IASA conference inspires unity

The second annual Midwestern Indian American Students Conference drew more than 300 participants to the University over the weekend.

Keynote speaker Madhulika Khandelwal, director of Asian American Studies at Queens College, addressed how Indian culture is assimilated into American culture.

"Indian culture may be brought and transmitted here, but the whole Indian culture, with all of its divisions and components, cannot be shipped here," Khandelwal said. "It's Indian culture, yet it breathes the air and survives on American culture."

The Indian American Students Association hosted the conference, which was titled "Leadership + Awareness = Activism: On the Forefront of the Future."

"The conference provides a direction, cohesion and bonding to (IASA) and to the Indian American community," said Vikram Sarma, an LSA first-year student and a seminar facilitator.

The weekend's events inspired a sense of unity and cultural awareness among students.

"I wanted to get a larger perspective of the Indian community and bring this enthusiasm back to our group at school," said Monisha Shah, University of Iowa sophomore and vice president of Iowa's Indian Student Association.

Shashi Tharoor, another keynote speaker and an executive assistant to the secretary general of the United Nations, received a standing ovation for his speech about the history, culture and significance of India.

"India is not just a country- it's an adventure, one in which anything is possible," Tharoor said. "I feel myself home again, in my own skin."

The conference began Friday evening with several leadership seminars, a dinner and a dance.

Also featured were welcome addresses by University President Lee Bollinger and Dean of Students E. Royster Harper, seminars on issues of relevance to the Indian American community and traditional Indian folk dances.

"I feel so respectful of your particular heritage that you're seeking to explore," Bollinger said. "I envy what it is you're seeking to do."

Harper detailed the major themes of the conference.

"Awareness is about understanding who you are. To be truly human is to think and make conscious choices," Harper said.

She also spoke about specific qualities needed for leadership.

"We need young men and women with courage, character and conscience," Harper said. "You have to do what's right - what you know is morally right."

Following the welcome addresses was a film presentation and Q&A session with filmmaker Nisha Ganatri. Ganatri showed her short film, "Junky Punky Girlz."

The film, which was named the most outstanding short film of the year by PBS, is a portrayal of a young Indian American woman struggling with issues of identity.

"I did it because I hadn't seen any representations of Indian Americans, or any films that were representative of me and my friends," Ganatri said.

The weekend was also an opportunity for students to meet other students, make contacts and have fun.

"I'd like to find out about what's going on in our community, do some networking and try to get involved," said George Washington University junior Aparna Ramakrishnan.

Khandelwhal's keynote luncheon speech addressed issues of Indian American identity and culture.

"We have to think about the social issues in the community, and the politics," Khandelwhal said. "We have to ask ourselves how we are different and how we are similar to other groups. Activism can be your way of life beyond the university."

Khandelwhal's address drew rave reviews from students.

"She molded what it is to be Indian American, the issues we must face and what we can do to make a difference," Seth said.

The conference concluded on Sunday with a student leadership meeting and a cultural dance competition.

01-12-98