Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of The PRASAD Project

Senate Resolution No. 845 BY: Senator BONACIC COMMEMORATING the 25th Anniversary of The PRASAD Project WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of The PRASAD Project; and WHEREAS, The PRASAD (Philanthropic Relief, Altruistic Service And Development) Project is a philanthropic expression of the Siddha Yoga, and is an effective and acclaimed humanitarian organization which holds special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and has been ranked as a top-rated nonprofit organization by GreatNonprofits since 2014; and WHEREAS, The charitable work of The PRASAD Project began in the 1930s when Bhagavan Nityananda, an Indian guru, offered food and support to villagers in the Tansa Valley in Maharashtra, India; following in his footsteps, Swami Muktananda continued this great work through the 1960s and 1970s; under Swami Muktananda's guidance, volunteers began offering medical services through the Shree Muktananda Mobile Hospital; and WHEREAS, In the 1980s, Gurumayi Chidvilasananda expanded services to include nutrition, community development, and medical services such as a hospital and diagnostic center, the provision of modern eye care and comprehensive dental care, a mobile clinic and tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS programs; and WHEREAS, Gurumayi Chidvilasananda's dedication to the health of others is what led her to establish The PRASAD Project as a central organization to oversee and support humanitarian projects around the world; and WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1992, The PRASAD Project has sponsored many important humanitarian projects around the world to improve the quality of life for economically disadvantaged people; and WHEREAS, In 2016, The PRASAD Project achieved Gold Level GuideStar nonprofit profile level, which demonstrates this vital organization's deep commitment to financial accountability and openness about its mission and goals; and WHEREAS, Currently, The PRASAD Project is licensed in Australia, France and Spain, where it is dedicated to raising funds and bringing global visibility to PRASAD's work around the world, particularly the programs in India; PRASAD Chikitsa based in Ganeshpuri, India, touches the lives of thousands of people through its healthcare programs and sustainable community development initiatives; and WHEREAS, The PRASAD Project has locations in New York, where it provides dental services and dental health education to children in Sullivan County and some areas of Ulster County; in addition, PRASAD de Mexico offers free eye surgeries to remove cataracts and correct strabismus; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of The PRASAD Project; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The PRASAD Project.