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| GOSUMEC Foundation |
Dear GSMC/KEM Alumni:
In June 2000, Dr. Guru Shirahatti, then the Dean of Seth G. S. Medical College and Dr. Ravi Bapat visited the United States. Their primary mission was to invite all of US-based alumni to the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of January 2001. In addition, they wanted to promote a fresh dialogue with hundreds of alumni here and to create an alumni organization in the US to enhance the image and quality of the college and hospital.
Inspired by the Dean's plea and suggestions, a group of GS-ites who had gathered at Dr. Vijay Dave's residence in June 2000, pledged their support immediately and decided to form a tax-exempt entity. Dr. Nila Vora and Dr. Manu Vora spearheaded the project to form the GOSUMEC Foundation. It took countless hours of paperwork and efforts to get the By-Laws, Constitution and filing with IRS to get the tax-exempt status. Finally, in January 2002, IRS granted 501(c)(3) status to the GOSUMEC Foundation. Enclosed please see Dr. Shirahatti's letter supporting the GOSUMEC Foundation efforts.
During this time, Dr. Vijay Dave visited GS during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in January 2001. He donated his time and own money to start an Alumni Affairs Office at GS in a room called Nostalgia created in front of the Dean's office and equipped with a computer and alumni database. We emphasize that Nostalgia will be your place to visit next time you are at GS.
Another important development occurred during this time. Two YAG lasers worth $49,000 were donated to the KEM Ophthalmology Department. This effort was organized by Dr. Manu Vora, President of Blind Foundation for India (BFI) in the US. BFI provided $16,000, $8,500 came from Rotary Club of Cuff Parade, Mumbai and the matching fund of $24,500 was received from the Rotary International in Evanston, Illinois.
Here is some additional information on the GOSUMEC Foundation:
What Is GOSUMEC Foundation (GF)?
The GOSUMEC Foundation is a Not-for-Profit, IRS 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organization (Tax ID # 36-4414583) chartered in the State of Illinois. The mission of GF is to provide a forum for educational exchange and health care technology transfer to Seth G. S. Medical College and affiliated institutions in India.
What is the Current Status of GOSUMEC Foundation ?
We have formed a governing body with an initial slate of Officers and Board of Directors (elected every 3 years), plus Regional Advisers across the US. We have rented a Postal Box, created GF Letterhead and opened a bank account. The Directors have already contributed $1,000 each and are working on creating a database and website.
How Will Our Money Be Spent ?
Initially, we want to collect a sizable amount to create an endowment. Then we will take on one or more projects using the interest money. At all times, we will entertain funds for specific projects by appealing to the alumni, charitable trusts, Rotary Clubs, matching grants from businesses, pharmaceutical companies here in the US and also in India.
What About Alumni Back Home In India?
In addition to Dr. Nilima Kshirsagar (the current Dean), we have established two India-based alumni as our liaisons. They are Dr. Lopa Mehta and Dr. Ravi Ramakantan. Dr. Lopa Mehta will be our single point of contact while Dr. Ravi Ramakantan will provide web-related support. We expect collaboration between GF and the India-based alumni will be very close and productive. We would also encourage US alumni to visit and monitor our projects' progress.
Where Can We Get News on GS/KEM?
Please visit the KEM web site (http://www.kem.edu/) and GF web site that is under construction (http://www.gosumec.org/) and share it with your friends.
How Do We Communicate with and Get Update about the GF?
We are working on our GF web site; until then you may call or write to any one of the Officers, Directors, or Regional Advisors of the GOSUMEC Foundation. Your constructive comments and suggestions are always welcome, as this is your alumni foundation.
What do I Have to Do?
You became a member of the GS-KEM Alumni as soon as you entered the medical school or started your internship or residency at KEM or affiliated hospitals in India. There are no membership fees to join the GOSUMEC Foundation.
We would like you to get involved to help your alma mater. Towards this goal, in addition to your monetary and moral support, we hope you will spread the word about the GOSUMEC Foundation to all your GOSUMEC friends both in your area and elsewhere. We welcome your participation in any and all activities undertaken by the Foundation. We will support you if you wish to take a more active role within GF.
GOSUMEC Foundation Get Together at 2002 AAPI Meeting in Chicago
We have planned a get together of GS-ites at the upcoming AAPI Meeting in Chicago on Friday evening, June 28, 2002. The Current Director, Dr. Nilima Kshirsagar will be the Chief Guest at this get together. Look for further details when you arrive on site at the hotel.
We look forward to remaining in touch with all our GS-ites Friends.
Dr. Sunita Ginde, President
On behalf of Officers,
Directors and Regional Advisors of GOSUMEC Foundation