GMU Indian Student Association

“In the South Asian community, there is a strong negative perception about therapy that prevents us from openly asking for the help we may or may not need. Coming from a conservative household, I can attest to the fact that it is difficult to openly talk about uncomfortable or taboo topics. Such conversations always seem to get brushed off as “unimportant” or “insignificant”.  For my mental health, I find satisfaction by confiding in someone who can relate with me, understand what I am going through and offer advice without any pressure or judgement. Seeking therapy isn’t only helpful for people with mental illnesses. It can be a highly beneficial and healthy practice for everyone. Sitting down with a stranger for an hour and being able speak your mind without any apprehension is invaluable. For these reasons, I would definitely consider seeing a therapist and encourage others to do so as well.”

Photos from GMU Indian Student Association's post

“To me, a “safe space” is an abstract location that can exist in reality or can be summoned by the mind to transport someone into a figment of their imagination. The main characteristic that identifies this destination as a “safe space” is that it holds every element that a person needs to regain control over their thoughts and start working on a solution with their feet firmly on the ground. There are no requirements or recommendations for these elements except that they must provide a sanctuary, whether for a minute or hours on end, to stabilize and discharge negativity.

For me, my “safe space” is my desk in my room. I have set it up in a way that allows me to disappear into my computer where I spend most of my time researching and learning. It has space for my computers, food, snacks, and chargers; things that seem trivial but they allow me to stay seated and focused, not deviating from my goals. It’s where I am most productive and gravitate to when I am in any unstable state.”

Happy Mental Health Day.
ISA is engaging in a week long campaign regarding mental health awareness and the importance of this issue in the South Asian community. Throughout this week, we will be posting stories about people’s personal struggles with different mental health topics and their experiences with it. Along with that, we will also be collecting donations on our page to send to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

Last post of #ROOTS week In collaboration with the GMU Indian Student Association (ISA) 🇮🇳

✨ Dalip Singh Saund - First Asian American elected to Congress ✨

Dalip Singh Saund was a member of the US House of Representatives who served the 29th District of California from January 3, 1957 to January 3, 1963. He was the first Asian American, the first Indian American and the first Sikh-American to be elected to Congress.

In 1930, Saund wrote a book called “My Mother India" which pleaded for an end to the British Empire's occupation of the Indian subcontinent. Saund wrote that his book was intended to “answer various questions that commonly arise in the minds of the American people regarding the cultural and political problems of India.” His book addressed India's caste system as one of those questions and "pleaded for the civil rights of the downtrodden in India as he compared caste in India to racism in America and elsewhere."

Later, he campaigned to allow people of South Asian descent to become naturalized citizens. After the Luce-Celler Act was passed in 1946, he applied for naturalization and became an American citizen in 1949. He ran for a local election in 1950 and won. However, his election was thrown out as he had been a citizen for less than a year. He later ran again for the same post and won before becoming a trailblazing Asian American politician in Congress.

#APAHM2020 #AsIAM #AAPIatMason #AAPIhistory

SAVE THE DATE!! Holi is finally here 🎉. We will see you on March 21st from 11am-3pm 🇮🇳.

Everyone’s fav delegate is out here turning old, and being extra at that.
Happy Birthday Aman, go crazy🥳

Wishing Sathvick a very Happy 21st!🥳
We love our family chair!

“From being a member to Treasurer to President; my journey with ISA couldn’t have been any better. Through ISA I’ve met so many people, especially some of my closest friends and for that, I’ll be forever grateful!
However, my experience couldn’t have been as memorable if it wasn’t for my wonderful eboard and all of the members! So here’s a cheers to y’all for allowing me to create some amazing bonds and wonderful memories.”
-Nikita Verma, ISA President 2019

MEMBERS ONLY: Need a place to study, some snacks, and good company? Come by to Study With ISA! 📖

Join us for a cultural thanksgiving, bring friends for free food!

Our friends @ind_georgemason are doing some good work, please donate!

Bollywood week this week, come through and bring your friends!

The most important football game is coming up. Saturday, 11/16. Come through and bring friends!

We’re hosting events in the evenings for Bollywood week with @gmu_bpa @masonhousing !!

We love our littles (and bigs)! Thank you for coming out today!

Garba 2019

Are you excited?? We are!! Big and little reveal 10/19, you should have applied!

Are you excited?? We are!! Big and little reveal 10/19, you should have applied!

The big day is tomorrow! Didn’t get garba tickets? It’s not too late! Get them at the door, we start at 6pm

Haven’t gotten your presale-sale tickets yet?? Don’t worry!! We’ll be kisoking tomorrow from 12-4 pm at JC...if you can’t stop by, make sure to message us to get your tickets!

ISA had a great time at APAC’s event today presenting about ISA as well as our upcoming event, GARBA! Make sure to buy your pre-sale tickets this week and come out for a FUN time 🔥🇮🇳❤️

Sale starts for Garba (10/11) this week! Make sure to get tickets ASAP! Limit 2 tickets per person, prices go up at the door

Don’t miss out on free food, amazing performances, and a fun time!! Hope to see y’all there!

Start the weekend off right by learning how to Garba!!!! Come on out tonight from 6-9 pm at JC Meeting Room E to dance and have fun!!

And if you need another reason to come, the workshop will be to taught by the one and only, Rajnil Satasia! 🔥🔥🔥

Note: Open to ALL!!! Don’t miss out on impressing everyone with the skills you learn from today on the big day (Garba - Oct. 11)

Early bird offers! Come through and get your tickets ASAP! Garba is less than two weeks away

Come through tomorrow to meet new people and enjoy some yummy food 🤤Sign up for the potluck in our bio!!

We’re continuing our big and little program because of the positive feedback in the past. Link in the bio, apply to be a big or a little!

We’re enjoying the last of summer, ISA style. Come through 9/10 for ice cream and meet new people!

Paint with ISA is our first event for welcome week on 9/8!