
Asian/Pacific Islander American
CULTURAL PERFORMANCE & SHOWS
at The University of Michigan
Indian American Students Association -- IASA
Founded in 1983, IASA serves to promote various aspects of Indian culture and heritage through an assortment of events that raise political, social, and cultural awareness, as well as fulfill goals aimed at community building, service, and professional development. Furthermore, IASA strives to build a network of South Asian students as well as develop connections within the broader campus community. One of the many events that IASA created is the South Asian Awareness Network (SAAN), a forum that brings hundreds of students together to examine political, social and cultural issues affecting South Asians. In 1997 IASA established the Gandhi Day of Service, an event credited with mobilizing over 250 University students and allowing them to participate in community service activities throughout Southeast Michigan in the name of peace and unity. This day is now a national day of community service observed in over 35 states. One of the most anticipated and highly regarded IASA events is the annual charity Cultural Show. The show aims to preserve Indian culture through a fusion of dance, music, theatre, and art, while actively giving back to the community, culminating in the largest student-run production in North America.
IASA
11/19/2001 "IASA cultural show focuses on heritage"
11/21/2001 "Seeking a more ʻculturalʻ cultural definition"
11/25/2002 "Show celebrates merging of Indian, American cultures"
11/27/2002 "Indian culture more than dancing girls, rap beats"
12/02/2002 "Indian culture more than dancing girls, rap beats" rebuttal
12/06/2002 "IASA strives to build community, preserve culture"
11/03/2003 "Indian American roots celebrated in culture show"
11/19/2004 "Times Change: IASA show blends old and new traditions"
11/10/2006 "IASA looks within"
11/01/2007 "A fushion of different cultures"
10/30/2008 "IASA organizers hope to connect with audience during 25th anniversary"
11/07/2008 "'Sandhi' explores Indian culture through dance"
11/13/2009 "Tonight at Hill, the IASA puts on a cultural spectacle"
11/09/2010 "Bhangra, Bollywood and hip hop in IASA's annual cultural extravaganza"
11/17/2010 "IASA show builds community"
11/17/2011 "IASA finds its roots with 'Rivaayat'"
11/09/2012 "IASA prepares for 'ZASTANA'"
11/14/2012 "Hema Karunakaram: 'Extra,' or essential?"
03/02/2014 "Michigan in Color: I am plural"
11/07/2014 "IASA gears up for yearly show of Indian American heritage"
11/09/2014 "Cultural show celebrates "Spark of Festivity"
