Indian Women Association, Moscow (IWA) is a Non-Profit Organization (NPO), formed by embassy spouses almost 2 decades ago. It is an active group and has been especially known for its charities both in Russia and India. It is open to the Indian community based in and around Moscow and is a meeting club for Embassy ladies as well as the Indian community.

2. The Association is chaired by the spouse of the Ambassador. Its activities form an integral part of the activities of the Indian diplomatic community based in Moscow.

3. IWA generally meets once a month at the Embassy in DP Dhar Hall. Charitable and social work conducted by IWA caters to the needy sections of society be it in Russia or India. In Russia, it has linkages with charity public welfare institutions such as orphanages & old age homes as well as schools. IWA was the first association to give donation to the families of the victims of the Kursk submarine that sunk in 2000. Funds are also given to Russian Scholars by way of financial support to publish books on India. Like-wise, it continues to project Russia in India. Significant amount has been given to the India International Centre, New Delhi to promote studies on Indo-Russian Relations. Seminars are held to bring awareness about Russia in India.

4. IWA maintains a tradition of supporting the Indian Armed Forces. It donates significant amounts of money to respective rehabilitation centers for women in Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. This is its humble way of extending solidarity with Indian men and women who put their lives in the line of fire to keep us and our great country safe. It also has linkages with the External Affairs Spouse Association- a similar though larger Delhi-based association of spouses of the officers of the Ministry of External Affairs. IWA maintains ties with Women groups based in Moscow viz., Asia-Pacific Women Association and the International Women Association including through participation in the annual Bazaars organized by them and occasionally holding office-bearer positions in these groups.

5. One of the major attractions of IWA is its annual Indian Summer Bazaar, which is a major fund raiser. The Bazaar has grown over the last two decades in terms of both local participation and earnings which are used for charity purposes. Charity money collected by IWA this year through its various activities, for instance, has been donated to associations of Indian Army Wives (US$ 4000), Air-force Wives (US$ 4000) and Naval Wives (US$ 4000) as well as to ‘Sulabh’ – a world renowned Indian Sanitation Services and infrastructure NGO – for women and child welfare.

6. Other activities that form part of IWA’s annual calendar of events include group outings to Gruz crystal and blue Gzhel, community celebrations n festive occasions such as Holi, Diwali Christmas and New Year, lecture-cum-demostrations (Yoga, first-aid, etc.), cultural shows (‘Weaves of India’, ‘Indian weddings’, etc.) and coffee mornings. Members are required to pay an annual nominal fee of US$ 25/-. (Spouse of Embassy officers and deputed defence dettachements ; non-Embassy members of the Indian community) and US$ 15 (spouse of the Embassy staff officials).

7. Office bearers of IWA include Mrs. Amita Shukla, President; Mrs. Anupama Trigunayat, Vice President; Mrs. Anita Grewal, Secretary; Mrs. Ruchi Narain; Joint Secretary – Smt. Archana Tikoo; Charities In-charge – Mrs. Archana Mokashi; and Smt. Rashmi Dwivedi - Hospitality In-charge. Further queries may be addressed to the Secretary of the Association, Smt. Anita Grewal at email ID This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it