing gratitude and appreciation to the AAPI Chapters for organizing the Drives around the nation, said, “Knowing that such measures benefit several needy in the community gives us the motivation to organize more such events and give back to the local communities where we live and serve. We strongly feel that we can make more such accomplishments with support and participation from all our generous AAPI physicians.”

American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), founded in 1982  is the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States, representing the interests of over 120,000 physicians of Indian origin. In addition to several programs in India, AAPI has been in the forefront, advocating for the interests of the medical fraternity and organizing regular CME programs, health & wellness events,  and financial workshops for its members and outreach, public health education, and advocacy activities for the community both locally and internationally. For more details and to join the Share-A-Blanket Drive in your state/community, please visit: www.aapiusa.org

AAPI Plans 41st Annual Convention in Philadelphia

(Philadelphia, PA; February 8, 2023) “It is with great pleasure that we announce that the 41st Annual Convention and Scientific Sessions organized by American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI) will be held from July 6th to 9th, 2003 in the historical city of Philadelphia, PA,” Dr. Ravi Kolli, President of AAPI announced here today.

Highlighting the importance of AAPI and the contributions of AAPI members in the United states, Dr. Kolli, a senior Psychiatrist by profession said, “Today, AAPI is strong representing over 120,000 Indian American physicians, 130 local Chapters, who make up of 10% of total physicians in the US and nearly 50% of International Medical Graduates, rooted in every corner of the nation, who serve every 7th patient in the US. We are proud of our achievements and our contributions to the healthcare industry and the millions of people we serve.”

“We invite you to the 41st Annual Convention in the historic city of Philadelphia, PA,” Dr. Sanjay Gupta Convenor of AAPI Convention 2023 said. “We have convened a fantastic group of people to meet the needs of the convention and are very excited about this great event. Please reach out to any one of the representatives from the Philadelphia Host Team with questions or comments.”

Picture : TheUNN

“The 2023 AAPI Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly offers an exciting venue to interact with leading physicians, health professionals, academicians, and scientists of Indian origin,” said Dr. V. Ranga, Chair of AAPI BOT. “Physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country will convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year. We look forward to seeing you in Philadelphia.”

The Covid pandemic has impacted all aspects of human life as never been before. The past three years have been challenging to everyone, particularly to those who are assigned with the responsibility of caring for the sick, even as hundreds of millions are affected by the pandemic. Physicians and other health professionals on the front lines of COVID-19 care have experienced so many unknowns during the pandemic. They’ve also put their own health and the well-being of their families on the line to provide care.

“At this critical juncture in human history, AAPI, the largest ethnic medical organization in the country is focusing on themes such as how to take care of self and find satisfaction and happiness in the challenging situations they are in, while serving hundreds of patients everyday of their dedicated and noble profession,” Dr. Anjana Samadder, President-Elect of AAPI said.

Describing the importance of the host city, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Vice President of AAPI pointed out, “Philadelphia is one of the most exciting, urban chic cities in the world. It is one of the leading regions for the Life Sciences, Energy, and Financial Services industries. Philly is home to the University of Pennsylvania and has 9 medical schools in the surrounding area will bring in many more participants and excellent world-class speakers.”

Pointing to the accessibility and convenience of reaching Philly, Dr. Meher Medavaram, Secretary of AAPI said, “Traveling to Philadelphia is only one hour and 20 minutes from New York City and 1 hour and 45 minutes from Washington, D.C. via Amtrak’s Acela Express line. Thirty airlines serve Philadelphia International Airport with 625 daily nonstop flights to 121 domestic destinations and will attract many attendees.”

Dr. Sumul Rawal, Treasurer of AAPI said, “Exhibitors and Corporate Partners will remain our top priority as we work together to provide a world-class forum for increased interactions between sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees. The ease with which attendees can move between the exhibit hall, conference and ballrooms, and their hotel rooms will ensure maximum attendance and visibility for Sponsors and Exhibitors.”

The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin Convention offers an exciting venue to interact with leading physicians, health professionals, academicians, and scientists of Indian origin. The physicians and healthcare professionals from across the country will convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities in the coming year.

While urging all AAPI members to make plans and be part of the historic Convention, Dr. Kolli said: “We have a wonderful team planning and organizing the event to make the 2023 annual convention a memorable experience. Please reach out to any one of the representatives from the Philly team for any of your queries.” Please visit www.aapiconvention.org for more details or call the AAPI office at (630) 990 2277 for further information.

Dr. Ravi Kolli, President of AAPI Joins ‘I Stand for Peace’ With Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

“It was an honor to be part of an event, ‘I Stand for Peace’ along with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,” said Dr. Ravi Kolli, the new President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI). Stating that “I was fortunate to be able to attend my first  Public Event, “I Stand By Peace,” after assuming charge as the President of the largest ethnic medical organization in the USA, representing over 120,000 highly successful physicians of Indian origin in the United States.”  

“I stand for peace” was jointly organized by AAPI, IAMA, and IABC in Oak Brook, IL on June 27th, 2022. Also present at the meeting were other leaders of AAPI including Drs. Gopal Lalmalani, Suresh Reddy, Bharat Barai, Sreenivas Reddy, Meherbala Medavaram, Ram Medavaram, Vishnu Chundi and other leaders of IAMA. The event was moderated by Dr. Radhika Chimata.

Dr. Kolli discussed with the participants, his focus on physician wellness and battling the stigma of mental illness as a priority for AAPI.  Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji reiterated the importance of inner mental peace, bringing peace to all communities freeing them from gun violence, and promoting physician wellness. Gurudev concluded the meeting by guiding the delegates for a 22-minutes long meditation session and led the delegates to a pledge: ‘I Stand for Peace’ asking them to repeat the pledge with Gurudev ji.

“In this polarized society, we need more people who can bring peace, who can bridge the gap from conflict to proper communication and celebration,” said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in his address, and spoke of advancing peace and goodwill through the World Culture Festival next year to bring people of all backgrounds and all ideologies together.

“We want to give the message, ‘Wake up. We are one family’,” said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Later, after leading the participants in a guided meditation, he spoke about what he has experienced while on this worldwide tour and how it can help Chicagoans achieve meaningful peace and amity. “Meditation makes you emotionally strong, mentally sharp intuitively more alert, and mindful in your work, whatever you are doing,” he said and described its benefits for various health conditions.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar honored Dr. Ravi Kolli, AAPI President, Dr. Bharat Barai, chair of Indiana Medical Board, Dr. Sreenivas Reddy, Chair of Illinois Medical Board, Dr. Suresh Reddy, Trustee of Oakbrook Village, Dr. Vishnu Chundu and Mr. Adarsh Shastri.

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