Bangladeshi Students’ Association
Indian Students’ Organization
The Indian Students’ Organization (ISO) aims to celebrate Indian culture while fostering inclusivity and community within the broader U of T student body. We strive to create spaces where students from all backgrounds can engage with Indian traditions through large-scale cultural events like Diwali and Holi, as well as social mixers, wellness sessions, and mentorship programs. Our goal is to build cultural awareness, promote connection, and enhance student life across campus.
Key accomplishments
Indian Formal – Hosted on March 29, 2025, at Polish Combatants’ Hall, Dil Se was our flagship end-of-year gala and the largest ISO event of the year, drawing over 150 attendees. The evening featured vibrant dance and music performances, a multi-course Indian dinner, and a themed photo booth. The event sold out and received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests praising the food and lively DJ. Dil Se is a signature celebration that brings the community together to reflect on the year and celebrate Indian culture in a festive setting.
Iftaar Night – Held on March 21, 2025, in the Bahen Centre, Iftaar Night was a new initiative designed to broaden our programming and celebrate India’s religious diversity. Over 120 students from various backgrounds gathered to break the Ramadan fast together in a welcoming, inclusive environment featuring traditional décor and henna. The event sold out and was praised for adding meaningful representation to our annual roster, fostering interfaith understanding, and strengthening connections across campus communities.
Bollywood SUDS (Fall) – On November 15, 2024, ISO co-hosted Bollywood SUDS in the SF Pit, transforming the venue into a vibrant Bollywood-themed dance party. The event featured a live DJ playing popular Bollywood tracks, creating an energetic space for over 100 students to unwind, socialize, and celebrate Indian pop culture. As a jam-packed event, it offered an accessible, fun way for students to build friendships, de-stress during midterms, and engage with ISO’s dynamic community programming.
CPSIF funding impact
Thanks to CPSIF funding, we were able to make key events like Dil Se and Iftaar Night more accessible by reducing or eliminating ticket costs, allowing a broader and more diverse group of students to participate. This support directly enhanced cultural awareness, cross-community engagement, and inclusivity on campus. We’re deeply grateful to the donors and funding bodies for enabling us to deliver high-impact, high-quality programming that strengthens student life and fosters meaningful connections at U of T.
Audience enjoying the performances at Dil Se (Annual Indian
Semi-Formal), Photographer: Siddharth Sharma
Group photo with attendees at Shaandaar, Photographer: Siddharth Sharma
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