Community History
The story of Indian associations in Chile is a story of community, culture, service, faith, and continuity across generations.
Early roots in Iquique
In 1983, the first Indian Association in South America was inaugurated in Iquique, Chile by Ambassador of India H.E. Shri M.K. Khisha. Gobind Daswani was the founder President. The association was formed to bring Indians together, spread Indian culture, celebrate religious and cultural festivals, and maintain close ties with the Embassy of India in Chile.
Ramesh Uttamchandani later helped lead efforts to create the Indian Cultural Centre and Hindu Temple in Iquique, known as Asociación de Hindúes de Iquique A.G., in 1991. Ambassador H.E. Shri K.P. Ernest inaugurated the Centre. It continues to organize Hindu religious functions, cultural events, and charitable service, including Sunday meal donations to people in need.
Santiago association
The Indian Association of Santiago was formed on August 17, 1991 with 31 members. Its purpose was to create togetherness among Indians in Chile, encourage the spread of Indian culture, and maintain links with India. Gobind Daswani was founder President and the inauguration was led by Ambassador H.E. Shri Jawahar Lal. Membership has been open to Indians by nationality, origin, or descent.
Culture, faith, and service
The community has been strengthened by the Santiago Mandir, religious and cultural leaders, Indian Ladies Club activities, Hindi classes, Diwali celebrations, charity work, education support, and many volunteers who have kept traditions active for families and children.
Pandit Ravi Kewlani, who has lived in Chile since 1995, has contributed to the practice and promotion of Sanatan Dharma through Vedic rituals, ceremonies, and astrology. Smt. Bhavna Kewlani has helped preserve cultural traditions through religion classes for children and active organization of religious and cultural events.
Community builders
IAS history includes the efforts of many community members: Suresh Goklani as an active association member; Ramesh Nihalani for organizing memorable Diwali Balls; Manohar Dadlani for the legalization of the association constitution and trust; Manoj Parwani for organizing accounts; Tulsi Mohinani for supporting education and community assistance; Pushpa Daswani as founder President of the Indian Ladies Club; and active contributors including Dipti Adnani and Varsha Dadlani.
Plaza de la India
Plaza de la India in Providencia was inaugurated by Prime Minister of India Smt. Indira Gandhi in 1968, where she planted a tree. The plaza includes statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and Rabindranath Tagore. Funds for its construction were donated by Vishnu Cariocar.
Embassy collaboration and today
The Embassy of India and IAS have maintained close links. During the Covid-19 crisis, Ambassador H.E. Smt. Anita Nayar and the Embassy worked with the Indian Association to assist Indians stranded in Chile, including use of premises at Triana 871 and arrangements for return to India. Tulsi Mohinani supported the renovation and preparation of the premises.
Today, under President Kishan Dadlani, IAS continues bringing the community together through events, WhatsApp groups, assistance initiatives, and close contact with the Embassy of India, including the active support of Ambassador H.E. Smt. Abhilasha Joshi and Embassy members.
Jai Hind.