The Indian American Association

IAA History
In the autumn of 1992, an enthusiastic group of Indian students felt that they had to reach out and make the Ohio State community aware of Indian culture. With that in mind, this group of go-getters called every Indian student listed in the student directory. The response was incredible! That autumn marked the beginning of the Indian American Association (IAA) at OSU. The mission of the Indian American Association is to "…promote ethnic solidarity through its various programs, events, and community service." The association has nearly 250 active members and almost 1,000 participants and spectators attending its programs and events. IAA has worked hard to become one of the premier ethnic student organizations on campus. Two of its largest annual events are the Fall and Spring Cultural Shows. Each November, the organization hosts this program that presents Indian culture, art, music, and fashion to the university. Students prepare group dances from all over India such as Bhangra, Raas, Garba, Bharatanatyam, and Bollywood. They often mix in contemporary Western music and dance steps to form a unique blend of Indian American culture. Bands and singers also perform current and classic hits to the delight of audience members. The Diwali program also shows off some of India's current fashion trends, as well as various styles from around the globe in its illustrious Fashion Show. The Spring Cultural Show is similar in style and scope to the Diwali show. Each year IAA hosts a Formal Dance. Enjoy a delicious assortment of appetizers & deserts, have a few cocktails, and dance the night away! The winter of 2006 launched the collaboration with several Asian American associations for the hosting of this event. The picnic is filled with food, fun, and colors as members play volleyball & basketball and throw colors while enjoying the good company of friends. These IAA events allow students to finish the school year off with a bang! IAA does extensive Community Service throughout the year. In early October, IAA organizes Gandhi Day of Service on campus. In 2004, over 70 students came out and volunteered four hours of their time at homeless shelters, retirement homes, soup kitchens, and children's centers. Afterwards, they discussed the different service activities they participated in over pizza & pop. IAA also organizes blood drives, takes part in campus-wide service days, and helps with Race for the Cure. The organization also strives to make a positive Impact in Asia. In the past, IAA fundraised nearly $5000 for the Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund. In April of 2004, the group organized a benefit dinner to raise money for an orphanage in Sri Lanka. With IAA's donation of $4000, the orphanage was able to fully construct a Nutrition Center that has aided many. IAA is assisted in the relief efforts of the catastrophic tsunami that hit India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and seven other countries on December 26, 2004 by sending money and other needed supplies to several of the hardest hit regions. With its efforts, IAA was able to donate funds towards the tsunami relief efforts. The benefit dinner has become and annual tradition held in the spring. IAA operates primarily as a self-funded, non-profit, registered student organization. Our main source of revenue is ticket sales from the Fall program, Spring show, and Winter Formal. IAA has also cleaned up the Schott after events, worked at Pizza Hut, and solicited sponsors for events. In its 15th year of continuous operation, the Indian American Association is one of OSU's largest and distinguished student organizations. Its success comes from the hard work of active members, show participants, and a dedicated executive committee. IAA's events are admired and praised by an OSU & Columbus community that is so willing to embrace India's unique culture. IAA will continue to work diligently to set the bar higher and improve upon years past. We welcome your suggestions and look forward to seeing you at a future event!

In the autumn of 1992, an enthusiastic group of Indian students felt that they had to reach out and make the Ohio State community aware of Indian culture. With that in mind, this group of go-getters called every Indian student listed in the student directory. The response was incredible! That autumn marked the beginning of the Indian American Association (IAA) at OSU. The mission of the Indian American Association is to "…promote ethnic solidarity through its various programs, events, and community service." The association has nearly 250 active members and almost 1,000 participants and spectators attending its programs and events.

IAA has worked hard to become one of the premier ethnic student organizations on campus.

Two of its largest annual events are the Fall and Spring Cultural Shows.

Each November, the organization hosts this program that presents Indian culture, art, music, and fashion to the university. Students prepare group dances from all over India such as Bhangra, Raas, Garba, Bharatanatyam, and Bollywood. They often mix in contemporary Western music and dance steps to form a unique blend of Indian American culture. Bands and singers also perform current and classic hits to the delight of audience members. The Diwali program also shows off some of India's current fashion trends, as well as various styles from around the globe in its illustrious Fashion Show. The Spring Cultural Show is similar in style and scope to the Diwali show.
Each year IAA hosts a Formal Dance. Enjoy a delicious assortment of appetizers & deserts, have a few cocktails, and dance the night away! The winter of 2006 launched the collaboration with several Asian American associations for the hosting of this event.

The picnic is filled with food, fun, and colors as members play volleyball & basketball and throw colors while enjoying the good company of friends. These IAA events allow students to finish the school year off with a bang!
IAA does extensive Community Service throughout the year. In early October, IAA organizes Gandhi Day of Service on campus. In 2004, over 70 students came out and volunteered four hours of their time at homeless shelters, retirement homes, soup kitchens, and children's centers. Afterwards, they discussed the different service activities they participated in over pizza & pop.

IAA also organizes blood drives, takes part in campus-wide service days, and helps with Race for the Cure.
The organization also strives to make a positive Impact in Asia. In the past, IAA fundraised nearly $5000 for the Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund. In April of 2004, the group organized a benefit dinner to raise money for an orphanage in Sri Lanka. With IAA's donation of $4000, the orphanage was able to fully construct a Nutrition Center that has aided many. IAA is assisted in the relief efforts of the catastrophic tsunami that hit India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and seven other countries on December 26, 2004 by sending money and other needed supplies to several of the hardest hit regions. With its efforts, IAA was able to donate funds towards the tsunami relief efforts. The benefit dinner has become and annual tradition held in the spring.

IAA operates primarily as a self-funded, non-profit, registered student organization. Our main source of revenue is ticket sales from the Fall program, Spring show, and Winter Formal. IAA has also cleaned up the Schott after events, worked at Pizza Hut, and solicited sponsors for events.

In its 15th year of continuous operation, the Indian American Association is one of OSU's largest and distinguished student organizations. Its success comes from the hard work of active members, show participants, and a dedicated executive committee. IAA's events are admired and praised by an OSU & Columbus community that is so willing to embrace India's unique culture. IAA will continue to work diligently to set the bar higher and improve upon years past. We welcome your suggestions and look forward to seeing you at a future event!