About Us
Welcome! Namaste!
Welcome to SACHAYS -South Asian Cultural and Health Association for Youth and Seniors.
Welcome to SACHAYS -South Asian Cultural and Health Association for Youth and Seniors.
Our Name
SACHAYS means truthful. We believe in being true to our words and actions. We are sincere about the commitments we make and the assurances we give. Our objective is to promote an inclusive community while taking inspiration from our ethno-cultural heritage.
Empowering People to Live a Purposeful Life
With Happiness and Fulfillment.
With Happiness and Fulfillment.
Our Community
Our mission started in 2018 when Mahesh Nileswhar, Executive Director, and Founder of SACHAYS realized that South Asian seniors were vulnerable to loneliness. They needed to socialize with people from similar language and cultural backgrounds and build meaningful relationships. He started SACHAYS as an informal group that would meet for yoga and social activities. COVID-19 has lots to do with our growth. As everyone especially the seniors started to feel isolated, there was an urgent need to keep them engaged and active. Physical activities were moved online. We added more programs and activities that everyone could attend on zoom. Today we provide support to seniors, women, youth and families through our health and wellness programs, music, dance, arts and crafts, info-sessions, mentoring, peer-support, and counselling. We create opportunities for cultural connections and help for newcomers to assimilate into Canadian life.
SACHAYS dips into South Asian culture, heritage, arts, and crafts and draws its strength by embracing best practices from all other cultures. With a wide canvas, we leverage all forms of arts and crafts to inspire and motivate its members.
We are happy that you visited us today.
Welcome to our community.
SACHAYS dips into South Asian culture, heritage, arts, and crafts and draws its strength by embracing best practices from all other cultures. With a wide canvas, we leverage all forms of arts and crafts to inspire and motivate its members.
We are happy that you visited us today.
Welcome to our community.
Our Board Members
Mahesh Nileshwar
Executive Director
Recipient of Queen’s Platinum Jubilee award and a medal for Humanitarian Services during COVID.
Shanta Chikarmane
Board Member
Lata Surkund
Board Member
Shivdas Pai
Board Member
Sandhya Ranjit
Board Member
Our Mission
SACHAYS mission is to serve South Asian community, by delivering programs that promote mental and physical well-being. Our focus is on the isolated, marginalized, and underprivileged, seniors, youth, and families. SACHAYS’ purpose is to make the invisible feel visible, bringing hope, dignity, and value in a practical and tangible way. SACHAYS strives to deliver programs that are inclusive, sustainable, and accessible for everyone across Canada.
SACHAYS believes Music, Dance, Drama, and all forms of arts & crafts play a key role in connecting people with people and to their roots. SACHAYS provides multiple platforms for youth and seniors to display their talents.
SACHAYS believes Music, Dance, Drama, and all forms of arts & crafts play a key role in connecting people with people and to their roots. SACHAYS provides multiple platforms for youth and seniors to display their talents.
Our Vision
1. To create a better tomorrow by delivering programs that promote community values, diversity, and individual well -being.
2. To honor the values and nurture the skills of the young and to support the leadership, strengths and wisdom of adults and elders.
2. To honor the values and nurture the skills of the young and to support the leadership, strengths and wisdom of adults and elders.
Objectives
