A back to school free supply drive was organized Sunday, August 10, 2025 at the Flushing Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS) in Queens for school going children under 14.
More than a hundred children gathered backpacks, notebooks and colors and pencils and more in the open-to-all supply drive, organized jointly by LiveOnNY, an organ and tissue donation organization; Indian Nurses Association of New York (INANY), New York City Department of Correction (NYCD) Desi Society; hosted by Flushing Swaminarayan Temple.
The four organizations came together for the first time to organize such a drive, although similar drives have been organized by the other organizations elsewhere.
“This is the first time that the BAPS Flushing Swaminarayan Mandir has joined these organizations in holding this open to all drive,” said Dr. Vipul Patel, Administrator of the External and Community Affairs Committee of the temple to Desi Talk. “It gives us a great pleasure to host this event in pursuit of education which our Guru Pramukh Swami had always stressed on,” Patel added.
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Young children came with their parents and selected their choice from a large table spread with school supplies. The afternoon became a fun-filled shopping and playing experience for the children who went home holding the gift balloons in their hands. The experience became more joyful as kids could participate actively in shopping for themselves.
“Every backpack, notebook, and pencil handed out today represents hope and opportunity,” said Anto Paul, Treasurer of INANY.
The event was attended by committee members of INANY including President Dr. Shyla Roshin, Vice President Dr. Esther Devadoss, Secretary Shabnampreet Kaur, Joint Secretary Grace Alexander and Treasurer Anto Paul.
“Participating in this back-to-school donation drive at BAPS Mandir alongside LiveOnNY was a meaningful opportunity to empower students with the resources they need to succeed,” said Dr. Shyla Roshin,
While Devadoss emphasized the value of education, Kaur informed about the community outreach efforts of INANY. Alexander said the four organizations coming together was inspirational. “This partnership with LiveOnNY and the warm hospitality of BAPS Mandir truly made this event special,” she said.
Similar sentiments were expressed by LiveOnNY Community and Public Affairs Liaison Dhanush Kaur,
Trustee Dr. Mariam Singh of NYCD Desi Society said it was heartwarming to see the community unite for the supplies giveaway which she described as investing in the future of the community. “This event exemplified what can be achieved when communities come together to empower the next generation while raising awareness for critical causes like saving lives through organ donation,” Singh said.
Thanking Patel for hosting the event, Singh said he and BAPS have always advocated for empowering the younger generation through education, mentorship; and wellness initiatives.