Indian group preserves its heritage

DIBYA SUBEDI/Cabell Midland

By Dibya Subedi
Cabell Midland High School

Although on first, second or even third glance, the greater Huntington-Charleston area seems to be suffering from a lack of cultural diversity, even the minority population is making its mark on the state. One such organization contributing to this is the Tri-State India Association, which has been active since Jan. 26, 1969.

The group first started with efforts from a small number of Indian faculty members at Marshall University who had just moved into the community and wanted to establish a cozy place for people they could identify with most. For the first two years after its creation, Professor Ramchander Akkihal, now director of the MBA program at Marshall, headed the association.

“We recognize other religions; we believe they all essentially have the same message,” Akkihal said when asked about the fundamentals of Hinduism.

The goal of the Tri-State India Association is to convey this acceptance and promote awareness of Hinduism in the area. It’s goal is not to convert people, he said, because conversion is not supported by the Hindu doctrine. Rather, the group aims to provide an opportunity for all to understand the culture so that “goodwill about India [will be spread] within the population.”

Another major goal of TSIA is to “provide a platform for social activities” said Akkihal. Hindu holidays are scarcely recognized by the local community and traditions may get lost amidst daily routines if it were not for the functions organized by the active members of the group.

Akkihal has found that the organization has positively impacted his children, who he happily declares are more fluent in the doctrines of Hinduism and the traditions of India than he was at that age even as a resident of India.

The biggest Hindu celebration is during Diwali (also known as Dipawali, which translates into “Row of Lights” as well as the anglicized “Festival of Lights”), which falls in October. Held for the past several years in the Cabell Midland High School auditorium, the festivities include an introduction to the event as well as dance routines performed by association members of various age groups and, finally, a home-cooked Indian meal. The celebration itself is a symbol of the triumph of good over evil.

The group also holds a picnic around the Independence Day of India, which is August 15th, as well as a New Year’s bash. Poojas — religious observances for Hindus — are held monthly by members of the association. During these events, they read passages from texts such as the Bhagavad-Gita.

The Tri-State India Association first started in Huntington, but in its 38 years of existence, it has spread to include members from Ironton, Ashton and Proctorville, Ohio and beyond. Membership is open to all, although the members are predominantly Hindus from India.

The association just goes to show that even a small community can work to preserve a culture.