Recent Activities
From The President's Desk
A Statement from President Diane Sagen
To Our Sponsors, Donors, Beneficiaries of our donors, and all Well-Wishers
As the year 2024 comes to an end we look back at the blessings bestowed on the people of India by our generous donors. In so many ways the people have been helped by your generous contributions. Flood relief, food distribution, vocational training programs, and medical relief are among the services provided.
With your support, ASTI has successfully completed 40 years of serving the poor in the fields of medicine and education. During the pandemic ASTI was able to provide medical help and was there to ease the suffering.
One example of the help your funds provide is to the charitable hospital Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama in Vrindavan.
The hospital, established in 1908, has grown to it’s present 300-bed Super-Specialty Hospital, with departments ranging from General Medicine to Surgical and Medical oncology. It offers a wide range of medical services and provides free treatment to destitute widows, mendicant sadhus, and poor individuals. The hospital is appealing for funds to set up a Radiotherapy Block to provide advanced cancer treatment to patients who cannot afford it. There is an increasing incidence of cancer, and a lack of cancer care facilities in this region.
ASTI is entering into a new era. In 2024 our sponsors and donors contributed more than $771,695 for the benefit of poor and disenfranchised people in India, through various approved NGOs. Our goal for 2025 is to donate more than $600,000.
We appeal to you as we enter 2025 to continue your generous donations in meeting our goals. Please know that 98% of your donation is disbursed to the charity of your choice in the medical and educational fields. The remaining 2% is utilized to meet our operating expenses.
The donation process has been streamlined for your ease:
- Zelle: Use Zelle by accessing bakul.zaveri@gmail.com on the Zelle platform. This is quick and at no additional cost to donors. The donor receives a message from our bank within 2 minutes after the funds have been credited to the ASTI account
- Direct deposit: Donors can ask his/her bank to directly deposit into our account. When you choose this method, you may need the ASTI Routing and Account Numbers. For security reasons we cannot publish that information in the public domain, so if you choose to utilize this process, please call or email us for the banking information.
- Check: You can still write a check to “American Service To India” and mail it to ASTI, 1748 Aspen Grove Lane, Diamond Bar CA 91765. Please note, previously mentioned PO BOX 4796 ADDRESS IS NO LONGER VALID. Do not mail any checks to that address.
We guarantee that within three business days after our account is credited, we will send your donation to your choice of charity either by wire transfer or by US Mail. You will also receive a receipt for your donation for tax purposes, a copy of the wire transfer documents, or a copy of the check mailed to your charity.
Recently the Ministry of Finance, Government of India has changed the rules for all NGOs operating within India. All NGOs desiring to collect funds in foreign currency must obtain a new, or renewed, FCRA certificate and open an account with the State Bank of India, New Delhi branch.
Should you have any questions or wish to have additional information, please e-mail us at bakul.zaveri@gmail.com or call us at (909) 861-0247.
The Board of ASTI welcomes more members. If you would like to contribute by participating in our annual meeting, you would be welcome. Contact Bakul Zaveri if you would like to participate.
I will be in touch with you periodically with updates about ASTI’s activities.
Please feel free to send us your feedback and suggestions.
Diane Sagen
President, American Service to India