About FISCO
Friends of Indian Senior Citizens Organization is a registered 501 © 3 nonprofit organization in the state of Massachusetts, USA, supporting all senior citizens residing in the towns of northwestern part of the Boston Metro Region.
We strive to create a friendly atmosphere aimed at reducing isolation among seniors. We are dedicated to building a society where all seniors feel secure, respected, and live healthy lives with the support of their loved ones.
Our programs include regular social events, education on maintaining good mental and physical health, and a weekly hot meal served at Burlington Council on Aging, 61 Center Street, Burlington, MA 01803.
Our Mission
FISCO’s mission is to provide companionship, connection and compassion to senior Asian immigrants so that they can maintain good physical and mental health. We work together and strive to create a friendly and loving atmosphere for seniors with a deep understanding of the challenges they face.
Our Vision
We aspire to create a society where seniors feel secure, respected, and live healthy lives with the support of their loved ones.
Our Story
In the summer of 2010, Rita Shah, a social worker in Burlington, Massachusetts, realized that her parents-in-law and older family members, immigrants from India, were very lonely and isolated from their community. Winters were particularly hard for them. She organized a group of seniors to meet often, share a meal and care and cultivate friendships.
The time was right; Rita met passionate community leaders like Mahendra Jhaveri, Ramesh Naidu, Dinesh Shah, and Suryakant Gandhi, and together, they joined to create a new social work organization called Friends of Indian Senior Citizen’s Organization (FISCO) in Burlington, Massachusetts, with a goal to assist with socialization of older Asian Indians, increase interactions & reduce their isolation.
With the help of generous donors, community volunteers, the Councils of Aging in several towns, and Minuteman Senior Services, they created FISCO, a registered 501 © 3 nonprofit organization in the state of Massachusetts, USA.
THE FISCO TEAM
Get to know the dedicated individuals who are committed to enhancing the lives of senior citizens in our community.
Rita Shah
Founder
Ms. Shah's contributions have made a significant impact on society, and her tireless efforts have been felt by many. She has worked diligently at Saheli, Burlington Rotary, and founded FISCO, which aims to improve the lives of our seniors. Her selfless service, vision, and leadership have inspired countless individuals and advanced the field of social work in many ways. Ms. Shah has recently been honored by the President's Volunteer Service Award for her 25 years of selfless service.
Kirit Shah
Treasurer
Kirit K Shah, originally from Vaso, Gujarat, his Master's in at Gujarat University before moving the USA in 1980. He has since been residing in Burlington, MA and has worked in various finance and accounting departments in the healthcare industry, pharmacy companies, and tax departments. Kirit & his family are devoted volunteers at Haveli-VYO Boston-Lowell MA, where he has served as a treasurer for the past 13 years. Kirit loves sports especially cricket & football.
Gautam Gandhi
Director
In 1982, Gautam Gandhi relocated to the USA. Since 2018, he has been an active member of the FISCO family, serving as Treasurer for 2 years and Director for 4 years. He is also a Trustee at Satsang Center in Woburn and is also involved at the Lexington Senior Center. In his free time, Mr. Gandhi enjoys spending time with his 4 grandchildren, traveling, and watching.
Laxmi Patel
Director
Laxmi Patel is a dedicated farmer who previously managed her family's milk business in Gujarat, India. After moving to the USA 30 years ago, she embraced and maintained a positive mindset, which led her to own and operate Mobile gas station, transforming her hard work into success. Her strong interpersonal skills and willingness to take on have made her a thriving entrepreneur. Four years ago, Laxmi sold her business and joined the FISCO team to support the community. Today, she successfully owns and manages condominiums and rental properties.
Mita Patel
President
Mita Patel is a multi-talented woman who moved to Boston 40 years ago after completing her B.Com in Business Administration and Management, General, and her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Taxation. She has been an active supporter of the Indian community in Boston and has made significant contributions to the cultural landscape of Indians in the area and on a national level. Mita has been involved with the Patidar Samaj of New England for many years, serving as President and wearing many other hats. She has also been active with the Federation of Gujarati Association (FOGANA) for almost 30 years, hosting regional and national garba competitions and currently serving as the Judging Chair for FOGANA North America. Additionally, Mita is a lover of classical Indian music and has supported numerous visiting musicians.
