South Asians Stay Connected to Roots Through NetSAP

By Devika Koppikar

After I graduated from college more than 20 years ago, I moved to new town, away from family and familiar surroundings. For a while, I felt lost, especially with regards to my Indian-American identity. Then, I found the Network of Indian Professionals (NetIP), a social and professional organization connecting South Asians http://na.netip.org/. My whole life changed. I became more balanced within my Indian American identity. I also developed leadership skills by serving as the President of the Houston chapter and then the Communications Chair of the DC Chapter. Career and personal commitments took me away from serving on the board. But I never forgot what a different it made for me. I was so appreciative of its influence in my life, that I successfully made a long distance dedication to NetIP on the Casey Kasem show.

That was more than a decade ago. Today, NetSAP DC is one of the largest local and national South Asian organizations, it represents over 6,000 individuals in the DC metro area with over 400 members. I sat down with the Chair, Nina Chandra, to talk more about NetSAP’s place in the DC metro community.

AF: Why did you get involved with NetSAP?

When I moved from North Carolina to Washington, DC four years ago, I found it hard to make friends, at first. As you leave college, it seems like extracurricular activities are often left it the dust. Ever since I was younger, I was involved with many service organizations. So I attended a “Fusion” show hosted by NetSAP, I immediately decided to get involved.

AF: What does NetSAP offer South Asians in the DC region?

Through our four pillars: Cultural Awareness, Community Service, Political Awareness and Professional Development, it gives South Asians a different perspective (of how South Asians could be successful). It encourages South Asians to tie their success with giving back.

AF: In what ways does NetSAP give back?

This year, NetSAP has selected Hospital for Hope India as our charity beneficiary. A portion of our events’ proceeds goes to support this hospital in the rural and severely under-served area in India.

We also host community service events which have high attendance of as many as 30 people.

Most recently, NetSAP members participated with DC Scores Fall Frenzy event serving low-income DC youth.

We are also proud to have received the 2009 NetIP North America award for “Best Community Service Event” and the DC Mayor’s Award for Community Service in 2011!!

AF: What are some other events NetSAP hosts?

In addition to our monthly Thursday Happy Hours, we’ve held professional development events with TIE-DC, cultural events such as temple tours and for the first time this year, we’ve collaborated with the CIA. This led to us having an exclusive tour of their agency, something rarely done.

Golda Philip, a board member for Hospital for Hope India, said, “NetSAP DC has been a crucial community partner for Hospital for Hope this year.  Because of their commitment to giving back to the community, they have teamed up with our organization and have committed to donating a significant part of the proceeds they raise this year to our cause.  The funds they are able to raise will go directly to sustaining a hospital in rural northeast India which serves over 600 patients per year–many of whom would not have access to healthcare otherwise.”

AF: How many active members do you have and what are your demographics? NetSAP has often been associated with South Asians mostly in their 20’s, who are single. Is that still the case?  

We have about active 120 members and more than 2,000 “likes” on Facebook.   We still are mostly in our late 20’s and single. But we do have people of all ages, This year we also started hosting events outside of the District, and recently had an event in Tyson’s Corners. In addition, for the next board, we plan to have a Family Chair, a position that will aim to include more events for families with children.

AF: How has serving on NetSAP DC’s board made a difference for you, personally?

I’ve learned a lot and grown in my own career. As a healthcare consultant, I never thought I could do marketing. But through NetSAP, I’ve learned how to do that, along with many other skills like fundraising and organizing.

AF: Any other closing comments?

We’ve had a dynamic team this year. All members of our board have busy jobs and work fulltime in IT, healthcare, consulting, and many other professions. Yet, they’re willing to give a good portion of their spare time to keeping the momentum of this organization going.