AID Seattle turns three!
June 06, 2010 marks the third anniversary for the AID Seattle chapter!
About Us
AID was started in 1991 by Ravi Kuchimanchi who then, was a doctoral student in Physics at the University of Maryland. AID works with grassroots organizations and initiates efforts in a variety of different areas including education, livelihood, health, women's empowerment, and social justice.
Genesis of AID
"I was a graduate student at the University of Maryland in 1991. I basically thought that it would be good to have some channels where the Indian community in the U.S. could relate to the "real" India rather than only relating to the "Bollywood India" or to the markets in India; but also to rural India where 60% to 70% of India lives. That was the idea I had in mind when I sent out an email that led to the starting of this group - Association for India's Development. Essentially, it channelizes the energy and interests of the non-resident Indian (NRI) community, both students and professionals. It seeks for them to learn about as well as participate in issues that are connected with rural India. They help out by raising funds as well as by giving knowledge inputs and by volunteering their time in both the U.S. and in India."
"The organization started in College Park and after three years at the University of Maryland, it started spreading to other university campuses, like Pittsburgh, Princeton and so on. Over time, we had about 40 chapters in the U.S., and also small chapters sprouted in Australia and the UK - and that is how we grew. The other thing was that it moved from a student organization to also include professionals and the general NRI community. Right now, our mix is about 40% students in our chapters and about 60% are working people."
(Extract from an interview by Ravi Kuchimanchi).
AID In Seattle
On June 6th, 2007, several enthusiastic volunteers, inspired by a talk by Ravi Kuchimanchi, started our Seattle chapter. Here's a glimpse on the activities of AID-Seattle chapter in the last two years.
SUCCESS STORIESProjects
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Eureka QUality Improvement Program This project supports AID-India's education initiatives in Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram and Cuddalore districts of TamilNadu. The goal is to ensure "learning gains" in primary and middle school children. |
Campaigns
AID believes that Sangarsh, the struggle, is an integral part of development -- when communities at the grassroots fight for rights, the change that ensues is more wide-spread and development more sustainable.
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Signature campaign for the release of Dr. Binayak Sen On May 15, 2009, volunteers from AID Seattle chapter collected signatures demanding the release of Dr. Binayak Sen near 2560 152nd Ave NE, Redmond, WA.
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