The Desi Society is a newly formed organization. On January 20, 2004, approximately seventy Desi officers of every rank within the NYPD formed this organization to represent our ethnic group within the NYPD.  The name chosen by the members of this organization was “NYPD DESI SOCIETY”. 

          The term, “Desi” (pronounced day-see) is a Sanskrit word that means “one from our land”, "native of" or “countryman”.  Desi is a term that eliminates political borders and unites everyone of South Asian descent, despite their religion (Hindu, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Buddhists) or where they were born (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indians from Guyana, Trinidad, Surinam, South Africa, England, etc.)

            We chose our name because “Desi” is a term that is used by US to identify OURSELVES. By identifying ourselves as Desis we stand united and proud of our roots and rich culture.  By calling ourselves the “NYPD DESI SOCIETY”, we equally include everyone of our ethnicity, despite religious beliefs or political borders,  unifying ourselves within the NYPD and within our communities.