Presidential Message
I am deeply humbled and honored by the trust and support extended to me by the members of the Association of Indians in America (AIA). As I assume the responsibility of serving as National President, I do so with a profound sense of purpose and an appreciation for the extraordinary legacy of this distinguished organization.
AIA stands as a beacon of community, culture, and commitment, built through decades of dedication by visionary leaders and steadfast members. I carry forward this legacy with great respect for those who laid its strong foundation and who continue to uphold its prestige and values.
I am fortunate to be supported by an exceptional team whose commitment, expertise, and integrity exemplify the very best of AIA. Together, we are guided by a shared vision—to strengthen our organization and expand its impact—while recognizing that our collective success depends on the continued engagement and support of our broader community and all AIA members.
Throughout my journey with AIA, I have witnessed firsthand the passion, loyalty, and wisdom that define this organization. These qualities inspire me to lead with transparency, accountability, and a deep commitment to service. My professional experience across both financial and nonprofit sectors has further reinforced the importance of principled leadership and collaborative growth.
AIA’s mission—“Indian Heritage and American Commitment”—resonates strongly with me. It reflects not only our identity, but also our responsibility to unite, empower, and inspire individuals across generations.
In the years ahead, my focus will be on strengthening AIA’s financial stability, mentoring and uplifting youth and emerging leaders, fostering collaboration across national chapters, and promoting inclusive representation while celebrating our rich cultural heritage.
I also look forward to working together as we prepare for significant milestones, including the AIA Business Council Symposium in 2026, the AIA Medical Council Gala in 2027, and the celebration of AIA’s 60th anniversary.
Serving as National President implies a responsibility to lead with integrity, vision, and unwavering dedication. I remain committed to seeking guidance from our esteemed members and leaders, and to working collectively to build an even stronger future for AIA.
I extend my sincere gratitude to each member, supporter, and well-wisher for your continued trust and contributions to this remarkable organization.
With respect and gratitude,
Nilima Madan
National President
Association of Indians in America (AIA)
Message from the Chairman
Dear Esteemed Trustees, Chapter Presidents, and Members,
I am honored to share that I have formally assumed the responsibility of Chairman of the ASSOCIATION OF INDIANS IN AMERICA (AIA), effective immediately. I extend my sincere gratitude to my fellow Trustees for their confidence and trust in me to undertake this esteemed position, and for their continued support toward advancing the vision and mission of our organization.
At the outset, I wish to acknowledge with deep appreciation the outstanding leadership of our outgoing Chairman, Dr. Samin Sharma, who has served AIA with exceptional dedication and distinction over the past decade. Under his stewardship, AIA has achieved significant growth and strengthened its role within the community. I also take this opportunity to thank Mr. Gobind Munjal, our outgoing President, for his commendable initiatives, particularly in revitalizing the Medical Council and initiating impactful programs during his tenure.
As we embark on this new chapter, I am pleased to welcome Mrs. Nilima Madan as the new President of AIA, along with her capable team. I am confident that under her dynamic leadership, AIA will continue to reach greater heights and uphold the rich legacy it has built over the past six decades.
As Chairman, my priority will be to provide guidance, strategic direction, and organizational support to ensure AIA’s continued growth and effectiveness. I have requested President Mrs. Madan to strengthen transparency, enhance collaboration among our local chapters, and promote meaningful community engagement in alignment with our bylaws.
I encourage all chapters to work proactively to attract new members and to identify and nurture emerging leaders for both chapter-level and national responsibilities. Together, we can continue to uphold the proud traditions of AIA while fostering innovation and inclusivity across our network.
My door shall always remain open for suggestions, dialogue, and collective efforts to further the goals of our association.
With warm regards and sincere thanks,
Ravi Bhooplapur
Chairman, ASSOCIATION OF INDIANS IN AMERICA
Proclamation by Honorable Charles E. Schumer, United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510
Attorney General Hon. Leticia James swearing in AIA National President Nilima Madan
Highlights from the AIA Oath-Taking Ceremony 2026
Humhindustani USA - The new National Executive Committee, led by President Nilima Madan, was sworn in.
