Malden High, often recognized as one of the most diverse high schools in Massachusetts, continues to expand its cultural circle. With dozens of students from different communities already establishing various clubs, another voice now rises through the South Asian Student Association (SASA).
The club, founded by junior Reva Upadhayay, began from her realization that while many South Asian students attend Malden High, representation was lacking. She explained that it was not until her sophomore year that she fully comprehended how “deeply community is valued in South Asian culture,” and how necessary it is for students who may hesitate to seek it out themselves.
Sophomore Wafia Saruwar expressed how this club serves as a cornerstone for South Asian youths who grew up without “seeing people who look like them, celebrate the same ideas, or speak the same language.”
Starting the club required courage, and for a long time, Upadhayay wrestled with self-doubt, questioning whether students would show up or if the idea would succeed. She admitted that pushing past those “what ifs” was the hardest part, but ultimately the most rewarding.
The encouragement of a faculty member has been the key to the club’s start: English teacher Jasleen Anand. Upadhayay credits Anand as a “support system” who encouraged her to move forward even when she “backed out a few times.” Having a South Asian heritage herself, Anand has been able to connect with students in meaningful ways. This led Upadhayay to choose Anand as the club’s advisor, because without her guidance, SASA would not exist.
The club’s mission centers on creating a safe space where South Asian culture can be celebrated and shared without the influence of media stereotypes. One of its central goals is to challenge the stereotypes that often follow South Asian students in school and beyond. Too often, these students are reduced to certain characteristics, seen as only academically driven or bound by rigid traditions. Even stereotypes that may be considered positive, such as being deemed intellectually gifted, can still deliver harm by creating unrealistic expectations.
These stereotypes go hand-in-hand with how mainstream media shapes perspectives. Hollywood has historically portrayed South Asian characters as sidekicks, comic relief, or background characters, rarely giving them complex or leading roles. These limited portrayals reinforce prejudice and leave students feeling uncomfortable in their own skin. Even TV shows or movies with a prominent South Asian character will build the storyline around unrelatable topics, causing the character to be disliked among the community it was meant to represent.
SASA members believe that by discussing these depictions openly, they can highlight the importance of accurate characterization and inspire pride in their heritage. “It’s about representation, community, and pride, whether you identify as South Asian or are simply curious and supportive,” voiced Upadhayay.
Student members are already voicing how important SASA feels to them. Sophomore treasurer Satvinder Sidhu noted that there is still “not enough South Asian representation” in Malden High or the wider community. Sidhu went on to describe the club as a powerful way to enhance the school with a diverse culture while increasing awareness.
Looking ahead, the club hopes to host two major events this year: an awareness session in collaboration with other cultural clubs to highlight shared issues, and a cultural night showcasing traditions, food, music, and performances. These events aim to honor heritage and broaden the school community’s social sphere.
“Our school is so diverse that we should make the most of it by sharing cultures, traditions, and history to ensure everyone is better educated,” believes sophomore Tanvir Singh, the SASA club’s secretary.
Though still new, SASA is already becoming a vital space for students to embrace identity and build solidarity. Upadhayay hopes the club will continue long after she graduates, ensuring that South Asian voices remain heard and valued at Malden High.
The club meets every other Monday at 2:30 PM in room J363. For more information, follow their Instagram @maldenhs.sasa and join their Google Classroom using the code gqdg5bnl.
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