SACSS Celebrates 25 Years of Service with a Spectacular Anniversary Gala

This year marked a significant milestone for the South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS) — 25 years of unwavering service, advocacy, and growth within our diverse communities. To commemorate this incredible journey, we hosted a vibrant and heartfelt anniversary gala, bringing together longtime supporters, community members, and partners who have helped shape our mission.

The evening was gracefully emceed by CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul, whose warmth and poise set the perfect tone for the celebration.

CBS Correspondent Shanelle Kaul, Emcee of the SACSS 25th Anniversary Gala

Our keynote speaker, Moumita Rahman, shared a deeply personal and powerful reflection on her immigrant journey. Now one of New York City’s leading immigration attorneys, Moumita stands as a passionate advocate for justice and a powerful voice for countless families navigating the immigration system.

Keynote speaker for the night, attorney and advocate Moumita Rahman

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the SACSS Lifetime Achievement Award. Actor and comedian Aasif Mandvi took the stage to introduce the honoree — his former co-star and legendary figure Madhur Jaffrey. With charm and humor, he celebrated her lasting impact as a cultural icon and culinary pioneer. Although unable to attend in person, Madhur sent a moving message, describing the food SACSS provides through its pantry as “mother, father, grandfather, grandmother, family, ancestry, home — everything all rolled into one.”

In a joyful twist, Aasif was himself surprised with the “Humor for Health” Award, presented by Aroon Shivdasani, Founding Member and Executive Director of the Indo-American Arts Council, recognizing his contributions to community well-being through laughter and storytelling.

Aroon Shivdasani and Aasif Mandvi

SACSS Executive Director Sudha Acharya then introduced the next honorees: the dynamic mother-daughter team Kalpana & Anita Bhatia, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Ramesh & Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation. Kalpana Bhatia received the Legacy of Generosity Award, presented by Mukund Padmanabhan, Founder of the Guru Krupa Foundation, and NYC Council Member Sandra Ung. “She has supported organizations focused on gender-based violence, social services, medical research, and education for longer than I even realized,” said her daughter Anita in a moving tribute.

Anita Bhatia was then honored with the Changemaker Award for her leadership in advancing healthcare, welfare, and educational initiatives through the Foundation.

(From left to right) Anita Bhatia, SACSS Executive Director Sudha Acharya, and Kalpana Bhatia

Next, Council Member Shekar Krishnan introduced honoree Chandrika Tandon, presenting her with the Music for Healing Award. “She’s such a kind, giving soul who is there for our community every single day,” he shared. Speaking of her work with seniors at SACSS, Chandrika said, “Music is love, and music ignites the light in us.” At Sudha Acharya’s request, she graced the audience with a spontaneous musical performance, inviting everyone to sing along — a truly magical moment.

Chandrika Tandon accepting the Music for Healing Award

Council Member Linda Lee presented the Championing Mental Health Award to Dr. Roberta Nassar, highlighting her crucial work supervising all mental health staff at SACSS. “It’s no understatement to say SACSS provides lifelines to people,” Dr. Nassar said during her touching remarks.

Council Member Linda Lee (left) presenting the Championing Mental Health Award to Dr. Roberta Nassar (right)

Our next honoree, Padma Lakshmi, was recognized with the Voices of Heritage Award. While globally renowned for her contributions to the culinary world, Padma was also honored for her work as a philanthropist and advocate for communities of color. “I really want to applaud SACSS for what they’re doing… It helps in so many ways. They’ve expanded what the word ‘family’ means,” she shared.

Padma Lakshmi accepting the Voices of Heritage Award

The evening also featured a powerful fireside chat between award-winning fashion designer and author Prabal Gurung and Anjula Acharia, Founder and CEO of A-Series Management and Investments. Their conversation delved into themes from Prabal’s book Walk Like a Girl. “When someone said ‘walk like a girl,’ I didn’t realize it was meant as an insult — because I was raised by powerful women,” he said.

Fireside chat between CEO Anjula Acharia (left) and fashion designer Prabal Gurung (right)

In a special moment of recognition, Council Members Sandra Ung, Shekar Krishnan, and Linda Lee, presented Sudha Acharya with a New York City Council Proclamation on behalf of the entire Queens delegation, honoring SACSS for its decades of service and impact.

(From left to right) Council Member Shekar Krishnan, Council Member Sandra Ung, SACSS Executive Director Sudha Acharya, and Council Member Linda Lee

Another poignant moment came as Sonia Gawas, a Council Member from West Windsor Township, a former SACSS client herself, was honored by Sudha Acharya for her continued resilience and dedication, a powerful reflection of the organization’s enduring community bonds.

Sonia Gawas reflecting on being a client at SACSS, accompanied by Sudha Acharya

To close the night on a high note, professional singer Kunal Lamba emceed a joyful fashion show honoring AAPI Heritage Month. This fashion show featured traditional and contemporary pieces from across Asia, all of which were meticulously stitched over 10 weeks by graduates of Stitch With SACSS, a program designed to empower women through fashion.

Fashion across Asia, stitched by Stitch With SACSS graduates

The celebration concluded with a spirited musical performance by Kunal, featuring beloved Bollywood songs from across eight decades. As familiar tunes filled the room, attendees sang along, clapped to the rhythm, and danced in their seats, transforming the evening into a joyful, communal celebration of heritage, memory, and music.