IDOA Director Ms. Paula Basta & Ald. Debra Silverstein visited Universal Industries, Chicago location. Dr. Santosh Kumar, Visionary, founder of MAFS, in her opening remarks, welcomed and thanked them for their support. She summarized all the beneficial UMAS/MAFS programs available to the community members. She also gave a tour of the location which was renovated recently. Ms. Paula said she loved the architecture, and we should have 100 more centers like this. Dr. Santosh Kumar honored IDOA Director Paula Basta & Ald. Debra Silverstein with a ‘Shawl’ Indian tradition, a book ‘India calling 2022’; and a pen drive was gifted with all the pictures and videos of ADS members’ activities. Ms. Paula praised the work of UMAS/MAFS and said, Elderly feelings should be like you are heard, you are appreciated, and you are important. We want to see you age well and be healthy. She also believed elders’ voices are taken very seriously at UMAS/MAFS.
Performances and speeches by Seniors were praised by all attendees. Ms. Sadhna Ji, 79 years old stunned everyone with her performance while she danced on ‘Ude jab jab julphe’ at Ms. Paula Basta’s request; when she came to know that Ms. Sadhna Ji is a classical dancer. The program ended with Dr. Kumar’s appreciation speech that revealed her gratitude to the honorable guests who attended, the seniors, all her staff, and all the supporters of UMAS/MAFS. All managers & staff were present from all UMAS senior centers and interacted with Director Ms. Paula Basta.
