Members of Assam Society of America (ASA) had always felt the need for a federally recognized non-profit organization to facilitate and invigorate the charitable activities that its members take. ASA itself was registered as a New Jersey non-profit a few years ago, by its then President Dr. Sanjib Bhuyan. However, since members of ASA are located nationwide, it was still felt necessary to obtain Federal non-profit recognition. In addition, ASA wanted to keep its options open regarding the kinds of activities in which it can potentially participate in the future. Assam Society of America Foundation, Inc., was founded in 2004 in New Jersey under the leadership of Mukul Chowdhary and Nomal Dutta, and help from a lot of others. Mr. Chowdhary and Mr. Dutta worked hard for two years to obtain exempt status from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3)of the IRS Code.
It is customary for IRS to place new organizations under an Advanced Ruling or probationary period. The Advanced Ruling period for ASAF, Inc., will end on December 31, 2008. During this period, the organization is required to fully articulate its standards, procedures, or other means for carrying out its charitable activities. It is also required to describe in greater detail its sources of funds and the nature of its contemplated expenses. Hence, in a recent letter, Mr. Nomal Dutta, cautioned that the “next two years are very crucial for us.” He continued, “Each of us must accept this as an honorable shared responsibility and a challenge to keep ASAF in good shape.”
The first Board Meeting for ASAF was held on November 17, 2006 in Manalapan, New Jersey. It was a productive meeting. The attendees were Mukul Chowhary, Jayanta Thakuria, Utpal Brahma, and Nomal Dutta. Three board of directors Mahesh Baishya, Jugal Kalita and Mantu Baishya were contacted via telephone. Nomal Dutta was nominated and unanimously re-elected as the President of the corporation. The names of the following additional office bearers were also nominated and unanimously elected: Jugal Kalita, Vice-President (Colorado), Utpal Brahma, Treasurer/ Secretary (New Jersey), Jayanta Thakuria, Board of Director (New Jersey), Mahesh Baishya, Board of Director (California) and Mantu Baishya, Board of Director (Nebraska).
The membership in the organization was divided into four categories: regular member ($50.00 annual fee), life member ($1,000.00 fee, payable in five yearly installments of $200.00), student member ($25.00 annual fee), patron member for life ($2,500.00 one time lump sum payment). Several committees were also formed for fund-raising, membership drive, constitutional affairs and election supervision.
ASAF is open for business. Please contact Nomal C. Dutta or Utpal Brahma for any comments, suggestions or if you wish to participate in the charitable activities that ASAF has already started to organize. The mailing address is P.O. Box 175, Englishtown, New Jersey, 07726 USA.
By Jugal Kalita, Colorado Springs
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