What is AIACPA?

Asian Indian Americans of Central Pennsylvania ( AIACPA) was founded in 1991, is a nonpartisan, secular and a nonprofit organization. The organization was created with following five objectives:

 

1. Create, promote and encourage a forum to maintain the social and cultural heritage of the Indians of Asian origin residing in the USA .
2. Provide a congenial environment and open forum for social, cultural, professional and literary well-being of the Americans of the Asian Indian descent.
3. Actively participate in social and need oriented community organizations.......
4. Promote harmonious relations between Asian Indian Americans and Americans....
5. Educate and encourage participation by the Americans of Asian Indian descent in the democratic process of the United States .
   

AIACPA is an association of persons who trace their origin in India. AIACPA is a non-partisan and secular association. We, as an organization, do not support any political ideology; rather we are interested in the political process of the country. The Association undertakes several social and cultural activities and initiatives as well.

AIACPA promotes the interests of Asian Indians. We wish to make the elected officials and the policy makers aware of the issues that interest & concerns that affect the community.

AIACPA does not serve the interests of Indians only. United States of America is our country of which we are proud. We wish to be active participants in our local communities, the Commonwealth, and this nation. AIACPA undertakes several activities to promote this goal.

AIACPA hopes to spread friendship and understanding between the country of our heritage (India) and our adopted country (United States). Our two countries have so much in common. Both countries profess the same core values: functioning democracy, freedom of press, religious freedom, individual liberty, separation of religion and state, primacy of family in the social order. These two countries are natural allies in the world affairs.

 

The organization is governed by its bye-laws. To achieve its objectives the organization actively support charities such as Bethesda Mission ,Blind Association, Red Cross, World Surgical Foundation, Earth Quake Relief Fund and raise funds for various other casues, organize cultural events, participats in Trade Delegations to & from India, provided forum and training to participate in the democratic process, and as and when needed defended the rights and dignity of the Indians of the Asian descent.

What has AIACPA done for the community?

AIA has been active since 1992. One of our biggest achievements has been to put the Indian Community, of this area, on the politica and social map. When, we came we were seen as immigrant from a poor country. In office and in society we were not equals -although all of us were professionals. We had hard time in getting bank loans. Realtors will not show us houses in "good" neighborhoods. Today, Asian Indians in US and particularly in this area, have a reputation for professionalism, education, being business savvy, and charity.

 

1. Social activities in this Community: Nonviolent Life Style, fund raising for community needs Red Cross (4), Blind association (2), Bethesda Mission, Health and medical related needs (3).
2. Fund Raising for needs in India : Earthquake (2), Tsunami, Orissa Relief, Army Welfare fund. Medical needs - eye operations.
3. Relationships with Indian Embassy and Consulate office: To help our local members in passport, OCI, Visa and other related needs.
4. Founded Gandhi King Peace Coalition - Since 1996, organizing nonviolence day activities in Harrisburg , Allentown , and York -all on October 2nd.
5. Helped Indian Embassy and Government in defeating US Congressmen Burton 's bill against India
6. Got Asian Indian Community in Pennsylvania declared as "minority community"
7. Invited Indian Industry delegation(s) to Pennsylvania .
8. Helped assemble and insure Pennsylvania delegations success to/in India .
9. Work with Pennsylvania authorities and US Congress members in case of discriminations and US visa matters.
10. Organize Educationcal, Health and Legal seminars, Cultural and Entertainment programs for the benefit of entire Community.

Why should I join AIACPA?

Those who received direct benefits from the organization do realize the importance of this organization and unity. But because most of the activities are done behind the scenes, a majority of our folks do not realize the importance of unity and of this organization - while we all are reaping benefits indirectly.

Please support your community and make it stronger by becoming a member.

Membership Fee (Effective Jan,08): Regular Annual is $50.00 and Life Member is $500.00. Senior Citizens(65 and above): $250.00

 

This membership fee includes complimentary dinner for couple at Annual general body meeting that is held in Oct/Nov, discount on AIA sponsored cultural programs and free entry to some of the seminars.