BY AJAY GHOSH
Chicago, IL: January 9, 2025 – “Continuing the tradition of providing comfort and warmth to the needy and the homeless in the United States during this winter season, with the overwhelming support of dozens of chapters, we at the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) are relaunching the Share-the-Warmth program. This initiative will benefit thousands of people across the nation through the generosity of AAPI members,” said Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of AAPI.
For several years, AAPI at the national level and its local chapters at the state level have been leading efforts to bring warmth and comfort to the lives of the needy across the United States. Launched in 2019, this noble initiative has become an annual tradition of giving by AAPI to local communities. Through its “Share-the-Warmth” project, AAPI has donated thousands of blankets to the poor and the homeless in shelters across the nation every year.
“We are immensely happy to state that AAPI’s ‘Share-the-Warmth’ program has been highly successful this year,” said Dr. Raghu Lolabhattu, Chair of the Share-the-Warmth program. “The holiday season is here again—time to care and share! Over the past few years, AAPI, along with several local chapters and members, has made tremendous efforts to help those in need by donating blankets. We are proud to say this initiative has been well-received by the targeted communities.”
Dr. Malti Mehta, Co-Chair of the Share-the-Warmth program, added, “AAPI launched the Share-a-Blanket project in 2019 under the presidency of Dr. Suresh Reddy to bring warmth to the needy across the nation. Dr. Binod Sinha, the founding president of the AAPI chapter in New Jersey, organized and conducted it successfully that year. Since then, it has been held annually by AAPI and its local chapters.”
Praising the concerted efforts of AAPI chapters, Dr. Lolabhattu said, “Thousands of homeless and other needy citizens have benefited from this program in the past. This year, under the leadership of our President, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, AAPI is committed to continuing this much-needed tradition.”
“We at AAPI are extremely grateful for the opportunities we have been blessed with to serve the communities we live and work in,” said Dr. Sunil Kaza, Chair of AAPI BOT. “As a token of our appreciation and gratitude, we are happy to give back and serve the less fortunate in times of their need.”
“This has been a one-of-a-kind experience for teams of physicians and young volunteers who have generously donated their time and resources to bring joy to the less fortunate,” said Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, President-Elect of AAPI. “I want to thank all the state chapter leaders for their commitment and enthusiastic participation.”

“Realizing how this initiative benefits so many in the community motivates us to organize more such events and continue giving back to local communities,” said Dr. Meher Medavaram, Vice President of AAPI. “We are proud to see the purpose of the program being fulfilled through the efforts of AAPI and its state chapters.”
Dr. Raj Bhayani, Secretary of AAPI, urged all members to support the program: “Let us make this initiative a grand success and bring pride to AAPI and our local organizations. We encourage everyone to make a generous donation to this fund. Your contribution will bring great comfort to someone in need.”
Dr. Bhayani also expressed his gratitude to “Mr. Steven M. Fulop, Mayor of Jersey City, New Jersey, who will join the New Jersey Chapter of AAPI in this year’s annual blanket donation drive.”
“After experiencing the generosity of AAPI members, we strongly feel we can accomplish much more with the support and participation of all our physicians, led by the local chapters,” said Dr. Shirish Patel, Treasurer of AAPI.
Dr. Kathula expressed his gratitude to the AAPI chapters for organizing donation drives across the nation. “Knowing that these efforts benefit so many in the community motivates us to continue organizing such events and giving back to the communities where we live and serve. With the ongoing support and participation of our generous AAPI members, we can achieve even more.”
The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), founded in 1982, is the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States, representing the interests of over 120,000 physicians of Indian origin. In addition to numerous programs in India, AAPI has been at the forefront of advocating for the medical fraternity, organizing regular CME programs, health and wellness events, and financial workshops for its members. The organization also conducts public health education and advocacy activities locally and internationally.
For more details or to join the Share-a-Blanket Drive in your state or community, please visit www.aapiusa.org.