This project was started by Indus, UCLA's pan South Asian organization, with two goals in mind:
1. Awaaz aims to empower the South Asian student population at UCLA, which is very diverse, and consists of diaspora children as well as international students from South Asia. With the various religions, languages, and cultures, that exist in our community, this newsletter is a platform where South As
ian students can explore their collective yet diverse identities and how their South Asian heritage, whatever that may mean to each individual, shapes their lives.
2. Awaaz also hopes to be a source of information to non South Asians, or to people who are interested in learning more about South Asian culture, politics, etc. As our world grows smaller through globalization and technological advancements, it is more critical than ever that we develop an understanding of communities and cultures other than our own. South Asians in the United States have faced discrimination and prejudice over many decades, and we hope that this newsletter can help people break down various stereotypes about our community and understand us as the diverse group we are. We want this newsletter to encompass the desi experience at UCLA. Whether it be culturally, politically, socially, or logistically, we want YOU to be a part of this movement. We want to hear from you about what this newsletter should be about. We at Indus understand that different South Asians have different experiences, and therefore, to make sure that we include as many opinions as possible, and don’t speak for communities that we don’t come from, we encourage you to participate in this movement. If you would like to write for Awaaz or express any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
