5 South Asian groups in Birmingham promote peace and understanding across cultures
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If you’re not from South Asia, you might be surprised to learn about these five South Asian groups in Birmingham. And, there are more: Birmingham boasts Telugu and Tamil communities as well as groups of Pakistani physicians.
What this means for the majority of Birminghamians is that if you’d like to get to know your neighbors better while learning about other cultures, you’ve got plenty of opportunities right here in town.
South Asian Cultural and Professional Organizations
Indian Cultural Society
ICS promotes Indian art and culture through free programs that are open to the public.
- Contact: Sanjay Singh
- Where: Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203
- For more information: Facebook
- Email: ssingh@askcts.com
Notinee Indian Dance
“‘Notinee’ is an ancient Indian word meaning ‘The Dancer.’ Notinee Indian Dance. . .blends together two classical Indian dance styles. . .along with elements of folk dances from different parts of India. This ‘blended’ pan-Indian dance form was the brainchild of poet and educator Rabindranath Tagore. . .Asia’s first Nobel Laureate.
Notinee’s mission is to exemplify the spirit of inclusiveness that was at the heart of Rabindranath Tagore’s worldview. The students of Notinee represent ethnicities spanning four different continents, and all the major world religions.”
From Notinee’s website
- Contact: Pia Sen, Principal dancer
- Where: Notinee performs all over Birmingham, including the Magic City Art Connection, and has performed at shows across the country
- For more information: http://notinee.com/
- Follow on social media: Notinee
Bengali Association of Greater Birmingham
This charitable and cultural organization serves the Bengali community in Birmingham.
- For more information: http://bagb.net
- Follow on social media: Bengali Association of Greater Birmingham
Religious Organizations Serving South Asians (and others) in Birmingham
Birmingham Ismaili Muslim Community
The Ismaili Muslims are a culturally diverse community living in over 25 countries around the world. They adhere to a 1,400 year tradition of Shi’a values that are expressed through a commitment to a search for knowledge for the betterment of self and society; embracing pluralism by building bridges of peace and understanding; and generously sharing of one’s time, talents and material resources to improve the quality of life of the community and those among whom they live.
From the.ismaili
- Where: 131 Oxmoor Court, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Contact: 205.290.7431
Birmingham Islamic Society
Their vision is “To become the unifying platform for nurturing and sustaining a vibrant Muslim community in the Greater Birmingham area, and to help improve the quality of life for society at large.”
- Contact: Ashfaq Tafique
- Where: 2524 Hackberry Lane, Hoover, AL 35226 (worship centers are located in Hoover, Homewood and Fairfield)
- For more information: https://www.bisweb.org/
- Follow on social media: Birmingham Islamic Society
Now tell us Birmingham, are you involved with other South Asian organizations? We’d love to hear about them. Tag us on social @bhamnow and let us know.
