One of the primary objectives of SAAN is to stimulate thought and provide a supportive environment for the exchange of a wide range of ideas and viewpoints. The conference and its workshops are meant to foster discussion promoting awareness regarding the issues which affect South Asia, as well as the South Asian community abroad. Our hope is that by increasing awareness participants will be motivated to take action beyond the conference.

Often controversy is the best spark to move people to examine issues which they may not take notice of otherwise. As seen in the intellectual exchange which took place in the University of Michigan Daily newspaper in the week of Nov. 11th , there are many different viewpoints on any issue. SAAN itself does not take a stance on any of these issues, rather as an organization we strive to promote thought and discussion. The responses in the daily evidenced that there was a need for a forum to discuss South Asian issues. This discussion board was created to fulfill this need.

With that said, please keep in mind that all views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of those held by SAAN.