Sangam Diaspora

By Cecilia Gomes

Who are you? Who do you represent: Indians specifically, South Asians in general, or an array of multiple cultures?

We are a South Asian interest sorority so we represent primarily females of South Asian descent, but we have all different races and ethnicities in our organization like Latino, East Asian, African American, and Caucasian. As a whole, we have a very diverse Sisterhood. We cater toward populations that already exist. A large part of the South Asian community at Carolina, from what I am aware of, is Indian, so majority of our Sisters are Indian, so we don’t have that much diversity in that aspect, but we’d love to have it!

How have you gotten the word out about this your new organization?

What we’ve done is targeted classes associated with South Asian culture. If we have an event we want to publicize, we’ll go to, say for example, the Hindi classrooms. We think it’s one of the best ways to search out for people who may have an interest in South Asian culture to get them involved. We have trouble in trying to promote our sorority. When we think of a South Asian sorority, we automatically think Indian, and include negative connotations. People don’t know about it, so they automatically assume we’re a campus group that just parties or is just passing the time, you know? But we do a lot – as a social, service, and philanthropic oriented organization we build the bonds of sisterhood while making a difference in our community.

What are some activities your sorority is involved with or sponsors (note, this does not include philanthropic events)? Do you collaborate with other organizations on campus? Who?

Last year we held a forum for South Asian hate crimes and immigration issues. Earlier this semester, we, in collaboration with Psi Sigma Phi, co-hosted a party at Players to raise funds for our respective charities. Just today actually, we co-sponsored an event on how to get funding and information for study abroad for minorities. There will be a movie screening of Provoked (2006) with Carolina Women’s Center in late October. And in November, we are co-hosting a Walk-a-Thon for Habit for Humanity with Delta Sigma Theta.

What is your specific philanthropy?

Children education and literacy. One of our purposes is to raise awareness and monetary funds to promote literacy and education both here and overseas; we are partnered with three organizations, Pratham, Asha for Education, and C.A.R.E. Our biggest national fund raiser and initiative for our philanthropy is Literacy through Unity week in March. We choose a different one [group] each year and whatever we raise that week, we send.

What is the process in order to become a Sister? When does it begin? Is there a house?

At beginning of every semester, we have two weeks of recruitment. This time is used for students to learn about DPO, the Sisters, and what we are about. The Sisters take this time to get to know interested students. Then, at the end of two weeks, students take part in interviews, which determine a membership invitation. This is followed by what is called the New Member Education Process, this would be considered the “pledging” period.

No, we’re still a small organization so there is no house.

What kind of students do you look for? Can some have an advantage over others?

We don’t look for a particular type of student. Basically, if you have an interest in South Asian culture, or children’s literacy, or being part of a Sisterhood that reflects service and social activities then you’re welcome here.

What factors lead you to decide to join a culturally based sorority instead of one of the many pan-Hellenic ones?

In my opinion, many people in South Asian descent have no idea what Greek life is. My mom calls it “that DPO thing”. I learned about exactly what it was through friends in DSI (which was founded in 2004) and others. I also realized that I would love to do it. I had become so attached to the idea of South Asian Greek Life, that I actually hadn’t considered any other organization.

How do you think having a culturally based sorority separate from a social one shapes the Carolina experience?

Just overall, I love being Greek. It’s such a big part of my experience here. I worked toward founding the organization since my first year here. It’s always been a part of my experience. It has opened so many opportunities. I’ve met so many people, learned about other Greek organizations, attended different events, learned how the University operates, what to do when you want to organize an event, its publicity, who to contact and more. I’m very passionate about diversity, and so I combine that passion and my sorority to raise awareness. Cultural Greek life has created opportunities for a lot of sorority members, ones they wouldn’t necessarily have had otherwise.

What do you think students gain from being involved with DPO? And specifically, what have you gained? What was your most rewarding or gratifying experience in the years of being involved?

All of us love being a part of DPO. It doesn’t matter what else we’re a part of, but by being involved in this organization, we’ve gained a strong bond. There are 700 sisters nationwide. It is a big part and benefit of DPO to have a support system. For example, if a sister in her future is looking for a job or roommate she has an advantage with this network.

Personally, I find it is the best experience of my life, because it’s an experience that`s not going to end. Since the beginning I was involved and it doesn’t just end when you graduate- it will always stay with me for the rest of my life. After I graduated I’ll be a resource for other Sisters. What’s the best part of being DPO? For me, it’s my Sisters – every DPO sister I meet, both here and nation-wide, I love! They are so diverse. Everyone I meet is doing something ridiculously awesome. It’s a family - there is an automatic connection with all of them.

We’re more than what you think we might be.