News & Updates
Today In History: Luce-Celler Act Signed in 1946
JULY 2, 2014
The Luce-Celler Act of 1946 was a bill proposed by Republican Clare Boothe Luce and Democrat Emanuel Celler in 1943 and signed into law by President Harry Truman on July 2, 1946. The act allowed a quota of 100 Indians to immigrate to the United States per annum. It also permitted Indian nationals already residing in the U.S. (of whom there were approximately 2,500-3,000 at the time) to become naturalized American citizens.
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Make your mark on SAADA-Philadelphia!
JULY 1, 2014
SAADA-Philadelphia is in the process of planning several new events and we want you there on the ground floor! Help us maximize SAADA’s mission of giving voice to South Asian Americans through documenting, preserving, and sharing community stories. One unique event we’re currently organizing is a walking tour of Philadelphia focusing on South Asian American history. The walking tour, launching to the public in September, will offer a new glimpse into the community’s local stories and contributions to the city’s history.Read more
Today In History: Taraknath Das born June 15, 1884
JUNE 15, 2014
Taraknath Das was born on June 15, 1884 to parents of modest means in Majipara, a village near Kolkata. After completing his primary education in the village’s schools he worked as a tutor to help fund his high school education. Das’ father died shortly after he passed his entrance exams to Calcutta University, and although he attempted to complete his higher education by attending three different satellite schools associated with the University he eventually gave up his studies and began to work as an itinerant preacher instead. A talented orator and community organizer, Das traveled from village to village rallying the masses around the miserable economic, educational, and political condition of India. During this period, Das was also involved with the radical anticolonial organization known as the Bengali Anusilan Samiti, forming its branch in Dacca in 1905. He also established several village schools for the laboring classes during this time, the dawn of what would come to be a long and dynamic political activism career.Read more
Recap: SAADA Community Forum at the Philadelphia History Museum
MAY 30, 2014
Thank you to all those who attended our 2nd SAADA Community Forum in Philadelphia last evening! We're truly grateful to you for sharing such heartfelt and personal stories with all of us.Co-sponsors for last evening's event were the City of Philadelphia Mayor's Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs (MOIMA) and the Philadelphia History Museum. The Museum was also our gracious host for the event. Thank you also to our volunteers Kathleen Quigley, Radha Modi and Grace Pusey for their invaluable role in organizing the event.
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