Our History
Our History
WIA UK was founded in 1960 by the late Vijaya Laxmi Pandit. She was the sister of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and held the post of the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. WIA UK’s main objectives at the time were to strengthen ties between Britain and India, and to facilitate meetings amongst the British and Asian community. Since then, it has become a tradition for the wife of the High Commissioner of India to assume the role of Patron of our Association.
By the late 70s, WIA found the need to adapt to engage the community further by responding to concerns for Philanthropic giving to projects in India. The first Charity Gala Ball was held in 1979 and £5000 was raised. Presently WIA has a membership of over 500 people in the UK. Apart from the biennial Gala, smaller fund raising and awareness events are held throughout the year to engage the community further. Charity Projects were initially founded and run by former Patrons and Chairperson’s which gradually developed to the present day funding by solicited grant making applications.
The Young Women’s India Association was established in 2006 at the AGM in July. It was initially formed by 16 girls aged 16-18 with a Chairperson appointed by the WIA committee. Today, the YWIA are a group of professional young women who engage the young generation with new initiatives. Since 2020, they have conducted ‘Boardroom Chats’, showcasing female entrepreneurs and business leaders to spark real conversations and connections. They also plan to have an annual fundraising event.
Story behind our Symbol 
The lotus is the symbol of the WIA, which is a Vedic symbol of purity and rejuvenation. It is said that there’s a lotus flower in every person’s heart, and that when this lotus blooms, the person achieves enlightenment. Please join us in our mission of creating a better future for all the lives we touch.
