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Harvard University hosts first-ever South Asian convocation
The event drew over 300 undergraduate and graduate students, along with faculty members and affiliates, for an evening of celebration and reflection on the growing presence of South Asians on campus.
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Convocation / Image- Bettina Wyler/ Mittal Institute and the South Asian Student Association
Harvard University on Sept. 24 hosted its inaugural South Asian convocation, co-organized by the University's Mittal Institute and the South Asian Student Association (SAA).
The event drew over 300 undergraduate and graduate students, along with faculty members and affiliates, for an evening of celebration and reflection on the growing presence of South Asians on campus.
The convocation, held at Harvard Epworth Church, opened with class photos of all undergraduate and graduate attendees, followed by a series of speeches and cultural performances.
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Hitesh Hathi, executive director of the Mittal Institute, in his opening remarks recalled his days as a student at Harvard in the 1990s. He remarked on the significant increase in South Asian students since then, recalling a time when “there used to be so few that we would stop and greet each other on campus.”
Acknowledging the diverse group of South Asians now present at Harvard, Hathi noted, “This is a historic moment for us. Each of you can decide what relationship you want with South Asia, and together, we can think about what kind of campus community we want to be.”
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The second speaker, Asmer A. Safi ’24, a representative of South Asian alumni, encouraged students to remain connected to their personal values while navigating their educational and professional journeys.
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The event also highlighted the vibrancy of Harvard's South Asian student organizations. More than 10 student groups, representing a wide range of interests, introduced themselves to the audience, with particular emphasis on welcoming freshman students.
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Cultural performances followed, with Harvard Undergraduate Bhangra, Harvard Undergraduate Deepam, and the South Asian Music Association at Harvard showcasing traditional South Asian dance and music. The event concluded with a dinner featuring popular South Asian dishes, including momos, samosas, chicken tikka, rice, and yellow dal.
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