India Community Center (Rochester, N.Y.)

The India Community Center (ICC) was founded in 1980 by a few prominent Asian Indian men (physicians and academics) who envisioned building a religious, cultural, social, and educational center for the growing Asian Indian community in Greater Rochester (est. 500-600 families). ICC received its 501c3 nonprofit status in 1981, and in 1985 purchased a building on 229 acres bordering Wayne and Monroe Counties. More than 100 individuals made contributions ranging from $100 to $10,000 and within five years, the entire purchase price of $285,000 was paid off.

The ICC building has hosted hundreds of community events (not limited to the Asian Indian community) and as of 2003, ICC boasted approximately 185 members. Members may either pay $75 annual dues or purchase a lifetime membership for $3,000. ICC estimated in 2003 that there were 1,500 Indian families in Greater Rochester; at that time, ICC had 900 addresses on its mailing list.

C.P. Kamath joined ICC in 1992 and served in leadership positions, including secretary, chairman, cultural chair, and on the board of directors from 1992-99. He continues to be responsible for sixteen music, dance, and other cultural programs each year and is active in the Kanada group (each region of India has its own subgroup that meets separately and has its own events). ICC also formerly hosted Indian language classes and a two-week Hindu Heritage summer camp for eighty children from throughout the Northeast.

In 2000, ICC completed its $650,000 retreat center project, adding a second large building to house overnight guests and provide conference space for community events. The center is already half paid off, thanks to the generosity of ICC members.

From the description of India Community Center records, 1980-2003. (New York State Historical Documents). WorldCat record id: 155424367