I wish you all a very happy and a prosperous New Year. I thank God for leading our Association through its journey of 60 years, from its establishment in 1961, and launching us into 2021. God has guided the Association, the first of its kind with just a handful of people, who had a vision and dream to keep our Indian cultural heritage embedded into our new culture in this foreign land, the United States of America.

The Association was established to serve and further the religious, educational, social and economic interests of its members and the community. To this end we have raised funds for many worthy causes. We have helped earthquake and flood victims, supported educational programs and needy students, built churches in Southern Asia and acquired a property, where we can socialize and conduct various programs for our members. Additionally, the Association acquired a new property in Burtonsville, Maryland to build our own facility, closer to the members.

God has blessed the Association in many ways including the celebration of its 30th year Pearl Anniversary, in 1991, and the celebration of its 50th year Golden Jubilee, in 2011, highlighting the events in a pictorial Souvenir. The Association has withstood some difficult and challenging times.

Through it all, the Association has been enriched by all the members who have supported the organization, through their membership, fellowship and contributions of means and talents for the growth of the Association. I take this opportunity to thank those who have served as Chairpersons of the Board of Directors, as Presidents of the Association, and Chairmen of the Property and Asset Management Committee, and the Religious, Social, and the Hospitality Committees.

The Association was affected by the unprecedented difficulties, stemming from the COVID-19 Pandemic, along with the entire World. However, the current President, Kingston Benjamin, along with the Executive Team, have found innovative ways to continue our monthly meetings through Zoom and other on-line Tools to conduct the Association’s meetings. They have revamped the Association’s Website making it very user-friendly, directing viewers to current and relevant information highlighting Association’s Activities, Charitable Projects, On-line Fundraising Activities, Building Project Plans, etc.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Executive Team, the Religious committee, the Fund Raising Committee and the Property and Asset Management Committee members and the Board of Directors for making the year 2020 a success.

I invite all newcomers to join the Southern Asia Adventist Association, and current SAAA members to please remember to renew your membership for the new year. I also express my deepest condolences to the families of the fallen founders, members and supporters of our Association and the community, particularly in 2020 and also in years past. May God grant us success as we continue our journey into the New Year of 2021, and beyond.

With Best Wishes,

Krupavaram Meesarapu, MBA, CPA
Chairman, Board of Directors