History of Uttarakhand Mandal of America (UMA)

Founded in the Bay Area (1997)

Dr. Anshu Bhatt, a native of Uttarakhand, moved from Boston to San Jose, California in 1997. At the time, there were few people of Pahri origin in the Bay Area, and those who were there lacked a way to connect and share their culture.

To address this need, Dr. Bhatt created the 'Bay Area Uttaranchali' Yahoo group to facilitate communication and organize annual picnics and gatherings. The first two picnics, held in Cataldi Park, San Jose in 2000 and 2001, were a success, attracting around 75-80 attendees. These events featured catered Indian food, games, and freshly brewed chai.

Growth and Expansion (2000-2005)

The Bay Area Uttaranchali Yahoo group grew to over 140 members within a few years. In 2005, a critical mass was reached, allowing Uttarakhandi volunteers to showcase their rich cultural heritage at the ICC event in Milpitas, California.

Becoming a Non-Profit Organization (2006)

In 2006, the decision was made to formalize the group by registering it as a non-profit organization named 'Uttarakhand Mandal of America' (UMA). This registration enabled UMA to raise funds for dedicated projects, solicit tax-deductible donations from Bay Area companies and individuals, and champion causes such as:

•  Educational support for bright and underprivileged students in the hills of Uttarakhand

•  Overall socio-economic development of Uttarakhand

•  Promoting the rich culture of Uttarakhand ('Dev Bhumi') in the United States

For more details on UMA's mission and goals, please refer to the UMA charter.