North American Association of Indian Students

The North American Association of Indian Students (NAAIS) is a nonprofit and non-partisan Indian-American organization that functions as an umbrella group to cater to Indian and Indian-American students studying in the United States and Canada.[1][2] With over 200,000 Indian students and over 500,000 Indian-American students studying in US institutions, young Indians are one of the largest identity groups within the United States, behind China.[3][4][5] The organization is aiming to connect the variety of Indian groups on college and university campuses.

North American Association of Indian Students (NAAIS)
Founded2020
FounderSudhanshu Kaushik
TypeNonprofit Organization
Legal status501(c)(3)
FocusStudents, youth, activism, mobilization
Location
Websitenaais.org

Programs and Initiatives

Radio Mirchi x NAAIS Helpline

In early 2020, NAAIS partnered with Radio Mirchi to set up a phone helpline for Indian students impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The helpline has supported students in answering questions about visa status, travel restrictions, and university closures.[6]

The Desi Vote

The organization is conducting an outreach and voter registration for the 2020 elections to get more Indians to vote.[7]

Mentorship Program

The NAAIS mentorship program is a student-led initiative that aims to connect Indian-origin/Indian-American/Indian undergraduate students with experienced Indian alumni mentors. The program encourages support of Indian individuals from underrepresented backgrounds including but not limited to non-Hindu, LGBTQIA+, low-income, non-professional through mentorship.[8]

The India Initiative

NAAIS is in the works of organizing an annual conference to help form stronger, lasting bonds between Indian-origin students.[9]

References
  1. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/84-4455237
  2. "NAAIS". www.naaindian.org. Retrieved 2019-12-30.
  3. Chakravorty, Sanjoy; Kapur, Devesh; Singh, Nirvikar (2017-01-26). The Other One Percent. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190648749.001.0001. ISBN 978-0-19-064874-9.
  4. Sharma, Kritika (2019-11-26). "21% fewer Indian students went abroad last year as US figures saw biggest drop". ThePrint. Retrieved 2019-12-30.
  5. Sharma, Kritika (2018-11-13). "India holds on to its position as one of the top two countries that send students to US". ThePrint. Retrieved 2019-12-30.
  6. Mar 18, TNN |; 2020; Ist, 17:31. "Coronavirus: Indian embassy, consulates in US reach out to local Telugu associations | Hyderabad News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2020-04-09.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  7. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/indian-americans-seek-to-play-increased-role-in-us-politics/articleshow/74700661.cms
  8. "Community". North American Association of Indian Students. Retrieved 2020-03-11.
  9. "Events/Lectures/Discussions". North American Association of Indian Students. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
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