NetSAP-DC elects new executive board for 2004

New programs planned for the professional and cultural development of the South Asian community in the DC Metro Area

Washington, DC (PRWEB) March 9, 2004 --The Network of South Asian Professionals, Washington DC Chapter (NetSAP-DC), a non-profit organization committed to promoting professional and cultural development of the South Asian community in the DC metro area, welcomed into office its newly elected executive board for 2004 on January 1st. The new executive board members are Salil Maniktahla, President; Shalini Matani, Vice President; Mahendra Nerurkar, Secretary; Bina Thomas, Treasurer; Kirti Kapur, Membership; Pratik Mittal, Marketing/PR; Amit Garg, Sponsorship; and Mihir Shah, National Liaison.

The NetSAP DC Executive Board has an ambitious strategy in place to continue to enhance and enrich their members experiences by planning a rich portfolio of events and opportunities for 2004. Flagship, professional development, and networking events planned for the year include Charity Ball 2004: FIRE & ICE on April 17th, whose proceeds will benefit local and international causes dedicated to South Asian social and economic development both locally and in India; a business plan competition in October, where local entrepreneurs will get the chance to test the reality of their ideas and dreams; and Third Thursdays, NetSAP DCs chic, signature monthly networking series. In addition, focused events that collectively span the eclectic interests of the members will be organized by the traditional committees- Book Club, Community Service, Cultural, Mentorship, Political, Professional, STAGE, Sports, Womens Forum, SALTAF, and Sponsorship. This year, in response its members growing and diversified hobbies, NetSAP has added Kahani, a writing workshop; The Motorcycle Club; and The Photography Club.

"We will continue to organize specialized events that cater to the distinct interests of our broad membership" said Salil Maniktahla, President NetSap-DC. "In 2003, NetSap grew to a body of more than 400 strong by the end of the year, by continuing to offer its membership a diverse, but unique set of cultural, professional, and social events and opportunities. We would like to thank the hard work and accomplishments of last years leadership that guided NetSap-DC to new heights amid continued economic and security concerns."

Last year started off with Charity Ball 2003: Shaken Not Stirred, where attendees dined, danced, and gambled the night away at a mock-casino style black-tie gala to raise over $9,000 for the Hunger Project, an internationally renowned charity and ASHA, a local organization committed to helping South Asian women affected by domestic violence. Other quarterly flagship events included FUSION, a annual cultural show which showcased South-Asian art, dance, and music; the second annual South Asian Literary and Theater Arts Festival (SALTAF), which featured Mira Nair, the acclaimed director of Monsoon Wedding and Mississippi Masala; and the annual Holiday Gala, which recognizes the many holiday festivals and celebrations that take place on the Indian sub-continent.

If you have questions, are interested in volunteering, or getting more involved in NetSAP-DC, please contact Salil Maniktahla at president@netsap.org, or Kirti Kapur at membership@netsap.org. For more information on NetSAP-DC, to register for upcoming events, become a member, or signup for its newly redesigned, weekly web-based newsletter, please visit: www.netsap.org.

About NetSAP-DC

NetSAP-DC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to identifying and celebrating the diversity of South Asians in America by promoting professional development; encouraging community service activities; raising awareness of the South Asian culture; and providing forums for the discussion of important societal issues. As one of the largest local and national South Asian organizations, we represent over 5,000 individuals in the DC metro area with over 400 members per year on average.

NetSAP-DC is an affiliate chapter of NetIP North America. NetIP-NA consists of 21 chapters throughout the United States and in Canada.