Letter to editor. / NIA

Dear Friends,

At the outset, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Bharat, its global diaspora, and its leadership under the Honorable Prime Minister Modi ji on a grand 77th Republic Day celebration in India. The emphasis on Vande Mataram, national progress, and the growth of Bharat and its diaspora powerfully underlined the message of unity and progress.

However, contrary to this very spirit of unity, it has come to our attention that certain members of the Indian diaspora in the United States—presumably with good intentions—are seeking to establish a new organization under the name National Alliance of Indian Organizations (NAIO).

The stated agenda, manifesto, and mission of this proposed entity appear substantially similar to those of the long-established and vibrant National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA), which has served the community continuously since 1980. As the nomenclature itself suggests, the principal distinction appears to be merely the interchange of the words "Alliance", “Association” and “Organization.”

At present, the precise purpose, necessity, and strategic thrust of this proposed organization remain unclear. Hopefully, it is motivated with sincere intentions to serve! However, legitimate questions arise as to whether its objectives include lobbying, political engagement, or fundraising within the U.S. political system. It is important to underscore , I am sure they are aware aware, that organizations registered under IRS Section 501(c)(3) are subject to clearly defined statutory limitations on political and lobbying activities. These matters require transparency, clarity of mission, and strict regulatory compliance.

It is also noteworthy that individuals reportedly and allegedly associated with this initiative include members of the hotelier (going by the affiliation/business name used by the signatories) and physician communities. While their professional accomplishments are acknowledged and respected, it bears emphasis that these constituencies are already represented by two highly successful and nationally recognized diaspora organizations—AAPI for physicians and AAHOA for hotel and motel owners.

In this context, it is therefore not unreasonable to question whether the broader interests of the Indian American community are better served by strengthening and supporting existing institutions rather than creating additional parallel national organizations.

These developments understandably give rise to concern within the community.

My name is Subash Razdan, and I have had the privilege of serving as one of the early officers of NFIA, a pre-existing, accomplished, and nationally respected organization.

NFIA, http://www.nfiaweb.org, founded in 1980 and in operation for over 46 years non-stop, is not a provisional initiative or a personal endeavor. It is an established national socio-cultural and socio-welfare institution in the United States, built through decades of collective effort, credibility, and sacrifice. Over the years, NFIA has preserved cultural heritage, advanced community welfare, and provided a unified national voice for Indian Americans during critical moments.

NFIA has a track-record of numerous and myriad of superlative accomplishments!

To name a few:

Significant charitable contributions towards Andhra Cyclone ($100,000) courtesy the Coca Cola Company; Kargil Army Family Welfare Fund ($38,000); Latur Earthquake Relief ($25,000) towards Latur High School; etc..etc... the list is long.

NFIA has been very active in political education and have organized numerous Congressional event;

NFIA organized the golden (50th) Independence anniversary of India in 1997 in Washington DC with the then First Lady Hillary Clinton; NFIA has organized many other conventions/banquets with may keynote speakers including Ted Turner;

NFIA's prestigious awards were presented to professions of exemplary credentials including numerous Padma Awardees; including 2026 Padma Bhushan Awardee Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu (NFIA Award in 1992 in Atlanta);

In closing: The formation of another organization with an overlapping mandate and no clearly differentiated purpose potentially risks fragmenting the community, diminishing collective influence, and undermining a legacy carefully built over generations.

The path forward is clear: our collective energies should be directed toward strengthening, reforming, and reinforcing NFIA—rather than dividing the community through the creation of parallel organizations with unclear objectives.

 

Respectfully,
Subash Razdan
Former President and Chair of NFIA