In honor of Diwali and to connect more with our community's Indian population, the Canton Public Library sat down with two representatives of the Indian American Student Association (IASA). This student-built group combines efforts from all over the Plymouth-Canton Education Park (P-CEP). Prisha and Sid provided excellent information about IASA and why they feel it is essential not just to Plymouth-Canton youth but to the community as a whole.
What is the IASA? What is its mission?
IASA is an organization that aims to connect people of Indian heritage. However, the group has gone far beyond its initial goal, having become a base for many people to find community regardless of ethnic heritage or religious views. It is a place anyone can join and is very social.
IASA started around 10 years ago and averages an annual membership of more than 200. It has grown in popularity over the years, and word always spreads about the Annual Showcase every June. This past year, around 600 people attended.
What are some of the activities IASA does?
IASA tends to have a rotation of yearly activities that have all become very well-received within the community. Every year features a night of Garba (a traditional Gujarati dance), a Diwali dinner for students, a Holi color festival (in which proceeds go to charity), and the Annual Showcase, which has become so popular that outside venues are required (In June 2024, for example, the showcase was held in the basement of a local Hindu temple). Some of these events feature hours of dancing and are always a blast to attend.
While some activities rotate every year, unique ideas always arise. This school year, for example, IASA is planning a culture night for people of Indian heritage, in which different ethnic and religious groups can showcase and share their unique ideas and worldviews. India, as a country, is home to dozens of state-recognized languages (in addition to hundreds that are not), several major religions, and thousands of ethnic groups, a variety of which were represented in Prisha and Sid alone.
What made you want to join IASA?
The annual showcase alone was enough for Sid to want to join, the notoriety of which intrigues many students who have heard stories about its hours of dancing and celebrating. Prisha, as is often the case with many IASA members, had heard about it in middle school from older friends who had made their way to high school.
There is no doubt in the minds of IASA stalwarts that participants with younger siblings in middle and elementary schools are plantain seeds of curiosity that will continue their culture of excellence for generations to come.
What is your favorite part of being in the IASA?
The journey can be more rewarding than the destination—this was agreed upon when Prisha remarked that the preparation for the annual showcase is always her favorite part of the school year, the months of logistics and dance practice that take place as they look forward to their final event. It is a unique showcase for IASA dance choreographers, all students from PCEP who do it for free, for the sheer love of their club and culture. Most of all, perhaps they do it for the love of their friends, which seems to be what everyone in the organization regards everyone else to be.
Sid added that the big events every year and all of the socializing that comes with them are his favorite part of the group. The bonding and time together helped him to further connect with his ethnic background and connecting with who he truly is, he added, has helped him get closer to his family at home.
What can people/students do to get involved?
IASA has a robust online presence. If curious students want to be involved, IASA uses Remind to communicate events and messages to one another and Instagram to further connect with the public (they are also currently building their own website). Students would also do well talking to older students they know, who have been in the group to learn more about events and connect with like-minded people. According to Prisha and Sid, the biggest thing you can do is show up. You will find yourself a family, and you will have fun.
What is something you really want the community to understand about IASA?
More than anything, it's a good and fun place to be, but it will help you learn and appreciate who you are.
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