Growing Numbers

A few years ago, say members, there were about 10 active members of SAA. Now, an average meeting draws about 40 people, with more coming occasionally for special events.

Many members attribute this growth to the leadership of Prasad and Muneer I. Ahmad '93, the other co-president last year. "I think we had amazing leadership for the past few years, very active leadership," says Chowdhury. "When I got involved as a freshman, it seemed a very passive social organization. I think it's changed, and change could only be for the better."

Prasad says the growth has also been caused by the sheer increase in South Asians admitted to Harvard, quoting figures compiled by the SAA at registration.

"In 1977-78 there were 12 South Asians in the graduating class. In the class of 1996, there are 80 South Asians alone, about five percent of the class," says Prasad.

Prasad says he believes immigration trends in the U.S. have accounted for the increased number of South Asian applicants. As the children of South Asians who arrived in America in the 1960s come of age, he says, colleges across the country are experiencing a rise in South Asian students applying.

Although Prasad says he feels the number of South Asian applicants will eventually level off, he believes the SAA can continue to grow and change, mentioning such projects as Ekta, a magazine of South Asian issues the group began last spring.

"One thing I'd like to see is more education among ourselves," he says.