The Indian Panorama - Association of Indians in America (AIA) NEC 2026-27 Sworn in at a Grand Inaugural Ceremony
The South Asian Times - AIA swears in National Executive Committee for 2026-27
New India Abroad - AIA SWEARS IN NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM
The South Asian Times - Ravishankar Bhooplapur elected AIA Chairman
The Indian Panorama - Mr. Ravishankar Bhooplapur Elected Chairman of AIA
AIA Medical Council Awards Gala Commemorattive Journal 2025
What is AIA ? Cultural Diversity Social Harmony
The Association of Indians In America, was formed with the following objectives
• To promote the welfare of Asian Indians in the US and to address issues of integration with mainstream America.
• To encourage and facilitate the participation of AIA members and others in the development and progress of India through charitable, cultural and educational activities.
• To promote the image of India in the US by showing its rich culture and traditions through various events.
History of AIA
The Association of Indians in America is the oldest National Association of Asian Indians in America. It was founded on August 20, 1967 after the United States Congress passed the 1965-66 Immigration Act, repealing the Asian Exclusion Act of 1917. The Constitution of the AIA was adopted in 1970 and was incorporated in 1971. AIA obtained the IRS exempt status in 1973.
AIA is the grassroot National Organization of Asian Immigrants in the United States, fostered on the democratic principles of “one member one vote”, with chapters and membership spread across the United States of America. AIA represents the hopes and aspirations of those immigrants who are united by their common bond of “Indian Heritage and American Commitment”.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION
To concern itself with the social welfare of Indians in United States, and to help them become a part of the mainstream of American life.
To facilitate involvement of the members of the Association of Indians in America and others in American community life through Charitable, Educational and Cultural activities.
To facilitate participation by the membership of the AIA and others in the development and progress of India through Charitable, Cultural and Educational activities and to facilitate communication and co-operation among the people Of Indian Heritage worldwide.
HIGHLIGHTS OF AIA ACHEIVEMENTS
- 1970s — Advocated for recognition of Asian Indian immigrants as a minority community in the United States.
- January 1973 — Obtained Tax-Exempt Status Certificate.
- 1980 — Supported the separate enumeration of Asian Indians as an independent category in the U.S. Census for the first time.
- 1980s — Represented the community before Congressional Committees in support of family reunification provisions in immigration legislation.
- 1980s — Represented Asian Indians at federal, state, and local government levels in matters involving bias and discrimination.
- 1980s — Represented Indian physicians on the Foreign Medical Graduates Committee of the American Medical Association (AMA), addressing discrimination and licensing issues.
- 1987 — Began organizing annual public Deepavali celebrations at South Street Seaport in New York City, attended by more than 100,000 tri-state residents.
- 1993 — Instituted the Sushruta and Charaka Awards honoring individuals of Indian origin in medicine and healthcare.
- 1993 — Raised funds to assist victims of the Midwest Floods in the United States.
- Initiated — Voter registration drives and community civic engagement initiatives.
- 1995 — Instituted the Acharya Awards to honor school teachers of Indian descent in the United States.
- 2003 — Celebrated Diwali at New York City Hall.
- 2004 — Celebrated Diwali at Gracie Mansion.
- 2004 — Achieved official recognition of Diwali by the New York City Council.
- 2004 — Participated in Diwali celebrations at the White House.
- 2004 — Welcomed the Olympic Torch in New York City.
- 2005 onward — Secured suspension of alternate side parking across all five boroughs of New York City during Diwali celebrations.
- 2018 — Celebrated the AIA Golden Anniversary Gala on December 1.
- November 2018 — Obtained re-certification with the Internal Revenue Service, ensuring AIA’s compliant 501(c)(3) status.
- 2018 — Raised funds and supplied blankets and clothing to victims of the Puerto Rico earthquake disaster.
- 2018 — Raised funds for reconstruction of a flood-damaged school in Ayoor Village, Kerala, India.
- 2019–2021 — During the COVID-19 pandemic in America:
- Distributed more than 10,000 gloves and masks
- Provided hot meals to frontline workers
- Supplied groceries to needy families
- Distributed winter jackets to children in shelters in the New York area
- 2020–2021 — Raised $250,000 and supplied groceries to more than 13,000 families in Washington.
- 2020–2021 — During the COVID-19 crisis in India:
- Sent oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and PPE
- Donated $26,000 to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund
- Distributed groceries to needy families
- 2021 — Raised funds for the construction of a high school in Khanwa Village, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India.
- 2026 – $35,000 given to India Home for a new senior center
- Ongoing — Through “Project India,” continues to provide medical equipment, healthcare funding, HIV relief assistance, and humanitarian support in India and worldwide.