Three prominent experts to be felicitated at SASA 2019

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CLAREMONT, CA – The US-based South Asian Studies Association (www.SAsia.org), the alliance of South Asian focused university scholars, business and civic leaders, has announced that its 13th Anniversary Conference, SASA 2019, will be held at Claremont McKenna College, in Claremont, California, on March 1st through March 3rd.

Over that weekend more than 60 scholarly papers will be presented within 16 individual panel sessions, in addition to three major topical Plenary Sessions. SASA’s annual Exemplar Awards will also be presented to three accomplished individuals in the fields of academic achievement, business leadership, and community service. SASA 2019 will also feature special cultural performances, photographic and art exhibits, and regional cuisine, according to a press release.

Speakers at SASA 2019 will include leading South Asian specialists and academic leaders from universities and colleges from across North America, Asia, and Europe, as well as business and civic leaders.

The broad canvas of South Asia fields of study to be addressed span the region’s history, culture, governance, business and economics, religions, philosophy, NGOs, and visual and performing arts. The three major SASA Plenary Sessions will separately address US-India higher education challenges and opportunities,; the streaming media revolution impacting South Asia, an assessment of South Asia’s environment issues, and a healing session focused on yoga and meditation.

The annual SASA Exemplar Awards Banquet will feature presentations made to Dr. Sudha Pai, President of India’s Policy Research & Management Network, for Academic Achievement; to Andy Kaplan, longtime President of Sony Pictures Television Networks, for Business Leadership; and to Dr. Sudhir Parikh, preeminent physician, publisher, philanthropist, and business and civic leader, for Community Service. Dr. Parikh is also CEO of Parikh Worldwide Media.

Other significant speakers at SASA 2019 will include Curt Marvis, CEO of QYou India, a leading streaming media provider; Rich Whalen, CEO of Sports Industry of India, Inc;  Dr. Rafiq Dossani, Director of the Center for Asia Pacific Policy at the RAND Corporation; Hiram Chodosh, President of Claremont McKenna College; Dr. Roland G. Smith, Group Head of Leadership, Strategy & Development InterGlobe Enterprises, and multiple others.

Now in its second decade, the South Asian Studies Association is an alliance of South Asia focused scholars, academicians, business and civic leaders from the US and elsewhere globally.

Besides its annual conferences, SASA has published six books as well as the scholarly journal Exemplar. SASA also bestows the annual South Asia-focused Exemplar Awards which honor individuals for relevant lifelong accomplishments.

In announcing SASA 2019, SASA Chairman & CEO Ken Silverman stated, “South Asia has 5,000 years of extraordinary history and it is home to one quarter of the earth’s population, as well as the world’s fastest growing major economy. There has never been a more important time than now to focus upon, assess, and celebrate South Asia and its place in the world.” Mr. Silverman is also CEO of Indus Global Media, LLC.

In commenting on today’s announcement, Claremont McKenna President Hiram Chodosh stated, “We are excited to host and participate in the SASA conference again this year.  South Asia is so vital for us:  our students, faculty, alumni, as well as our collaborative academic programs and contributions derive from deep connections to and interests in the region.”