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MSADA’s Community

The Metro South Asian Deaf Association, FY 2011 Editor: Thushara T. Wijetilaka

President's Corner:

Happy New Year to all!

I consider it a privilege to serve as the President of the Metro South Asian Deaf Association. MSADA is dedicated to promoting cultural diversity and deaf awareness through education, advocacy, and community involvement in the South Asian countries. The MSADA board has already begun planning this year’s events that will not only provide continuing knowledge, but will also be a time to network with fellow members across the nation.

For MSADA, the last year had been busy. Looking back on our accomplishments in 2011, we appreciate your dedication, support and enduring friendship year after year. With the economy still at a low point, your donations make an enormous difference. Equally important is how you support our mission by participating and contributing along with others - it's what keeps us going!

Aluth Avurudha – Sri Lankan New Year (April 2nd 2011): The 2nd Sri Lankan New Year party took place at the Multipurpose Room, Gallaudet University, on April 2nd 2011. It turned out great with lots of surprises. A gifted deaf dancer from Sri Lanka – Ms. Chamari Kudabalage, gave a magnificent performance, portraying the different cultures of Sinhala and Tamil. Holi, the Festival of Color - April 30, 2011: The MSADA hosted the 2nd Annual Holi, the festival of color at the Olmsted Green Field, Gallaudet. Thanks to the committee and subcommittee who worked very hard to make it to a colorful and lively festival for all of us - adults, students and children. Meeting/Social Hour - May 7, 2011: After planning many activities in spring 2011, the MSADA committee and subcommittees enjoyed a wrap-up meeting and social hour that took place at the SLCC Room A&B, Gallaudet University. Bengali Conference in Baltimore - July 2, 2011: Sagar and Gausia were invited to present at the Bengali Conference. They compared the US and South Asia with respect to services for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people. MSADA Scholarship 2011: MSADA is pleased to announce that two students at Gallaudet University have been awarded the MSADA Scholarship. Congratulations to Chaminda Hewapathirana and Sonam Jain. Words of Sympathy:

In memory of Bandula S. Peris (passed away on September 12, 2011) MSADA extends its sincerest condolences to our member Tissa Peiris, his family, and the Deaf Sri Lankan Community on the tragic passing of Bandula S. Peiris. He inspired us with his leadership and humbly gave much to Deaf friends in Sri Lanka. He worked tirelessly to improve services for the Deaf and had been persistent in getting Sri Lankan Sign Language recognized. Bandula is Tissa's beloved brother. We share Tissa's grief and extend our deepest sympathy to him and his family for their loss. Fall 2011 Social Hour - October 8th, 2011: MSADA members and friends enjoyed a fantastic meeting, as they shared interesting stories on their experiences with sign language interpreting services and other facilities for the deaf in their countries.

Diwali & EId Festival – November 5, 2011: MSADA's most popular event, the Diwali & Eid Party, took place on November 5th in the SAC Multipurpose Room at Gallaudet University. It was a huge success! Over 120 people came and enjoyed food, fun, and fellowship as they watched fascinating performances by talented students at Gallaudet. We had a blast!!! One of the attendees, Jennifer Witteborg, wrote: "I just wanted to say that this event was really wonderful. Raj never knew what Diwali was and we both learned also what Eid was. Thank you for a wonderful evening with delicious food. Keep up the good work!" We were also honored by two special visitors from Kerala. They are Indian teachers who have come to Gallaudet as special students to learn about the use of sign language and English in deaf education. They enjoyed the party too. We had a wonderful artist Mrs. Smita Kothari, who used henna to ornament the participants’ hands and the henna artwork were strikingly

beautiful. I extend an invitation to you all to get involved with MSADA. I urge you to join us as we launch new initiatives under the leadership of our Membership Chair, Sagar Kothari. You will hear more from us in the coming months as we attempt to reach out to our friends. Additionally, we plan to offer presentations on the cultures of Pakistan and Nepal, and encourage students to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities in participating in MSADA’s activities.

Building on previous years, the MSADA Board has begun work on updating the strategic plan that will guide us through the next three years

(2015). The strategic plan rests on five main goals: (a) host several events throughout the year in order to increase awareness about Deaf people of South Asian origin, and to provide socializing opportunities for members and their friends; (b) recruit more members to be involved in MSADA to maintain its growth; (c) partner with other organizations/clubs to share resources; (d) raise money annually in order to support a Deaf student of South Asian origin at a university in the US, and to sponsor a deaf school/organization in the US; and (e) encourage and support qualified individuals of South Asian origin to apply for additional scholarships. As part of our membership goals, we are also working on broadening the diversity of our membership and enhancing our communication with the MSADA members. We continue to make improvements to our website in an effort to provide you with the most current information. Information about future presentations and cultural events will be made available via the MSADA page at www.msada-dc.org. Also, please visit us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER, our social networking venues. Please provide us feedback and let us know how you like these sites. Again, thank you for your support and I look forward to serving as President of MSADA and hope to see you in Washington DC in April for the Aluth Avurudha party. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me at RMIRCHANDANI@comcast.net.

Sincerely,

Ramesh Mirchandani President MSADA

FY 2011 - The Year in Photos

Spring 2011: April 30 – Holi, the Festival of Colors

Summer 2011: July 2 – Bengali Conference

Spring 2011: April 2– Aluth Avrudha (Sri Lankan New Year)

Fall 2011: October 18 – Discussion and Social Hour

Fall 2011: November 5 – Diwali & Eid

Metro South Asian Deaf AssociationAluth Avurudha 2012 (Sri Lankan New Year)

Multi-purpose Room, Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Ave, N.E., Washington D.C.

For more details, click Flyer/To purchase Tickets at the Events page: www.msada-dc.org

MSADA is organizing an “Aluth Avurudha – Sri Lankan New Year”,scheduled to be held on Saturday April 7th at the Multipurpose Room,Gallaudet University from 6 – 10 PM. The theme of the AluthAvurudha is “MSADA Make Dreams Come True”. This eventwhich brings us together in friendship and unity and also raisesmuch needed funds for financing a development project of oneschool for the deaf in Sri Lanka. (Other events are similarly intendedto raise funds for schools for the deaf in other countries like India,Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives.) Please savethe date April 7th in your calendar and join us for an enjoyable butmemorable evening with us. For more details, click the AluthAvurudha flyer/Payment Form or www.msada-dc.org.