Started by a few residents of Livingston in 2008, Sanskriti of New Jersey (formerly AILIV) now boasts of a wider membership base that includes residents of Livingston as well as many neighboring towns including but not limited to the Oranges, Maplewood, Montclair, Cedar Grove, the Caldwells, Millburn-Short Hills, Summit, New Providence,  East Hanover, Florham Park, Chatham and Madison, among other towns.

History

Sanskriti of New Jersey was founded in 2008 by some of its current members who recognized a need for an organization geared towards celebration of Indian culture among its members and the wider community. This movement has proven very effective in bringing together individuals and families of Asian Indian origin. While this is still a growing organization, in the past few years, Sanskriti of NJ has held more than 10 successful events, including Dakshin Mahotsav, highlighting and celebrating South India's rich culture; Holi Picnic; International Yoga Day celebration; IndiaFest showcasing classical, folk and Bollywood dance and songs presented by  along with many vendors selling Indian handicrafts, clothes and food; Indian Tricolor hoisting on India's Independance Day on August 15th,  Garba  multiple Indian classical music nights, Diwali celebration, teaching of Hindi and a vigil for Mumbai attack victims. AILIV has made its presence felt in the Livingston Community by marching in the annual Memorial Day Parades, holding a food drive for a local Food Bank, and by helping to start a Hindi School for local residents. Sanskriti - India Cultural Center is one of AILIV's new initiatives started in 2010 that will proactively work for Indian Cultural education such as running an Indian summer camp for children as well running a cultural school during academic calendars.

Mission

Sanskriti of New Jersey is a not-for-profit organization to be established and approved by Internal Revenue under  IRC 501 (c) (3) formed on June 12, 2009 in New Jersey. It is a secular non-partisan democratic organization whose objectives are the following:

A.    To educate interested individual and business entities about the socio-cultural values of India and its residents, including, but not limited to, its music, art, language and history.

B.    To organize programs, workshops, seminars, cultural fairs and other related activities to promote and celebrate Asian Indian activities and holidays.

C.   To create, operate and/or staff Hindi and other Asian Indian language schools, educational activities that promote the study and dissemination of information regarding the culture, language, history and heritage of people of Asian Indian origin.

D.    To promote public understanding and enlisting private and public support through programs of information and education of Asian Indian matters.

E.    To encourage and participate in the celebration of Asian Indian holidays and festivals.

F.   Sanskriti of New Jersey aims to work in conjunction with all the residents of the community regardless of age, gender, color, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or national origin.