African Indian Alliance: A Siddi Partnership, Inc.

AIA is excited to share this link to Asha Stuart’s film about the Siddis that was featured by National Geographic.  Ramnath Siddi (pictured above with AIA Founder Pash Obeng) narrates the film and shares some of his personal experiences and what life is like in general for the Siddi people. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/video/shorts/inside-a-lost-african-tribe-still-living-in-india-today/ “In the dense forests … More Asha Stuart’s Film about Siddis

We are thrilled that beautiful Siddi Quilts are currently displayed at The Davis Museum and Cultural Center at Wellesley College. Here’s how this wonderful opportunity was advertised in The Wellesley Townsman: “The Siddis of Karnataka are the descendants of early African immigrants to South Asia and enslaved Africans brought to India’s west coast from the … More Siddi Quilts at The Davis Museum in Wellesley

Pash took the following photos of the new hall that is located next to the Convent of The Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross in Mainalli.  This hall will house some of the students who are being supported by AIA as well as provide good meeting spaces for people in the wider village to … More The Construction of the New Hall in Mainalli (March 2018)

Pash continues to be on the ground in India.  (He sent the following pictures with these descriptions.)  We remain thankful for the good work happening on behalf of the African Indian Alliance for improving the lives of the Siddis. Recruiting children for school from neighborhood where families live on encroached lands Ramnath coaches some of … More Updates from India (March 2018)

Right now Pash and Fiona are on the ground in India.  Here’s a few picture updates. Fiona is pictured with Indira and Shivadevi from Mainalli. And while work is being done at the hostel in Mainalli, Sr. Reeta and the other teachers and nuns teach in whatever space may be available!  Here Sr. Reeta is teaching … More Updates from India (January 2018)

During December 2017 AIA hosted an Alternative Gift Fair at the WHCC. We sold attractive photo cards that would purchase education for the Siddi students in the villages in India. There were different card value amounts that would cover the cost of various educational levels. Most cards bought will cover the cost of books, school … More AIA Gift Fair

Mainalli July 2017 My third trip to Mainalli brought smiles, laughter, and learning. I was able to see children I’ve been building relationships with, and continue to work at the Balwadi school with the teacher Sangeeta. At school we worked on writing and recognizing the English alphabet on the student’s individual chalk boards. One of … More Reflection on India (July 2017)

The following images are from the Summer of 2017.  Darlene, Shivani, Rebecca, Katie, Fiona, and Stephen worked with the Siddis on various projects and initiatives.  

Some of our students finished the tailoring program and are featured here with their certificates. And here are some of the children we support who one an award in cluster level sports.  All the good work continues in India.