The Social Work month was celebrated on 03/27/04 at Raj Mahal
Restaurant, Queens, New York with a participation of forty members. The
meticulously planned program was started by an opening prayer song of Mary Ann
Thaila. Vice President Saji Joseph said the welcome speech. The
President John Mattom in his opening remark stated that the association has
more than hundred members work in different parts of the Tri-state in
various agencie.
The introduction of Chief Guest was made by Dr. Paul Njaliyeth. The
keynote address was made by the chief guest Ms. Irene Torres, Associate
Executive Director of Woodhull Hospital. Ms. Torres spoke on the National
Social Work Month theme "The Power Of Social Work. Pass It On".
Mr.Thomas Gnalian introduced another guest of the occasion Ms.Indira
Parmar, Director f Social Work, Wycoff Hospital. In her speech, Ms.
Parmar urged the members to go beyond the community and geographical limits
and reach out to the burning national problems of Indian society like
AIDS, Domestic Violence, illiteracy etc. She also encouraged to involve
more Social Workers in New York from other parts of India as well. A
melodious song sung by Shilpa James was very impressive;a followed the
felicitation of Dr. Craig Crabtree, Social Work Supervisor Woodhull
and Dr. Francis Jacob, Associate Director of Social Work, Harlem Health
Network.
Presentation of Awards were done by the Secretary, Mr. Sajan Thomas to
Ms. Irene Torres and Dr. Criag Crabtree. Vote of thanks was done by
Ms. Kamalesh Bagga. After the program there was a delicious lunch
arranged for all at Raj Mahal Restaurant . The lunch was sponsored by Dry
Harbor Nursing Home, Brooklyn.