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 .

The organization is governed by its bye-laws. To achieve its objectives the organization has actively supported Bethesda Mission activities, various fund raisers for Blind Association, Red Cross, Bethesda Mission, Nonviolence, World Surgical Foundation, Earth Quake Relief Fund and various others, organized cultural events, participated in Trade Delegations to India, welcomed Trade delegations from India, provided forum and training for democratic process of the USA, 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 political 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, you have a reputation for professionalism, education, being business savvy, and charity.

1. Social activities in this Community:  Nonviolence, 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, 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. Invite Indian Industry delegation(s) to Pennsylvania .
8. Help 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 Health and Legal seminars, Cultural and Entertainment programs for the benefit of all Indian 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 an active 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 Passage to India on Annual general body meeting that is held in Oct/Nov, discount on AIA sponsor cultural programs and free entry to some of the seminars.) .