On the evening of October 30, 1965, thirty-six Indian nationals gathered at the home of Dr. Atish Maniar to celebrate Diwali. What began as a festival of lights became the spark for something far greater — the founding of the India Association of Manitoba.
That December, members formally adopted a constitution, elected their first leadership, and set into motion a mission that continues to this day: to preserve, celebrate, and share the rich cultural heritage of India while building meaningful bridges between the Indo-Canadian community and the broader society of Manitoba.
From humble beginnings, the Association grew into one of Manitoba’s most recognized multicultural organizations. A defining milestone came in 1970 with participation in the inaugural Folklorama Festival — a tradition that has only grown stronger. Today, the India Pavilion at Folklorama welcomes over 10,000 visitors each year, a vibrant testament to the community’s reach and spirit.
In 1976, the Association was officially incorporated. In the decades that followed, through periods of both challenge and renewal, it consistently emerged stronger — restructuring its governance, establishing a Board of Trustees to safeguard its assets, and deepening its commitment to its members.
In 2013, the Association partnered with the University of Winnipeg to establish the India Centre for Academic, Business and Community Excellence, bridging academic scholarship with community engagement and cross-cultural collaboration.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Association pivoted with purpose — launching mental health programs, education initiatives, and socio-economic supports, while fully embracing digital platforms to stay connected with the community it serves.
Today, the India Association of Manitoba stands as the longest-serving organization within Manitoba’s Indo-Canadian community. Our focus has evolved — from preserving identity to amplifying contributions, from cultural tradition to community leadership.
We are proud of where we come from, and even more excited about where we are going.
A testament to sixty years of dedicated leadership, the Association has been guided by visionary presidents across every chapter of its journey — from Dr. Atish Maniar in 1965 to current president. Their collective stewardship is the foundation on which our future is built.
The India Association was formed on October 30, 1965 by 36 nationals of India who met at the residence of Dr. Atish Maniar to celebrate Diwali. At a general meeting on December 11, 1965, the constitution was accepted and Dr. Maniar was elected as the founding President.
The Folklorama Festival, started in 1970 to commemorate the 100th birthday of Manitoba, was so successful that the Folk Arts Council decided to continue it for coming years. India Association took active part, and today the Folklorama India Pavilion attracts almost 10,000 visitors every year.
India Association was incorporated on October 28, 1976. In 2002, a Board of Custodians was established, and in 2007 the Constitution was amended to meet the needs of a more complex operation. In 2013, the India Association partnered with the University of Winnipeg to form the India Centre for Academic, Business and Community Excellence.
Copyright © 2026 | India Association of Manitoba. | All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2026 | India Association of Manitoba. | All rights reserved.
