Iris Co-sponsors Friends of Seva Mandir NYC Benefit

Iris is committed to giving back to society through multiple community welfare initiatives. One such initiative is the Friends of Seva Mandir (FOSM), a New Jersey-based charity with which Iris has been associated for 15 years. It was founded in 2009 exclusively for the purpose of supporting the work of Seva Mandir, a leading non-governmental organization in India serving rural communities in Southern Rajasthan. The organization’s mission is to improve children’s education and well-being, women’s empowerment, healthcare, governance and infrastructure in remote tribal villages. Seva Mandir empowers individuals by fortifying community bonds and stands as an organizational model for the modernizing world that has proven effective, efficient and enduring.

In October 2024, Iris co-sponsored a special fundraising event at the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center, located in midtown New York City, wherein best-selling author Dr. Fareed Zakaria, acclaimed host of CNN’s international affairs program, “GPS” and Washington Post columnist, spoke about the conditions and consequences of “Living in Revolutionary Times.”  Dr. Zakaria’s presentation was followed by a reception and Q&A session; a gift auction and traditional Indian music band also were part of the event.

All funds raised were directed to Seva Mandir, ensuring that programs designed to assist poor villagers in remote areas of India remain on track. Iris was delighted to partner with FOSM and strengthen our social responsibility impact by co-sponsoring this event.