Volunteer-run Indian Association of East Texas aims to preserve, promote culture and diversity

Published 5:35 am Friday, April 19, 2024

Founded in 2014, the Indian Association of East Texas has over 100 active members primarily serving the Indian community in east Texas, but their cultural and philanthropic activities benefit the east Texas community in general. (Contributed Photo)

Indian culture is considered one of the oldest and most diverse cultures in the world. In East Texas, an established organization is working to preserve and promote that heritage while benefiting the local community as a whole.

Dr. Shreya Patel, MD, said Indian culture is described as a place of unity, diversity, nonviolence and family values and is “one of the most vibrant, colorful and zesty cultures.”

“Respect for elderly tends to be (a) universal value in Indian culture (as well),” Patel said. “Celebrations are warm and informal, food and family play a central role.”

Patel is vice president of the Indian Association of East Texas (IAETX), a not-for-profit organization run by volunteers. She was born and raised in India and has lived in Tyler since 2011 where she is currently a practicing endocrinologist.

“We would like to share our mission with (the) community and solidify our identity as a cultural and charitable entity that has been active for a decade,” Patel said. “We are welcoming new members and encourage (the) community to support our events by participating and donating to us.”



Founded in 2014, IAETX has over 100 active members primarily serving the Indian community in East Texas, but their cultural and philanthropic activities benefit the East Texas community in general.

“The purpose of IAETX is to preserve and promote India culture diversity, heritage and fellowship among families and members in (the) East Texas area through educational, cultural and charitable activities that benefit its members and community in general,” Patel said.

The Indian’s way of hospitality, greeting, ethics, belongingness, unity, adapting behavior makes them unique in sustaining its culture more than the rest of the world.

“People in India usually focus more on the needs of the group over an individual,” Patel said. “Indians are known for their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit.”

In late March, IAETX celebrated the Holi festival at Faulkner Park in Tyler.

“Holi signifies triumph of good over evil and power of true devotion,” Patel said. “People of all walks of life come together to play with colors to celebrate the end of winter and beginning of spring, helps bring society together, helps forget differences and celebrates unity in diversity. It is said that on Holi even enemies become friends and every and all are forgiven.”

According to Patel, around 100 people attended this event of friendship, colors, food and fun.

The organization plans to host more events during the summer, including family summer picnics for their members.

“Diwali banquet is our largest event of (the) year in November (through) December, attended by both (the) Indian and non-Indians community,” Patel said.

According to National Geographic, Diwali is of prayer, feasts, fireworks, family gatherings, and charitable giving. For some, Diwali is also the beginning of a new year. The festival is considered India’s most important one of the year and is used as a time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

“We also host East Texas (Food) Bank volunteering around the year, (and the) toy drive around Christmas holidays,” Patel said.

The organization serves Tyler and surrounding areas. If you are interested in joining IAETX or would like to know more, visit the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/iaetx or send an email to indiansofeasttx@gmail.com.