Asian Pacific Islander and South Asian American Heritage Month at NC State

Spring signifies renewal for people around the world. The same goes for many Asian Pacific Islander and South Asian American (APISAA) student groups at NC State — where March marks a time to celebrate community and culture.

Celebrating Culture

EKTAA, a South Asian student group that has existed since the 1970s, will hold its annual Holi Festival. The event is a vibrant Hindu celebration of love, spring and joy, and it’s open to everyone. The festival will include singing and dancing, a DJ and an eclectic playlist. Attendees are encouraged to wear white because the fun begins with the tossing of colorful powder at one another — an eye-popping display of bright hues and unity.

EKTAA is a South Asian student group that has existed since the 1970s. Ekta means unity, and their motto is ‘unity within diversity’ — a nod to the numerous countries from which South Asian ethnic groups originate, such as Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. 

We believe it is important that people take this time as an opportunity to branch out and learn about different Asian cultures.

“Last year, we had people walk by and ask what [Holi] is,” said Rishi Rau, EKTAA’s events coordinator and a sophomore in mechanical engineering. “Then they rush to their dorms or whatever to quickly get changed because they realize ‘Oh, I wanna try out whatever this is, it seems fun.’”

The Multicultural Student Association is partnering with the CRANE Collective for this year’s APISAA Heritage Month Chat n’ Chew. The topic will explore the exchange of Western and Asian influences on culture and how they impact Asian communities. Open to campus and community members from all backgrounds, Chat n’ Chews are designed to be a welcoming place to share food, have open discussions and find commonalities.

The CRANE Collective is a student organization founded in 2021 and dedicated to promoting crucial Asian narratives by means of education, action, and engagement by uplifting the on-campus and local communities.

Earlier in March, they held their annual Asian Artist Showcase. Featuring 50-60 participants, the event is a chance for Asian and Asian American visual and performance artists in North Carolina to showcase their works. This year’s showcase was dedicated to the theme of ‘habitat’ and the idea of building an environment for Asian and Asian American artists that fosters growth, connection, community and identity.

“There are many events held by Asian organizations this month as well as year-round that are worth going to.”

The Filipino American Student Association (FASA) is excited to host its annual Spring Charity Gala — their flagship event celebrating Filipino culture, heritage and community. This formal evening features cultural performances, samples of traditional Filipino cuisine, and a talent showcase of its members. The theme of this year’s gala is Hiwaga, or “mystery.” 

“We believe it is important that people take this time as an opportunity to branch out and learn about different Asian cultures,” said Alexis De Castro, FASA’s publicity chair and a sophomore studying fashion and textile management. 

Community Renewal

The theme of renewal doesn’t stop in March of course. 

“There are many events held by Asian organizations this month as well as year-round that are worth going to,” De Castro said.

Indeed, many APISAA student organizations are holding events all year. Earlier this year, the Asian Student Association presented Asia Night, a cultural and talent showcase featuring music, dance performances and more. The Chinese Undergraduate Student Association (CUSA) held its first Chinese Gala for the Lunar New Year in early February.

And, for your fall calendar, FASA will present its annual open mic event called Lola’s Coffee House in October, featuring performances such as poetry, music, dance, comedy, and storytelling, as well as opportunities for visual artists to showcase their work.

Rau, EKTAA’s events coordinator, hopes that the theme of spring renewal will help boost involvement. He noted that student clubs have struggled with attendance since the pandemic and have yet to recover fully. 

“I think our responsibility as members of EKTAA and the South Asian Community is to bring that sense of community back. That’s what we’re trying to do with many of these events, and hopefully, we can connect people more with their own culture or show people from outside of these cultures what our culture is about.

“Overall, we’re trying to stay true to our motto – unity within diversity – of uniting people with the common goal of learning something new, sharing their culture or just having a good time. I hope more people get involved with these events in the future as well.”

Explore APISAA Student Organizations

There are many APISAA student organizations across campus. Here are a few:

• Alpha Phi Gamma Sorority, Inc.
• Asian Students Association
• Chinese Undergraduate Student Association
• CRANE Collective (Critical Asian Narratives and Engagement)
• EKTAA (South Asian Student Association)
• Filipino American Student Association
• Indonesian Student Association
• Korean American Student Association
• KPACK
• Lambda Phi Epsilon
• MAITRI – Indian Graduate Student Association
• MannMukti
• Nepali Students’ Association
• Pakistani Student Association
• Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
• Thandav (Indian Classical dance)
• Vietnamese Student Association