By the early 1970's the population of Asian Indians was becoming
significant in and around Philadelphia. By 1976, Asian Indian ethnic
organizations started forming to promote the cultural heritage of the
respective groups. While many Asian Indian groups were active, a need was
felt for a centralized body to represent the Asian Indian community.
Council of Indian Organizations in Greater Philadelphia, also known as
CIO, was founded in 1983 by a group of like-minded Asian Indians who were
active in community work. These persons were instrumental in bringing the
area Asian Indian organizations together. About seven major area
organizations joined together to form the apex body of Asian Indians in
the Delaware Valley. A constitution was adopted and Mr. Bharat Bhargava
became the first President of CIO. In 1993, the organization was
incorporated, and in April of 1998, the organization was registered with
the IRS as a nonprofit organization.
In the last seventeen
years, the organization was headed by Mr. Bharat Bhargava, Mr. Raju Varghese,
Dr. James Kurichi, Mr. Narasimha Shenoy, Mr. H.S. Aswathanarayana, Mrs. Sarla
Patel, Mrs. Vani Kumar, Mr. Sudha
Kartha, Mr. Patri Prasad, Mr. Narasimha Shenoy and at present Mr.Shital Vibhute.
In August of 1987, CIO joined mainstream America to celebrate
the bicentennial anniversary of the United States' Constitution
(200th anniversary) at the Constitution Pavilion at Independence Mall.
During the same time, the 40th anniversary of India's independence was
also observed. It is one of the first public events organized wherein about
five thousand individuals participated.
Up until 1992, CIO activities were very much focused on bringing the
community together. Under the Presidency of Mr. Narasimha Shenoy, the
organization was recognized by the political parties and government
agencies at local, state, and federal levels as a representative body of
Asian Indians in Greater Philadelphia. The annual Penn's Landing Program
(Festival of India) started in August of 1993, and is very successful in
projecting the cultural activity of Asian Indians to mainstream America.
From 1997 through 1998, CIO observed a yearlong celebration of India's
50th Anniversary of Independence. Major area institutions, including the
Philadelphia Museum of Art, Balch Institute, Fairmont Park Art
Association, South Asia Regional Study Center of the University of
Pennsylvania, also joined in observing the celebration. The NANDI
sculpture mounted at Penn's Landing was rededicated as a part of the 50th
Anniversary celebration (during the Festival of India 1998, Penn's
Landing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).
In 1996, during the Festival of India, CIO
instituted a program to recognize persons of Asian Indian origin in
Delaware Valley for community service. Since 1999 during India Day, CIO recognizes
persons of Asian Indian Origin for their professional excellence.
In 1991, CIO adopted the rules and regulations to establish, administer,
and maintain a fund to provide scholarships to area students in need.
During the early part of 1997, CIO was a signatory to establish an Asian
Fund with the Philadelphia Foundation, and made a contribution in
establishing the fund. During 1996, CIO also contributed to the
Philadelphia Police Fund. These contributions were made possible on
account of the generous contributions made by Mr. Narasimha Shenoy.
CIO is expanding its activity to address the social
and welfare needs of the community. CIO celebrates India Day annually, in
January, to coincide with India's Republic Day. During the month of May Inter-Organizational Dance competitions are being conducted
and Gandhi Jayanthi in October since 1998. CIO is conducting Inter-Organizational
Sports Competitions since 1997.
CIO actively participates with government agencies and political parties
to represent Asian-Indian interest, and promotes community causes.
Currently, there are 30 member organizations including four student
organizations in CIO.
