BOSTON–Utsav, a South Asian student organization at the Northeastern University in Boston, has won the university’s Richard E. Sochacki Organization of the Year Award for Social Justice.
Utsav, the Sanskrit word meaning festival, was started in 1991 by a handful of South Asian students. Now in its 23rd year, Utsav has grown into a large and vibrant community of over 300 students and alumni, according to Utsav’s website.
“We strive to provide a sense of belonging and knowledge about South Asian culture and heritage. We represent students from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka,” says the website of the organization. “Although we represent these six countries, we would like to stress that ANYONE can become a member of Utsav. You do not have to be of South Asian descent to learn about the culture and traditions of South Asia.”
Northeastern presented its annual Student Life Awards on Wednesday, recognizing students and student organizations that have done outstanding work throughout the past year, reported News at Northeastern.
Student organizations are nominated by organization presidents or their members for consideration and chosen by a selection committee from the Office of Student Affairs. The Center for Student Involvement organized the awards ceremony.