The Indian community in Chile has a long history of organization, cultural preservation, and service.
In 1983, the first Indian Association in South America was inaugurated in Iquique by the Ambassador of India, H.E. Shri M.K. Khisha, with Gobind Daswani as its founder President. The association was created to bring Indians together, share Indian culture, celebrate religious and cultural festivals, and maintain close ties with the Embassy of India in Chile.
Community life in Iquique continued to grow through the efforts of leaders including Ramesh Uttamchandani, who helped establish the Indian Cultural Centre and Hindu Temple, known as Asociación de Hindúes de Iquique A.G., in 1991. The Centre was inaugurated by Ambassador H.E. Shri K.P. Ernest and remains active through religious functions, cultural events, and charitable service, including Sunday meal donations to people in need.
The Indian Association of Santiago
Gobind Daswani, founding President
The Indian Association of Santiago was established on August 17, 1991, with 31 founding members, to create a sense of togetherness among Indians in Chile, promote Indian culture, and maintain strong links with India. Gobind Daswani served as the founding President, and the Association was inaugurated by Ambassador H.E. Shri Jawahar Lal.
Among the members of the founding team was Tulsi Mohinani, who played an important role in establishing the Association and organizing the Indian community in Santiago. His contribution to the community has continued over the decades through philanthropy, education, and assistance to families in need.
Tulsi Mohinani
Mr. Mohinani has supported university students through scholarships and financial assistance, particularly those whose families could not afford the cost of higher education. He has also provided support to working families facing medical emergencies and other difficult circumstances.
One of his most significant contributions has been the donation of five hectares of land to IAS for the future development of an Indian Cultural Centre in Santiago. This gift creates the possibility of a permanent home for Indian culture, traditions, community activities, and future generations in Chile, and represents an important part of his lasting contribution to the Association.
A Community Built Across Generations
Since its foundation, IAS has been shaped by the work of many members and volunteers. The Santiago Mandir, the Indian Ladies Club founded in 1993, organizers of Diwali Balls and family activities, cultural and religious leaders, and those who supported education, Hindi classes, charity, cultural programs, administration, accounts, and community institutions have all helped sustain Indian traditions and community life in Chile.
Membership has historically been open to people of Indian nationality, origin, or descent, allowing successive generations of the community to remain connected to their heritage while building their lives in Chile.
Service and cooperation have also remained central to the Association's work. IAS has maintained close ties with the Embassy of India in Chile throughout its history. During the Covid-19 crisis, the Embassy and the Indian Association worked together to assist Indians stranded in Chile.
Today, under President Kishan Dadlani and with the participation of active community groups, IAS Chile continues this legacy: bringing people together, supporting Indians in Chile, sharing India's culture and traditions, strengthening ties with the Embassy of India, and building institutions that can serve generations to come.