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The
DIYA interview
No
doubt, in the Netherlands they are a major part of the
Desi youth scene. The Dutch Indian Youth Youth
Association (DIYA) is well known for organizing
culture as well as sports events. In April 2003 they
finally decided to threw a party. Read our
introduction to DIYA and what Chairman Saikat Mazumder
has to say about DIYA and its current projects.
The biggest Indian communities are based in the UK and in the USA. Your group represents the Indian community in the Netherlands. Tell us who you (DIYA) and what your objectives are.
Diya (Dutch Indian Youth Association), as the name goes is the largest Indian youth organisation in the whole of Netherlands. Diya is a non-profit and voluntary organisation, which aims to provide a social sphere for young people interested in India, to share, experience and explore diverse aspects of Indian Culture, irrespective of religion and nationality in and around Netherlands.
Are you a 'e.V.' (what we call in Germany 'eingetragener Verein')?
Yes, Diya is a registered organisation in the Netherlands. It is registered with "KVK" whose German equivalent is as said above.
How are you structured? What is the role of the executive board
and how often do you change your board?
Diya is managed by a dedicated team of board members, who are annually selected by nomination from the body of members. It is the role of
the executive board to organise events of diverse nature as well as to maintain external relations with third parties and a web presence. The structure of the present board is as follows
(click
to enlarge):
Members age range from 18 to 32 years.
Are you in cooperation with other Dutch-Indian institutions all over
or outside the
Netherlands or is DIYA just a regional project?
In the last five years of Diya's existence, we have always stepped forward for some charitable
cause! We had also extended our help in the form of contributions to Gujrat Earthquake relief fund, Orissa Cyclone relief and other Indian charities like giving away some money to a village school in Gujrat etc. Diya has also broadened its horizons and has extended its activities to Belgium.
You are well-known for organising Indian events, such as sports, dance, quizzes etc.. Organising a party in April ("Desi Fever") was supposingly a total new experience. What was the idea behind this party and what is the final summary?
Diya had never before ventured into organising a party of this scale. Dutch Indians like to party a lot and this event was also a kind of launch pad for the new Diya board for the year 2003.
When can we expect the next DIYA party? What are your next projects?
Diya has just organised a play named "Devdas Reloaded". There are many events to follow like a cricketing event plus BBQ in Belgium in the month of July, a beach party in the month of August, a Dandia festival in the month of October and lots and lots of other events.
Any special message you want to leave our readers in Germany?
I on behalf of Diya extend a hand of friendship to you all and welcome you to visit Holland and participate in our upcoming events.
All updates are available on our website www.diya.nl. You can even reach us by email:
mail@diya.nl.
Wish you all the best!!
Saikat, thanks a lot for this interview.
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