Saravana and Sathi Rajan Donate $20,000 to Florida Tech’s Scott Center

From left, Sunil Rajan, T. Dwayne McCay, Michael Kelley, Sathi Rajan, Dr. Saravana Rajan, Anthony J. Catanese, Dr. Sharad Vyas, Rekha Vyas and Glad Kurian celebrate Saravana and Sathi Rajan's $20,000 donation to the Scott Center for Autism Treatment

Original Story from Florida Institute of Technology Newsroom

MELBOURNE, FLA. — Dr. and Mrs. Saravana and Sathi Rajan have donated $20,000 to the Scott Center for Autism Treatment at Florida Institute of Technology.

Saravana Rajan came to Brevard County in 1975 to work as a cardiologist. Now retired, he and Sathi Rajan, who was educated in biology and business at schools in their native India and at University of Central Florida in Orlando, made the donation in loving tribute to their grandson, Rohan Shaan Rajan. The 10-year-old has autism.

The intent of the gift is to enhance the Scott Center’s treatment and research efforts.

Dr. Rajan is a member of BIMDA, the Brevard Indo-American Medical and Dental Association. Glad Kurian, who is the co-founder and honorary executive director of BIMDA, as well as a Florida Tech alumnus, was instrumental in coordinating the donation, noted Mary Beth Kenkel, dean of Florida Tech’s College of Psychology and Liberal Arts.

The donation was presented at the BIMDA gala in April.

“This generous gift will allow more children to receive the benefits of our highly effective behavioral services while supporting ongoing efforts to develop and implement the cutting-edge approaches to autism treatment that have defined the Scott Center’s excellence since its founding,” Kenkel said.

The gift comes as the university continues its Create the Future Campaign. Launched in January 2013, this is a $100 million initiative with one goal firmly in mind: to secure the financial resources for Florida Tech to become one of the ten most respected technological universities in the world. Find out more about the campaign at http://createthefuture.fit.edu/.

Dr. Rajan and family support Scott Center for Autism Treatment

Sara Paulson , FLORIDA TODAY Published 10:40 a.m. ET April 23, 2015 | Updated 1:09 p.m. ET April 23, 2015

From left, Dr. Anthony Catanese, Sathi Rajan and Dr. Saravana Rajan, Dr. Mary Beth Kenkel and Glad Kurian are seen at the Scott Center for Autism Treatment’s annual fundraiser, An Evening of Hope. Rajan has pledged $20,000 to the Scott Center, which will be presented during BIMDA’s gala this weekend.(Photo: FLORIDA TODAY File)

When Saravana Rajan's grandson was born nine years ago, everything seemed fine.

He was a "handsome boy," the retired cardiologist explained. But after age 3, "he started going downhill."

"His problem is communication," Rajan said of his struggles. "He doesn't speak."

His loved one's struggles and search for help compelled him to pledge $20,000 to Florida Tech's Scott Center for Autism Treatment during a recent fundraiser. He's hoping that the donation helps amplify research and awareness for the disorder.

That promise will come to fruition Saturday night at a gala hosted by the Brevard Indo-American Medical & Dental Association, said Glad Kurian, the nonprofit's honorary executive director. It's one of the group's many philanthropic causes. The private event follows the daylong BIMDA Medical Expo and CME Conference at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place.

"The demand for health care is absolutely mushrooming," Kurian said. "That is a huge part of the economy in Florida, especially on the Space Coast. And so we are certainly connected in more ways than one to various industries."

The day will encompass the variety of reasons BIMDA was informally founded in 1995, in the spirit of providing education and community health. (It was officially chartered in 1999, welcoming all physicians.)

"Our No. 1 focus is CME — continuing medical education for physicians," Kurian said.

Besides boosting the professional development of doctors and dentists, BIMDA stresses philanthropy. In 2012, the group's charitable efforts were the driving force behind them being named Organization of the Year by FLORIDA TODAY's Volunteer Recognition Awards. BIMDA has supported the Space Coast Center for Mothers with Children, Jess Parrish Medical Foundation, Cancer Care Centers of Brevard and the Women's Center, among others.

Saturday's conference, slated for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., will offer medical lectures and scientific exhibits for doctors and dentists. More than 200 people are expected.

The 6 p.m. event will feature a reception, dinner, and gala. Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast, will give the keynote speech. About 350 people are expected to attended the private event, which will boast an Indian cultural theme.

The Rajan Family Fund donation will be presented, as well as gifts to other Brevard organizations. Mary Beth Kenkel, dean and professor with FIT's College of Psychology and Liberal Arts, said the Scott Center greatly appreciates Rajan's gift.

"It will allow the Center to give more children treatment at an early age and provide them with behavioral services that have proven to be highly effective," Kenkel said via email. "The staff and client families also appreciate how the donation shows support of their determined efforts to address and diminish the challenges of autism."

From Left Glad Kurian, Sathi Rajan and Dr. Saravana Rajan