North American Association of Indian Students


The North American Association of Indian Students is a nonprofit and non-partisan Indian-American organization that functions as an umbrella group to cater to Indian and Indian-American students studying in the United States and Canada. With over 200,000 Indian students and over 500,000 Indian-American students studying in US institutions, young Indians are one of the largest identity groups within the United States, behind China. The organization is aiming to connect the variety of Indian groups on college and university campuses.

Programs and Initiatives

Radio Mirchi x NAAIS Helpline

In early 2020, NAAIS partnered with Radio Mirchi to set up a phone helpline for Indian students impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The helpline has supported students in answering questions about visa status, travel restrictions, and university closures.

The Desi Vote

The organization is conducting an outreach and voter registration for the 2020 elections to get more Indians to vote.

Mentorship Program

The NAAIS mentorship program is a student-led initiative that aims to connect Indian-origin/Indian-American/Indian undergraduate students with experienced Indian alumni mentors. The program encourages support of Indian individuals from underrepresented backgrounds including but not limited to non-Hindu, LGBTQIA+, low-income, non-professional through mentorship.

The India Initiative

NAAIS is in the works of organizing an annual conference to help form stronger, lasting bonds between Indian-origin students.