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.

Shanelle introduced Board President Devi Ramchandran, who addressed the audience with heartfelt words, “SACSS is a bridge that spans generations and builds lifelines for our clients.”

Her remarks were followed by a moving video that captured the story of SACSS’s journey — 25 years of service, impact, and community resilience.

Devi then introduced Executive Director Sudha Acharya, who was greeted with a powerful standing ovation, a true testament to her decades of leadership and service.

Devi then introduced Founder and Executive Director Sudha Acharya, who was greeted with a powerful standing ovation, a true testament to her decades of leadership and service.

Sudha began by reflecting on SACSS’s origins: “Back in 2000, we started SACSS with little more than purpose and passion.”

From those modest beginnings, she recounted how the organization grew by program, family by family, need by need into a trusted cornerstone of the community, delivering essential services, advocacy, and support across generations.

But her message wasn’t just one of celebration. “But tonight is not just about celebration. It’s about commitment. We cannot let this progress unravel. We can’t only look at tomorrow, we must plan for the next 25 years.”

As she expressed gratitude to the individuals and organizations who made this milestone possible, she also ensured to convey the importance of sustainability. “As we mark this milestone, let us also recommit ourselves to service, to community, and to the vision of a more just, more compassionate future,” she urged.

“Here’s to the past 25 years—and to the next,” she said.

Moumita Rahman, keynote speaker and one of NYC’s leading immigration attorneys, moved everyone by sharing her immigrant story, one that echoed the journeys of many in our community and reminded us why the work of SACSS remains as urgent as ever.

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.

A heartfelt moment of the evening honored the intergenerational impact of the Ramesh & Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation. Kalpana Bhatia received the Legacy of Generosity Award, presented by Mukund Padmanabhan, Founder and President of Guru Krupa Foundation, in recognition of her decades of quiet yet powerful support for causes ranging from gender-based violence to education. “She has supported organizations… for longer than I even realized,” said her daughter Anita Bhatia in a moving tribute.

Anita was presented by Council Member Sandra Ung with the Changemaker Award for advancing healthcare, welfare, and education through the Foundation. Together, the Bhatias embody a legacy of compassion, purpose, and lasting community impact.

Grammy-winning artist, Chandrika Tandon was honored with the Music for Healing Award, presented by Councilmember Shekar Krishnan and Binayak Shrestha, Global Head of Services Delivery at GEP, recognizing her deep connection to SACSS’s senior programs and her belief in the power of music as care. In a magical moment, she did an impromptu performance, inviting the audience to sing along, truly embodying her words “Music is love, and music ignites the light in us.”

Professor of Social Work and human rights activist, Dr. Roberta Nassar was honored with the Championing Mental Health Award presented by Councilmember Linda Lee, for her tireless work overseeing and advancing SACSS’s mental health services. She has shaped a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach to care that reaches hundreds of clients, many seeking mental health support for the first time.

Producer, Television Host, and Author Padma Lakshmi received the Voices of Heritage Award presented by Chef Vijay Kumar, Executive chef and co-owner of Michelin-starred restaurant Semma, and Barkha Cardoz, culinary entrepreneur. Padma in her acceptance speech spoke powerfully about reimagining the meaning of family and the importance of community-based organizations like SACSS.

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.

Queens Delegation of NYC Council Members Sandra Ung, Shekar Krishnan, and Linda Lee presented a NYC Council Proclamation to Executive Director Sudha Acharya, recognizing SACSS’s decades of service. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, who could not be present, also sent a proclamation celebrating SACSS.

A highlight of the evening was the dynamic fundraising led by Roni Mazumdar, founder of Unapologetic Foods NYC, and SACSS Board Secretary Malavika Khullar. With warmth and energy, they brought attention to the core programs SACSS delivers — healthcare, food security, workforce development, and senior support — while connecting with attendees one-on-one. Their efforts highlighted how every donor has a story, just like every client. It’s these shared stories that make our work possible.

Governor Kathy Hochul was represented by Deputy Director of Asian Affairs, Sibu Nair who presented a bouquet to Sonia Gawas, a former SACSS client and now a Council Member in West Windsor, whose journey reflects the deep resilience and strength within our community. Sonia first came to SACSS in the aftermath of 9/11, seeking support during an uncertain and difficult time. Over the years, she transformed her own hardship into public service, becoming a powerful advocate for others.

To close the night, we hosted a fashion show in honor of AAPI Heritage Month featuring Asian fusion designs by Stitch with SACSS graduates, modeled by the talented women of the Reba Browne Dance Company.

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.