BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Cumming, GA, December 24, 2025: Maitri, a community-based organization founded exclusively for visiting parents and seniors, celebrated its 17th anniversary at Celebrations Banquet Hall on December 14th with a heartfelt gathering that brought together seniors, families, volunteers, artists, and respected community leaders. True to its name, Maitri means loving-kindness or unconditional friendliness, a value that has guided the organization’s mission since its inception and continues to define everything it does.
Founded in 2008 by Viju Chiluveru and coordinated alongside Sandhya Chiluveru, Maitri was born from a personal realization. When the founder’s parents visited from India, the sharp contrast between life in India and the United States became evident. Limited mobility, lack of familiar social networks, and cultural isolation made long visits challenging. Maitri was created to bridge that gap by offering a welcoming, structured, and compassionate community for visiting parents and seniors, grounded in the spirit of loving-kindness and human connection.
Over the years, Maitri has grown into a trusted platform that quietly but consistently serves a population often overlooked. Speakers at the anniversary celebration emphasized that Maitri is not simply an organization but a lifeline that brings together seniors, families, and multiple generations. The focus is not on age, but on experience, wisdom, and continued engagement with life. In this sense, Maitri truly lives up to its meaning, unconditional friendliness in action.
Among the distinguished guests and speakers were community leaders Narender Reddy and Paramesh Erramilli, along with Sairam Karumanchi and Niranjan Podduturi. Musical performances by Ram Durvasula and Shilpa Vuppuluri added warmth and celebration to the afternoon, underscoring Maitri’s emphasis on culture, creativity, and joy. Their presence reflected the collective support that has sustained Maitri over nearly two decades.
A deeply moving moment came when the founder’s sons Bhargava Chiluveru and Nabhanyu Chiluveru spoke about their father’s compassion and selflessness. They shared how Maitri was inspired by personal loss and the desire to ensure that no visiting parent ever feels lonely. They spoke about his tireless commitment, his hands-on involvement in every event, and the fact that many of the organization’s expenses are personally funded. Their words resonated strongly with the audience and highlighted the emotional heart behind Maitri’s work.
Several speakers reflected on research showing that longevity and well-being are strongly linked to community and social engagement. Beyond diet and exercise, meaningful relationships and regular interaction play a critical role in healthy aging. Maitri’s monthly meetings, discussions, cultural programs, and shared meals were repeatedly cited as powerful examples of how community nurtures both mental and emotional health, reinforcing the idea that kindness and connection are essential to living well.
Maitri meets on the second Sunday of every month at 3 pm and continues to go strong after 17 years. Its activities are designed around the interests and needs of visiting parents and seniors and include discussions on parenting, differences in senior life between the US and India, tourist destinations in India, Puranas, yoga, and alternative medicine. Doctors are frequently invited to share health advice, and members enjoy picnics, birthday and anniversary celebrations, and concerts by artists.
The advantages of being part of Maitri go far beyond scheduled meetings. Members make new friends and often reconnect with long-lost ones. They stay in touch between meetings, visit each other’s homes, and continue those friendships even after returning to India. In many cases, connections formed in the US extend across continents, strengthening bonds that last well beyond a single visit.
While most attendees are Telugu-speaking, members are comfortable conversing in English, making Maitri inclusive and accessible. The organization welcomes visiting parents, seniors, and anyone who values companionship, conversation, and community.
Maitri is Maitri. A space for visiting parents, seniors, and everyone. Rooted in the meaning of loving-kindness and unconditional friendliness, it offers not just activities, but belonging, reassurance, and joy.
Those interested in joining can learn more and become part of the community through the following links.
Join Maitri https://bit.ly/joinmaitri
Join Maitri WhatsApp Group https://bit.ly/whatsappmaitri
Maitri events over the years https://bit.ly/eventsofmaitri
Maitri in pictures https://bit.ly/photosofmaitri
As Maitri steps into its 18th year, the anniversary celebration served as a reminder that quiet service, sustained commitment, and genuine compassion can create a lasting impact. What began as a personal response to a family need has grown into a cherished community institution, redefining aging as a time of connection, contribution, and shared humanity.
