The Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association was formed during 1975, shortly after the 15th of August, India’s Independence Day and has existed for over 30 years.

The Association grew out of the need to support and help members of the Asian community living in Ipswich and Suffolk. A few initial meetings were held and in early March 1975 a constitution (also known as the rules of the Association) were drawn up, which was accepted at the inaugural meeting addressed by the then Lady Mayor, Mrs. Beryl Jones.

The founders of the Association decided that although it shall be called the Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association, it will cater for the needs of all people irrespective of origin, who needed help and advice in matters in education, nationality, immigration, housing social services, income tax, etc.

There are two criteria’s which have made the Association popular and respected by its members, firstly its non-religious and non-political commitments and secondly, the promotion of better understanding and good community relations between Asians and their fellow residents in Ipswich and Suffolk. The membership, as it still remains today, is open to all irrespective of their sex, colour, caste or creed.

The Association since its inception in 1975 has been successful in promoting good community relations and better understanding. It’s achievements over the years include the development of adult literacy classes for Asian women, employment of black youth officers, improvements of relations with the Police and local authorities, appointment of an Association nominated JP and the setting up of a mother tongue teaching centres for Asian children.

During the years, the Association has supported and participated in the Council for Racial Equality, the Police Consultative Committee, Prosper, the Suffolk County Council initiative, the Racial Harassment Forum, to eradicate poverty amongst the black and ethnic minorities in Ipswich and Suffolk, Suffolk TEC and other community organisations. It has also acted as a pressure group to voice against injustices suffered by the Asian and black community.

The Association promotes good community relations by organising cultural and social events. Programmes of song, music, dance and dinners have always been very popular. 2003 saw the Association organise its first Indian Mela. Over the years, such professional artists as the Tara Rajkumar, Sujata Bannerjee, Apna Sangeet and PJD have appeared at functions organised by the Association. At the Annual Dinner, speakers such as Judge Mota Singh, Professor Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Lord Navneet Dholakhia and Keith Vaz MP have attended.

In 1997, the Association celebrated the Golden Jubilee, 50 Years of India’s Independence. A souvenir booklet was issued on this occasion, which was attended by local and national dignitaries. An exhibition of documents relating to India from Churchill Archives, Cambridge and from the Suffolk Record office was held.

The Association itself celebrated 30 years in 2005 and held a Dinner and Dance evening in Kesgrave. Throughout the years, dedicated volunteers have run the Association. These people have given up some of their time to run the Association, organise events, campaign, provide information, represent the views of their community, influence changes and importantly continue the aims and objectives of the Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association.

The Association is well established and supported by local authorities; however, its continued success depends on the support it receives from its members. It is hoped that the members will continue to give their support.