Committees

The SAA Committee System allows members to become more involved in the numerous events and activities we plan each year and also help determine the direction of the organization in the coming years. There are five committees that cover each of the four components of the organization and publicity. The intention of the Committee System is to make members more active throughout the year by working together in committees, under the guidance of an event chair.

If you are interested in joining a committee, please contact the SAA board member leading that committee. Feel free to join as many committees as you are interested in. Each committee meets once every other week during a meal, so the time commitment is minimal. Below is a description of all five committees and who to contact.

Academic/Political Committee:

The academic/political committee is responsible for organizing all academic and political forums and lectures sponsored by SAA. The committee will plan events such as Passport to South Asia week and the Lecture Series. This includes, but is not limited to, inviting ambassadors, dignitaries, academics, and other guests to speak at events of special interest, including the organization of forums in the spring and fall. In addition, committee members will focus on increasing political participation and activism of members both on campus and within the community.

Please contact the Academic/Political Chair, Riya Goyal (goyal@fas.harvard.edu) if you are interested in joining the committee.

Cultural Committee:

The Cultural Committee coordinates the different cultural events that SAA holds during the year. Such as Andaaz, the biennial fashion show, Kalpanam, the classical dance and music show, and Spring Play. The Cultural Committee is also responsible for coordinating celebrations of South Asian holidays and ceremonies, in conjunction with other relevant campus organizations. In addition, the committee is responsible for planning events which may include but are not limited to dance shows, music concerts, dramatic productions, and art exhibitions that celebrate the ethnic and cultural diversity of South Asia.

Please contact the Cultural Chair, Nicolas Roth (njroth@fas.harvard.edu) if you are interested in joining the committee.

Outreach Committee:

The Outreach Committee coordinates communication with and seeks out resources from individuals and groups beyond Harvard for SAA. The Outreach Chair will seek ways to increase the interaction of SAA with the surrounding community through community service events. Moreover, the Outreach Chair will maintain relationships and contact with Boston area collegiate groups, and with other area South Asian groups in the U.S.A. and South Asia.

Please contact the Outreach Chair, Stuti Joshipura (stutijoshipura@college.harvard.edu) if you are interested in joining the committee.

Social Committee:

The Social Committee is responsible for coordinating the various social events that SAA holds throughout the year, including, but not limited to, dinners, mixers and informal social events. As liaison, the committee is responsible for coordinating efforts to hold joint social events with other colleges, the graduate school associations, and other students and community members within the Boston area. The Social Committee should also work specifically toward intercultural communication and affiliation through the arrangement of social functions between SAA and other ethnic, religious, and/or cultural groups. Finally the committee will also oversee the coordination of the Big Sib/Lil Sib program.

Please contact the Social Chair, Sonia Dara (sdara@fas.harvard.edu) if you are interested in joining the committee.

Marketing and External Relations Committee:

The Marketing and External Relations Committee (MERC) is the business strategy committee, whose mission is to attract advertisers, increase publicity, raise interest for SAA from Harvard, Boston and Global communities, and help position the organization. Serving as the co-presidents' consultants, members of this committee are in a unique and influenctial position of determining the future direction of the organization. Members in MERC will have the opportunity to be experience non-profit consulting.

Please contact the co-presidents emeritus, Ria Tobaccowala (rtobacc@fas.harvard.edu) and Joe Thumpasery (thumpas@fas.harvard.edu) if you are interested in joining the committee.