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.