Friends of India, an RSO at the University of Arkansas was established in the year 1967 by Dr. Raj V. Kilambi and 7 other professors. An idea to start an organization came up, to help the upcoming new students and families to make them feel at home by conducting festivals, events and get together parties. After forming the organization, it became very difficult to name it; with lots of names suggested by a lot of people in the community they came up with the name “FRIENDS OF INDIA” to bring together an entire community of diverse people.
The First Diwali Banquet was planned and held at BAPTIST CHURCH in Maple Street, with the permission of church in charge Mr. Jamie Jones in 1967. The banquet was self-funded by the donations collected over the neighboring cities and states. The banquet had performances from the family members of the committee and dinner after which was prepared by the family members themselves. The very first banquet was attended by 20 people.
After the First Diwali Banquet, lots of people around the university started speaking about the banquet and didn’t want to miss the Banquet the following year. So, the second banquet was planned to be held in Auditorium at “FAYETTEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL” in the year 1968. The event became so viral that nearly 150 people attended on that day.The following year was one of the milestones in our history. With the increase in involvement of students, people and families into the organization, University of Arkansas announced that, they will fund the event during the year 1969. This is the first time the Diwali Banquet was held in the university. The Banquet was held at the “ARKANSAS UNION”. The family members and the organization rented out the kitchen at the Union to prepare food for all the people attending the event. The first time the university recognized our organization and awarded “THE MOST ACTIVE RSO” on campus during this year.
After which lots of students and people from other nations started to show more interest in our events. So the community had spread and grown beyond expectations. We have started to have many activities in a year than usual, started to cater from restaurants located in Bentonville, Springdale, Rogers and even from Oklahoma City. From 2001, with the support from ASG at the university, we are able to continue servicing the community in a more efficient way. Thanks to all of our Students, Sponsors, Well-Wishers, Committee members, Volunteers, Professors, Staffs and Advisors for their great support in all our events and activities as we enter our memorable 47th year now. We are proud to have all of you as a part of Friends of India.
FOI
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