Alumni
Recently recognized as one of eleven Shared Interest Groups by the Harvard Alumni Association, SAA is dedicated to maintaining ties with all past Harvard SAA members. The alumni aspect of SAA serves to further networking among graduates beyond the realms of the College, build community and organize social programs among alumni, advocate for South Asian interests at Harvard and to fundraise and support the South Asian Association as it strives to initiate change both in and beyond the realm of the College. As the alumni branch of SAA develops, it hopes to put into place sustainable initiatives, such as internship programs and infrastructure for alumni networking and communication, to benefit both alumni and current undergraduates.
SAA maintains a strong connection with its alumni. Drawing on its database of alumni, SAA organizes not only the Ghungroo Alumni Reception during Ghungroo Weekend, but also an annual reunion simultaneously spanning 6 cities, 3 continents, and 20 years of Harvard College classes. The alumni aspect also strengthens the voice SAA presents; through the South Asian Studies Initiative, SAA alumni recently helped undertake a student campaign to achieve tenure for Professor Ali Asani, professor of the Practice of Indo-Muslim Languages and Cultures.
Another facet of graduate-level interactions is rooted in relations with other Harvard institutions. SAA has held panels and created mentoring relationships with South Asian students at Harvard Medical School, Harvard Law School, Harvard Business School, the Graduate School of Arts and Science, the Kennedy School of Government, the Graduate School of Education and the Harvard School of Public Health. Through an evolving database and a strong commitment from alumni and graduate students, SAA has helped expand its efforts and its abilities to connect with South Asia and its diaspora.
If you are an SAA Alumnus, please contact Richa Shah at rshah1010@gmail.com, for more information on how to get involved as an alumni in planning events or simply to hear about SAA news and upcoming alumni events.
