Photo Courtesy of Gargi Kalla

ISA invites all to have a taste of the rich Desi culture

BY PHILLIP KIM, STAFF WRITER

Mason’s Indian Student Association (ISA) is one of the oldest South Asian student organizations on campus, according to junior Gargi Kalla, ISA vice president. Each year, the organization works tirelessly to hold various events and fellowship opportunities for its members, and 2024 is no exception.

“We organize festivals like Diwali, Holi and many more, each showcasing different traditions with unique dance, music and food,” junior Rohan Mathur, activities manager, said. “ISA gives students a chance to experience India’s many traditions and also connect with the broader campus community.”

Kalla shares that for students of Desi descent living in America, it can be difficult at times to keep in touch with their ethnic roots. ISA hopes to facilitate the sharing of Indian culture by bringing it to campus.

“Our vision has always been to bridge cultural gaps and bring everyone together,” Kalla said. “By hosting inclusive and diverse events, we not only give our members a chance to reconnect with their culture and heritage but also introduce the greater Mason community to the beauty of our South Asian traditions.”

Photo Courtesy of Gargi Kalla

ISA boasts a welcoming and close-knit membership, making the organization ideal for anyone interested in learning about Indian culture and meeting and bonding with new people.

“Many students have shared that ISA feels more like a family,” senior Sohan Kalluru, events coordinator, said. “This year, ISA is committed to broadening its scope and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong.”

ISA board members shared that the food and music make their events special. From biryani to dosas and samosas with chutney, Indian cuisine is a highlight at most ISA gatherings.

“This semester, ISA hosted a successful fundraising event: Dosa Dhaba,” junior Harshitha Maddi, fundraising chair, said. “This event was a collaboration with GMU Culinary Club, making it not only ISA’s first-ever food-based fundraiser but also our first event centered on authentic, home-style South Indian cuisine.”

Earlier this semester, ISA hosted one of their key events, Diwali celebration, off-campus to connect with an even larger community. They even chose a special venue that would evoke memories for homesick members: a local temple.

“This event was an incredible success, complete with authentic Indian food and dazzling fireworks, allowing students to honor the Festival of Lights in grand style,” junior Vidhi Pathak, ISA delegate, said. “Attendees walked away from the event with wide smiles and remarked on how lighting all the fireworks, they felt like they were back at home in the streets of India.”

In addition to holding traditional celebrations, the officers enjoy getting creative and coming up with unique events such as the “Desi Halloween Party.”

“[The Halloween party] was a night full of surprises and fun moments,” sophomore Nia Trivedi, historian, said. “Students showed off their creativity with costumes ranging from iconic Bollywood stars to mythological figures, all while dancing to the latest hits and taking part in a lively costume contest.”

The South Asia edition of International Cafe held in October was another special experience for ISA members. They planned to host their own event that same week but changed gears upon being invited to present a booth at the event.

“We had an amazing time meeting people from diverse backgrounds and sharing stories about India’s rich history and stunning monuments,” Kalla said. “Despite the last minute decision to participate, all the effort was absolutely worth it.”

None of these events would be possible without careful preparation by dedicated members. Senior Ishaan Gupta, treasurer, feels like everyone brought their “A-game” to all the meetings.

“There are lots of things that go on behind-the-scenes months in advance for all of our major events,” Gupta said “When we face major problems in organizing events, we like to meet up and brainstorm, sometimes spanning multiple hours, until we find a solution. We want to make sure that every detail is perfect so our guests have an unforgettable experience.”

After a year marked by laughter and bonding, ISA plans on growing as an organization and continuing to support South Asian students going through college. Senior Dheer Tammina, ISA president, believes more can be done to achieve these goals.

“We decided to take bold risks,” Tammina said. “Many of these events were unprecedented for ISA, particularly at the scale we executed them. While the process was stressful at times, our efforts paid off as each event turned out to be extremely successful.”

“When joining ISA, embrace the journey of planning, learning, and growing together,” junior Sanjita Illendula, marketing head, said. “We often encounter surprises but that’s what makes our experiences unforgettable. Together, we’ll tackle challenges, adapt and create moments that celebrate our culture and bring our community closer. Expect the unexpected and let’s make it amazing!”

ISA currently has 926 members on Mason 360 with many more unofficial members. Students who are interested in learning more about ISA may visit their official Instagram account.