In the United States The Probini Foundation is engaged in bringing the native-born and the communities of both India and Bangladesh a bit closer together on Long Island and in New York City. It has counseled individuals and organizations for social, immigration, housing, and educational needs. In addition, it has represented these communities in a wide array of forums. Most importantly, some of these forums have been for topics that are not exclusive to peoples of Indian and Bangladeshi backgrounds that live within the New York City and Long Island area as we seek to simultaneously establish our culture within the area without isolating it from the greater population.

Since our last meeting The Probini Foundation has successfully been able to:

1. Create new scholarships to support students at the following institutions:
   1. Assam Buddhist Orphanage; Assam, India
   2. Dhaka Girls' Orphanage; Dhaka, Bangladesh
   3. Jagatpur Ashram Orphanage; Jagatpur, Bangladesh
   4. Madaripur Pranab Ashram School; Madaripur, Bangladesh
   5. Ramakrishna Ashram School; Comilla, Bangladesh
2. Start to provide the salaries for teachers at:
   1. Pranavananda Primary School (established in 1924); SriRamKathi, Bangladesh
   2. Ramakrishna School; Dinajpur, Bangladesh
   3. Swami Vivekananda Samiti-run schools; Durgapur, India

As The Probini Foundation grows as an organization there are two points that stand out and must be recognized as significant for our organization:

• Internationally: The first Probini Conference, that was made possible by Trustee Professor Gerard Weber with a generous donation made of his own accord, was organized at the Dhakeswari Mandir on January 7, 2005. Twenty-five delegates from various international destinations attended the conference. A brief summary of the major topics of discussion can be found in an article in the last Probini newsletter.
• In the New York City metro-area: Probini hosted a number of individuals and organized in a showing of the documentary 'Way Back'. Also, The Probini Foundation was invited by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg during Indian/Asian Heritage Day to New York City Hall. The Probini Foundation was represented by Trustees Mr. Shuvo Dastidar and Mr. Udayan Chattopadhay at New York City Hall.

The Probini Foundation is very fortunate to receive help from a large number of individuals, organizations, and corporations. We thank everyone for the generous support that Probini has received this past year in whatever fashion in may have been, be it monetary, moral, or otherwise. The Probini Foundation's new digest will include the names of those who have made contributions this past year, through March 15, 2005.