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 2025 comes to a close, we reflect with gratitude on the many ways your generosity has touched lives across India. Your support has enabled flood relief, food distribution, vocational training, and medical services for under-served communities.
One notable example is the work of Ramakrishna Mission Saradashrama, Ponnampet, serving tribal areas through:
- Vocational Training: Skill-based programs that help students gain employment and achieve financial independence.
- Women Empowerment: Tailoring and skills training, along with free sewing machines for trained participants. Winter Relief: Distribution of blankets, sweaters, jackets, umbrellas, caps, and socks, valued at approximately ₹5 Lakhs.
- Medical Services: Ongoing care through Ramakrishna Sevashrama Hospital, established in 1942 and serving the community for over 83 years.
- Disaster Relief: Emergency and rehabilitation support during floods, COVID, and other calamities, including life-enhancing solar energy initiatives funded by donors like you.
As we look ahead to 2026, ASTI is undergoing important transitions. Our longtime CFO, Bakul Zaveri, has retired after years of dedicated service. We are deeply grateful for his leadership. He is currently mentoring Parixit Panchigar, who will help ensure the continued, timely flow of donations to India.
In 2025, ASTI donors contributed over $720,126 to support disadvantaged communities in India through approved NGOs. Our goal for 2026 is to exceed $600,000 in donations.
We respectfully appeal for your continued support as we enter the new year. Please note that 98% of every donation is disbursed directly to the charity of your choice in the medical or educational fields; the remaining 2% supports ASTI’s operating expenses.
Donation options (streamlined for your convenience):
- Zelle: Send funds via ASTIUSAORG on the Zelle platform. There is no cost to donors, and confirmation is received within minutes.
- Direct Deposit: Please contact us by phone or email for secure banking details.
- Check: Mail checks payable to American Service to India at – 4107 E Coronado Privado, Ontario, CA 91761 Within three business days of receiving your donation, ASTI will forward funds to your chosen charity and provide a tax receipt and transaction documentation.
Please note that the Ministry of Finance, Government of India requires all NGOs receiving foreign funds to hold a valid FCRA certificate and maintain an account with the State Bank of India, New Delhi branch.
For questions or additional information, contact us at info@astiusa.org or 909-914-0436.
Once again, thank you for your generosity and continued support.
Diane Sagen
President, American Service to India