India Friends Association

09/28/2026

Proud moment for IFA 👏

Our Fellow Mahendra Yadav, founder of Kosi Nav Nirman Manch, received a Certificate of Excellence at the Sixth Manoj Srivastava Memorial Lecture on September 19.

He was introduced as "The Silent Crusader & Human Rights Defender." Years of steady work with communities in Bihar's Kosi region, and it's good to see it recognized.

Congratulations, Mahendra! 🎉

09/22/2026

🌟 IFA at the TOArts Spotlight Arts Festival! 🌟

We were delighted to see IFA Sewak Zini Joshi and her wonderful dance crew represent India Friends Association at the TOArts Spotlight Arts Festival in Thousand Oaks! 💃🏽✨

Through the vibrant tradition of Garba, they shared a beautiful piece of Indian culture with our wider community. A special shout-out to Zini for also taking the opportunity to introduce the audience to IFA and our mission, while sharing a little about the spirit and tradition behind Garba.

🎥 In this video, hear Zini talk about IFA and Garba before the celebration comes alive through dance!

Thank you, Zini and the entire crew, for sharing your time, talent, culture, and spirit of sewa so beautifully. ❤️

09/03/2026

✨ Familiar faces. New roles. Renewed energy. ✨

IFA came together for a weekend filled with meaningful conversations, laughter, reflection, and connection.

Our discussions explored IFA’s vision for the future, strengthening our projects and fellowships, expanding community outreach, and building a sustainable path forward.

We are especially excited to welcome long-time supporters joining IFA in a new capacity. Having contributed in various roles over the years, they bring valuable experience, fresh perspectives, and renewed energy—helping IFA grow bigger, stronger, and better!

Grateful to everyone who continues to bring their ideas, time, and heart to our shared journey. ❤️

08/22/2026

18 years after the 2008 Kushaha tragedy, many Kosi flood survivors are still waiting for rehabilitation, compensation, and justice. The disaster affected nearly 4 million people in Bihar and destroyed more than 236,000 homes.

In a recent Down To Earth article, IFA Fellow Mahendra Yadav highlights the continuing struggle of affected families, including boatman Pritam Mukhiya, who spent 58 days rescuing thousands during the floods and is still seeking compensation for his service and lost boat.

Through Kosi Nav Nirman Manch, grassroots leaders continue to organize communities and advocate for relief, rehabilitation, and accountability. Disaster recovery must continue long after the headlines fade.

Full article link in the comments.

07/27/2026

Teaching someone to fish isn't enough — if the system won't let them sell their catch fairly. 🎣

This is the story of Maharashtra's fishing communities, caught between broken licensing systems and unfair contracts.

Watch. Share. Stand with them. 💙

07/07/2026

✨ Event Recap: Children's Dance Performance at Archana — IFA's Annual Fundraiser ✨

One of the most heartwarming moments from Archana, IFA's Annual Fundraiser, was watching our young performers take the stage. With so much joy, energy, and confidence, they turned in a dance performance that had the whole audience cheering — and it quickly became one of the highlights of the entire event.

To every child who danced, practiced, and shined that day — thank you for the magic you brought to the stage! 👏💃🕺

Relive the moment here: https://youtu.be/_ICRfwNRtEg?si=lSo1zECU81YYL3O8&t=979

06/05/2026

🌱 Society Shapers Network is now live in Madhya Pradesh, and the early momentum is encouraging.

9 new Fellows have joined the network, with each Fellow working in their own village and supporting 15–20 surrounding villages. Plans for 10 new hubs are already underway, while the Program Director and 6 Alumni Samaj Shilpis are mentoring and training the next generation of changemakers.

🚜 New Age Farming initiatives led by Samaj Shilpis Pramod Kumar Yadav and Subrat Malik are gaining traction. Through their ongoing roadshow, 40 farmers have already adopted climate-adaptive farming techniques, and plans are underway for a Farm School that will support 500 farmers annually.

From strengthening local leadership to improving livelihoods and sustainable farming practices, this is grassroots transformation in action. More exciting developments ahead. 🌾

Learn more and support: indiafriendsassociation.org

05/11/2026

And just like that, another Archana has come to a beautiful close.
The legs might still be tired, but the hearts are overflowing — and the memories we created together will stay with us forever.

We are thrilled to share that over 900 tickets were sold and we raised $290k through this event. Every single one of you played a part in making this possible. Your generosity, your presence, and your spirit have contributed to a cause that will touch countless lives back home and bring a little more comfort to those who need it most.

Thank you for showing up, giving wholeheartedly, and making Archana 2026 unforgettable.

05/03/2026

05/02/2026

🌟 IFA's Archana 2026 is HERE! 🌟

After months of dedication, sweat, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime, we are finally stepping into the moment we've all been waiting for! Every team has poured their heart and soul into this journey — from the beautiful tradition of Heena nights 🌿 to the lively chaos of potlucks 🍽️, the hilarious moments of choreographer ragging 😂, the adorable bonding of Twinsies 👯, and so much more. We didn't just rehearse together — we grew together. Strangers became teammates, and teammates became friends for life. 💛

Join us for the grand finale of IFA's Archana 2026 on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 at the Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks — come witness the passion, the culture, the colors, and the sheer talent this incredible community has to offer, all in support of a noble cause that makes every step on that stage even more meaningful.

🎟️ Tickets: Available at the Box Office, and trust us, you don't want to miss this!

We are excited, we are ready, and we simply cannot wait to perform for YOU! 🙌🎟️