Friends of India Society International

FISI is a forum where subjects of mutual interest are discussed when we feel there is a need to voice our concern, whenever and wherever the rights of Indian people are involved and plan our actions accordingly.We are an international non-profit NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation), seeking to provide a network of committed and competent individuals spread all over the world to promote India. Its membership comprises people of Indian origin living outside India and Friends of India.We do not have affiliation to any political party. We are vigorously committed to maintaining its independence and believes in taking an objective approach to issues.We believe in developing good relations with people in India and abroad.

We are celebrating our 40 years of supporting the community.

OUR OBJECTIVES

• The maintenance and strengthening of friendly relations between the people of India and the rest of the humanity
• To act as a non-governmental channel of communication between India and other countries
• The promotion and protection of international human rights
• To highlight India’s contribution and achievements in the fields of culture, sports, politics, Economics etc.
• To meet and honour Indians for their achievements in various fields
• To discuss and debate matters concerning India and its people living at home and abroad
• To help the people of India and Indian origin in case of need
• To help Indian people in distress in any part of the world

ACTIVITIES

Our activities reflect a commitment to accomplish the objectives. Over the last 40 years, FISI has held numerous conferences and seminars to further its objectives. Prominent politicians, academics and ideologists have participated in meetings organised by FISI.
FISI has also hosted charity events to raise funds for humanitarian projects in India.

Funds have been raised for:

• To aid education and health programmes
• Aid to families of policemen who were killed by militants
• Artificial limbs have been provided to several disabled persons through Enabled the Disabled project
• Emergency aid has been donated for earthquake and flood relief.
• To support families of Soldiers who may have become martyrs or injured

The activities have also included:
​
Economic seminar at the London School of Economics on liberalisation of India’s economy in 1992. Functions and lectures when distinguished visitors from India have visited U.K. like – Shri L K Advani, Late Shri Kidar Nath Sahani, Late Shri Dattopant Thengadi, Shri Narendra Modi, Late Shri Ashok Singhal, Late Professor Rajendra Singh, Shri Ashok Chowgule, Shri Dr Nagendra etc.

Officials have maintained contact and had dialogues and meetings with :

• The High Commissioner, Deputy High Commissioner and other Indian High Commission officials, Chairman Jewish Community members, TUC officials, ethnic press representatives and others
• A number of press statements have been issued on wide range of subjects including interference by foreign countries in India’s internal affairs, the human rights record and oppression of Indian people in Pakistan & Bangladesh, promoting Issue of Kashmir as an integral part of India, local anti-Indian issues etc.
• Lobbying various British and European politicians on matters to promote a better appreciation of India’s position on various issues
• Publish literature for public information as the need arises
• We feel that the role of FISI continues to be of great importance since it is impartial and as a non-governmental organisation. It continue to be vocal, particularly on anti-India issues. The tendency of Western Press to project India and Indians in a tarnished manner has now reduced but this has changed after sustained campaigns to correct their reporting by putting into perspective in many cases.
• The role of FISI is one of lobby and pressure group for local (UK) issues and international relations. We currently have a small but dedicated nucleus of members involved in achieving FISI’s aim and objective but there is room for many who could assist in our efforts.