The Netherlands India Association
Enhancing friendship and understanding between India and The Netherlands
About Us
Here at NIA , we are driven to do our part in making the world a better place. Since 2000, we have taken part in a wide range of activities that empower individuals and communities. We strive to build productive relationships and make a positive impact with all of our pursuits. Are you ready to join us and create real transformation in the lives of so many?
India and The Netherlands have had cultural relations for over 400 years. Rembrandt was inspired by Mughal art and there is shared Dutch-Indian heritage in present day India. Today the fast growing Indian community in the Netherlands is making an impact with their many cultural contributions.
The Netherlands India Association (NIA) was founded to provide you with entertaining and informative insights into these two fascinating countries and its peoples. Today, we are continuing this tradition that we started since inception.
The NIA’s objectives are:
-
Promoting knowledge and understanding of culture, history, philosophy, religion and social structure of India and The Netherlands between the people of both countries.
-
Promoting friendly relations between Indians and Dutch through widening and deepening personal, cultural, and social contact.
We do so by organizing a.o. programmes and symposia with a more academic, interactive content about subjects such as Indian elections, and by cultural events like musical concerts, dance performances and film shows. NIA also encourages and seeks cooperation with other organizations associated with India, with NIA functioning as “link pin”.
NIA is a networking organization where Dutch and Indians can come to know each other and can share each others knowledge and make friends.
Unique identity
NIA derives its uniquenes and identity from the fact that it is the only Indo-Dutch intercultural organization in The Netherlands. This means it is a truly Indian and Dutch meeting platform. Anyone who is interested in both countries is welcome to join us.
Background
The Netherlands India Association (NIA) celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2021.
NIA started in 1951 in Leiden, a historic town in The Netherlands and it has come a long way since then. In this jubilee year, the Executive Board of NIA considers it a great pleasure and privilege to draw attention to the manifold contributions made by prominent members of the wider Indo-Dutch community in this country to enhance and strengthen relations between the people of the Netherlands and India. Without the contributions of these people who selflessly worked in the areas of academia, business and particularly culture, NIA would not be where it is today.
The contributions made by these distinguished persons to the wider Indo-Dutch community are high-lighted with a write-up of their personal narratives and published on the special Articles page on the website and the Facebook page of NIA.
If the short introduction to NIA has aroused your interest, you should consider joining us as a member. In order to have a taste of one of our programmes you can always participate in one of our events.
Curious to know more? Details for getting in touch can be found on the page Contact.
We look forward to welcoming you!