Pushpa Shah
Pushpa Shah, is a retired nursing graduate from Manhattan College, NY. After graduation she advanced to obtain various specializations in her field. At Newton Wellesley Hospital she worked as RN in various departments, mentored new nurses and assisted other nurses with challenging tasks. As a Director at FISCO since 2010, she helps plan & execute various activities for seniors to live a secure, respected, and healthy life. Ms. Shah's passion for art, craft, and diverse experiences has contributed to the community.
Secretary
Jayanti Patel
Director
Jayanti Patel, who is originally from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, moved to the USA in 1991. He is an enthusiastic volunteer and a core team member at Indian Circle for Caring, a nonprofit organization. His dedication to supporting seniors in the community has been highly valuable to FISCO.
Indravadan Shah
Director
More info about our FISCO director Indravadan Shah coming soon
Paresha Jhaveri
Vice President
Paresha Jhaveri, the first member of FISCO, has been making significant contributions to the Indian community through various channels. Prior to relocating to the USA in 2000, she worked as a Cash Officer at The State Bank of Baroda. With her extensive experience in finance and banking, Paresha has been an invaluable member of the FISCO team.
Anshu Bakshi
Executive Director
More info about our Executive Director Anshu Bakshi coming soon
Rakshit Mazumdar
Director
As a skilled financial expert, Rakshit Mazumdar possess leadership abilities and practical experience in various financial operations such as banking, accounting, commissions, and auditing. Additionally, he has been an active member of Chinmaya Mission for the past years and have served its Executive Committee. Rakshit Mazumdar has also held several positions in the Executive Committee of FISCO for over a decade. His passion for giving back to the community is driven from the desire to reciprocate the support he has received.
Past Presidents of FISCO
Ramesh Naidu
2011-2015
Ramesh Naidu, a resident of Burlington, MA, has been honored with induction into the Massachusetts State Cricket League’s Hall of Fame for his 40 years of dedication to the sport of cricket. Mr. Naidu served as the Past President of FISCO from 2011 to 2015 and has contributed to cricket as both a player and an umpire. He is a certified umpire recognized by the West Indies Board of Cricket Panel and USA Cricket Umpire. Furthermore, Mr. Naidu is a founding member of the Garware Club House at Wankhede Stadium, a Life Member of the Dr. Kanga Sports Library in Bombay, and a member of the Gay Caviller Cricket Club in Bombay. He was also a founding member of the All India Cricket Umpires in England until 1990 and was awarded the Best Umpire Trophy in MSCL, MA, USA.
Dinesh Shah
2015-2019
Dinesh Shah is a prominent figure in the FISCO community. He is one of the founding members of the organization and has significantly contributed to its growth and development. Having lived in the United States for over decades, Dinesh Shah has extensive experience in logistics management and has worked with various companies in this capacity. In addition to his professional achievements, he is also a respected advisor to the popular religious magazine "Pusti-Prasad" and is actively involved with several religious organizations in the Boston area.
Raman Gandhi
2019-2023
Raman Gandhi is a distinguished professional who earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Mechanical Engineering from Bombay University. He spent a substantial portion of his career at Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria, Illinois, where he dedicated many years of service and ultimately retired from his role as Senior Project Team Leader. He is deeply committed to giving back to the community and been actively involved in various volunteer efforts, notably with organizations such as the Indian Circle for Caring, where he has made a positive impact. In addition to his professional achievements, Raman Gandhi served as the president of FISCO from 2019 until 2023. During his leadership, he introduced a range of innovative ideas and initiatives that significantly contributed to the organization's growth and its ability to serve the community more effectively. Beyond his professional and volunteer commitments, he has a wide array of interests and hobbies. He enjoys delving into spiritual literature from ancient India, as well as exploring topics related to corporate culture. Additionally, he has a passion for traveling, playing cards, and nurturing his gardening skills, all of which enrich his life and provide him with a well-rounded perspective.