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.