The South Asia Initiative is an independent inter-divisional effort at UCSD to promote discussion and exchange about South Asia.

Please see our About page for more information on SAI. Also see our Course page to view upcoming courses in the South Asian Studies Minor, along with course posters for each quarter.

Statement of Solidarity in Support of Peaceful Protest Around the Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens in India

December 20, 2019

The Steering Committee of the South Asia Initiative at UC San Diego reaffirms its commitment to supporting free speech and peaceful protest. Recent (and ongoing as of this writing) frictions involving students, academics, and the police, spurred in large part due to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, have raised concerns about whether our colleagues on the subcontinent can peacefully express dissenting views (Reuters,Indian Express, Times of India). The right to dissent is not just a matter of academic freedom but is essential for a well-functioning democracy. We stand with students and colleagues who wish to have their voices heard in a nonviolent manner and oppose any state action that seeks to stifle peaceful protest.

Spring Quarter 2020

ATTENTION: All Spring Quarter 2020 South Asia Initiative Events have been postponed indefinitely due to the unprecedented spread of COVID-19. This decision has been taken in the interest of public safety and is in compliance with state and university regulations prohibiting large gatherings of people in enclosed spaces. SAI at UCSD thanks you for your support and understanding, and we look forward to seeing you at our events when this crisis has passed.

For up-to-date information about the coronavirus pandemic, please visit the WHO website here.

If you have any questions or concerns for our team, please reach out to us at southasiaucsd@gmail.com.

ArtPower Events Co-Sponsored by SAI

Wednesday, 29 April 2020 @ 8pm

The Loft at UCSD: 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093

(via ArtPower)

Koto visionary Yumi Kurosawa teams up with world-renowned tabla player Anubrata Chatterjee for a program that brings together two expressive musical traditions, bridging the cultures of Japan and India. The duo spin mesmerizing musical tales as they enchant the audience and reinforce the powerful idea of music as a means to enhance the collaborative spirit of our global community. Their performance illuminates the deep-rooted similarities of their craft while highlighting their affinity and respect for one another as virtuosic performers furthering their own timeless musical traditions.

Tickets and More Information