Q & A with Naman Sehgal, USF Students of India Association President conducted by Aruna Dasgupta, USF World India Country Advisor.
USF World: Please provide us with a brief history of the Students of India Association, its objectives, and any landmark achievements.
Naman: The Students of India Association (SIA) came into existence over three decades ago in the early 1990s. The association's primary objective since its inception is to provide a voice for Indian students at USF, fostering a sense of home in Florida. The mission remains the same today. At its inception, SIA comprised a mere six members, but after embarking on a social media campaign in 2018, it experienced rapid membership growth. Remarkably, the association's logo has remained unchanged throughout its 33-year history.
USF World: How many student members does SIA currently have and what is the organization’s structure? students are members of the association currently and what is the structure of the SIA?
Naman: We currently have nearly 2,400 official USF members, with an additional close-knit community of almost 600 non-USF individuals from various corners of Tampa actively engaged in SIA's initiatives. Standing out as the largest multicultural entity on campus, both in terms of membership and event turnout, SIA is reputed to be the largest Indian organization across the state of Florida. Given our expansive influence, we've assembled a formidable team of 24 bright minds, competitively chosen through a combination of interviews and SIA officer elections. Our executive board comprises 10 members and six team leads for finance, marketing, events, professional development, external relations, and technology. The president, vice-president and secretary collaboratively work with the board to make pivotal decisions concerning the welfare of Indian and international students at USF. To ensure continuity and skill development, team members dedicate a year of service before becoming eligible to run for the executive board. Additionally, a group of 20 volunteers seamlessly manage our events.
Standing out as the largest multicultural entity on campus, both in terms of membership and event turnout, SIA is reputed to be the largest Indian organization across the state of Florida.
USF World: How does SIA interact with students? What services do you provide them? What do students usually reach out to SIA for?
Naman: SIA has fostered extensive student interaction through various channels, including the 12 events we hosted last semester which drew over 3,000 participants. These events featured diverse activities such as lectures, games, talks, cultural performances, and the ever-popular free Indian food. Additionally, we engaged current and potential members at the weekly Bull Market through free merch and popular interactive games, like Antakshri.
Leveraging social media, we reached approximately 30,000 accounts during fall semester, primarily through our Instagram account with nearly 2,900 followers and our Facebook group boasting around 6,700 members. Our January 2024 newsletter will serve as an additional communication avenue. We also have two WhatsApp groups, with close to 2000 members.
In line with our commitment to assisting new students, last fall we hosted two orientations, catering to both undergrad and grad students. Last summer we released a housing guide identifying housing near campus, and we work to ensure safe and affordable travel from major Florida airports to USF through our public transportation information guide. Additionally last summer we established a buying and selling platform on our Facebook group and successfully created an avenue for members to trade used belongings.
Collaborating with the Google Developers Student Club at USF, we organized information sessions covering OPT, CPT, and green card processes. We also conducted tech talks on future technologies, including a session with a renowned USF professor on AI, in collaboration with the Data Science Club. We also offered yoga classes in collaboration with the Isha Foundation.
Students primarily reach out to us for information on future events, offer feedback, or seek personal connections with members of our board. Our forthcoming mentorship program this spring will aim to further enhance personalized support for new students.
USF World: SIA has the reputation of being the most active student association at USF. What are the major activities on your calendar? Are they linked to Indian festivals?
We actively engage in professional development, mental health initiatives, physical well-being programs, discussions on diverse religions, cultural dance and music events, technology-focused gatherings, and the sharing of crucial information for international students.
Naman: Yes, SIA has always been regarded as the most dynamic association among international student groups at USF! Our calendar is packed with a variety of significant activities that go beyond just Indian festivals. We actively engage in professional development, mental health initiatives, physical well-being programs, discussions on diverse religions, cultural dance and music events, technology-focused gatherings, and the sharing of crucial information for international students. Notably, our events often involve collaborations with other USF clubs like Sofloraas, Mizrana, and Bullsbhangra, where we showcase the rich array of Indian dance forms. Our Diwali 2023 event drew 900 attendees and set a new record for SIA's event attendance.
USF World: Do you have non-Indian members too? Has a non-Indian been a President in the past?
Naman: We have a growing number of non-Indian members who make up almost 10% of our total membership. Our events attract international students from various parts of the world, and it's not uncommon to witness non-Indian attendees at our gatherings. Notably, our recent past president was raised in the U.S. in addition to other former past presidents. Our current president hails from New Delhi, the capital of India and arrived at USF as an international student one year ago.
USF World: Is SIA active in sports too?
Naman: We're thrilled to announce our foray into the sports scene with the organization of a cricket tournament, a collaborative effort with the USF Cricket Club. The inaugural tournament is scheduled for this semester and offers an opportunity for our members to engage in friendly competition, build camaraderie, and enjoy the spirit of sportsmanship within the vibrant SIA community.
USF World: Is there a specific story you have about how SIA helped a student recently?
Naman: We have a heartwarming story that sheds light on the personal touch SIA brings to students. A new international student, grappling with the challenges of adjusting to a new academic and cultural environment, reached out to us through WhatsApp. Recognizing the importance of immediate support, our team swiftly connected the student with our president. Beyond providing crucial information, the president extended a warm invitation, encouraging the student to attend our upcoming events.
Attending these events turned out to be a turning point for her. The inclusive and vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the warm reception from SIA members, helped her feel more connected and at ease. The president continued to be a supportive, personally guiding her through the initial phases of university life. The student not only found comfort in the shared cultural experiences but also discovered a sense of community within SIA.
This heartening experience underlines the impactful role SIA plays in not only providing essential information but also in creating a welcoming space for students to forge connections, alleviating the challenges of adjusting to a new academic and cultural landscape.