Published January 20, 2020
Club Spotlight: NYU Shruti Forges South Asian Community
NYU has over 300 student-run clubs and organizations. That means there’s room to welcome, challenge, and inspire every student on campus. Whether you’re from around the corner or across the world—whether you love food, art, dance, or something else entirely—there’s a community for you here. The South Asian Students Association, also known as NYU Shruti, provides a place for students to celebrate South Asian culture. In a city full of so many people, Shruti’s cultural events bring people together based on what they have in common. “As college students, it can be difficult to keep in touch with our culture,” says College of Arts and Science (CAS) senior and Shruti copresident Pooja Shah. “Through Shruti, we strive to make that a little easier. We want to bring the South Asian community together at NYU.”
Cultural Phenomenon
Shruti has 40 students on its board and more than 600 participating members. Pooja and her copresident, fellow CAS senior Noyonika Ghatak, work with this impressive team to host major events every year.
Monsoon is one of their favorites—and also one of the biggest—events that Shruti organizes. At the beginning of the spring semester, the club brings together all of the University’s South Asian dance and a cappella teams in a showcase of talent. Groups like Nasha (the South Asian fusion dance troupe), Pandemonium (the hip-hop, Bhangra, and Bollywood dance troupe), Masti (the South Asian female a cappella group), and RaagCity (the South Asian male a cappella group) gather together to share an evening of movement and music.
From first-year mixers to a Secret Santa gift exchange to an end-of-year banquet, there are countless ways to get involved. Through these diverse opportunities, Shruti aims to spread awareness about NYU’s South Asian community.
A Built-In Support System
Shruti also hopes to create a network of support for students to tap into. Through its mentorship program, junior and senior members are paired with younger students to guide them through life on campus.
“This is especially helpful for newer students. They have a point of contact whenever they need help,” Noyonika says. Whether a student needs assistance with homework, advice on what classes to take, a phone charger, or even a shoulder to cry on, a Shruti member is sure to offer their support.
Shruti meets once a week, and everyone on campus is welcome to join. The club has become a phenomenon, with a nationwide presence among many other South Asian organizations, festivals, and charities. They also partner with several Asian and non-Asian organizations. At its heart, Shruti is about unity within diversity. “We really emphasize being a unit and a family,” Pooja says. “Shruti is essentially a home away from home. We’ll always be here to fall back on. You will always have a support system throughout your time at NYU.”