As the territory’s East Indian community prepares to mark Diwali — the festival of lights — on Monday, anticipation is building for an evening that celebrates culture, connection, and community. The annual Diwali Ball on Oct. 25, hosted by the India Association of the Virgin Islands, will bring hundreds together for a night that blends color, music, and meaning — a reflection of how the association has spent nearly five decades shining light well beyond its own walls.
Chartered in 1976 during the administration of Gov. Cyril E. King, the India Association was founded by David Mohanani and other early community leaders who worked to honor their heritage while becoming active contributors to the Virgin Islands community. At first, gatherings were held in homes — weekly prayer services, language lessons, and holiday observances — but over time, those efforts grew into something larger: a center for cultural education, philanthropy, and service.
Today, the India Association stands as one of the most active cultural organizations in the Virgin Islands, which continues to promote understanding through outreach, cultural events that help younger generations connect to their roots, and charitable giving. “Our goal has always been to share who we are,” said Association President Pash Daswani, who has served in leadership roles since 1992. “We want people to learn about our traditions, our values, and the ways we contribute to the Virgin Islands community — because this is home for us.”
That sense of purpose defines every India Association event, especially the annual Diwali Ball, which has become one of the association’s most anticipated multicultural celebrations, anchored by a deep commitment to giving back. Each year, proceeds are donated to local nonprofits that serve the wider Virgin Islands community — from the Family Resource Center and Yellow Cedar Group Home, this year’s beneficiaries, to Cancer Support Virgin Islands, which received $50,000 from the 2023 Ball. “We’ve always believed that celebration should have meaning,” Daswani said. “When we come together, it’s not only to honor our heritage but to share that light with others.”
The event also features the Mulo Alwani Lifetime Achievement Award, named for a beloved community pillar — and longtime association president — whose generosity and quiet leadership continue to inspire. Alwani, remembered as a St. Thomas businessman and humanitarian, embodied the values of humility, service, and compassion that the association hopes to instill in future generations. “Mulo was one of those people who didn’t wait to be asked,” Daswani reflected. “He gave freely and led with his heart. Recognizing others in his name is our way of keeping that legacy alive.”
Beyond the Ball, the association’s impact reaches into education and youth empowerment. After a brief pause following hurricanes Irma and Maria, the University of the Virgin Islands Scholarship Program is being relaunched to support two V.I. students each year. “It’s not just about financial assistance,” Daswani explained. “It’s about investing in potential — helping students understand that hard work, gratitude, and generosity go hand in hand.”
The association’s history of cultural exchange extends to past events like the Indian Independence Day Gala, which once brought ambassadors and dignitaries from across the Caribbean and the United States to St. Thomas. Those evenings celebrated India’s democratic heritage while strengthening global connections — a tradition that Daswani and his board have now folded into the Diwali Ball to focus their efforts and expand its reach. “This time of year is perfect,” Daswani said. “Season is just beginning, families are back on island, and it’s easier for everyone to participate. Combining our celebrations allows us to share our story with the entire community in one meaningful way.”
Through it all, the India Association remains grounded in its original mission: to enrich the territory not just through celebration, but through service. “When you come to our events, you’ll see people from every background laughing, dancing, and learning together,” Daswani said. “That’s what Diwali is really about: light, connection, and gratitude. And it’s what we hope to keep giving back for many years to come.”
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