Students in ASIA celebrate a mid-autumn festival under the Marchiori Pavillion
Photo Courtesy: SBU ASIA Instagram Account
BY CLAIRE FISHER, STAFF WRITER
ASIA, Asian Students in Action, works hard to create a safe space, allowing for cultural exploration, education and celebration. While directly catered towards Asian and Pacific Islander populations, all students are welcome to participate in meetings and volunteer opportunities.
“We try hard to embrace the vast diversity present in our cultural sphere,” co-captain and biology major Vivek Boddakayala remarked.
One big draw of ASIA is the annual dance show they present in the spring semesters. They feature many styles of dance including Bhangra, Garba, Kathak, Kuthu and many others. Everyone is welcome to participate in these productions.
“We always invite students to join our show even if they do not find themselves acting or dancing,” noted co-captain and neuroscience major Yasmine Lotfi. “We represent not only Asian and Pacific Islander students, but all students on campus. ASIA always has students help with music, lights and stage management.”
ASIA’s dance meetings are separated into two categories: dance-specific practices and group rehearsals. Each individual dance meets on a certain day of the week until they all meet on Sunday afternoons.
“Not only does this help with simulating the show but it also fosters a sense of community between the members,” Boddakayala explained.
Besides dance practices, they also have regular meetings to celebrate culture, plan future events and reflect on past ones. On a wide scale, ASIA fosters a relationship with one’s own heritage and the ones of those around someone.
“This club has exposed me to the myriad of distinctive cultures present in a region that I believed myself to be quite familiar with,” Boddakayala voiced. “It has taught me to always keep my mind open to the realm of possibilities.”
ASIA’s main goal going forward is to expand more of their events to the entire campus. They love to learn from others and have many people experience cultural events, such as Diwali and Holi, with them. Be sure to stay tuned for the ASIA show announcement.
You can follow ASIA on Instagram at @sbuasia for more event updates!
fisherck21@bonaventure.edu
