About Us
Milaap is the official Indian Students' Organization (ISO) at the University of Wyoming. We are a Recognized Student Organization of the Associated Students of University of Wyoming (ASUW). Our purpose is to provide an opportunity for Indian students to interact, to share the joy and heritage of the culture with the Laramie and university communities, and to help new students coming from India.
Milaap is the meeting place for people from different background to blend in. Milaap has, as its members, people from all faith, language, and geographical background. Although Milaap is an Indian Students' Organization, we welcome just about everyone to be part of our family.
For more info: Facebook-Milaap
Events
Milaap achieve its goals by organizing regular ISO meetings. A typical meeting will comprise of initial announcements, followed by entertainment in the form of games (Dumb Charades, Trivia Quiz, etc.) and finally the best part of it all, the potluck lunch/dinner. Membership is open to all. The major event organized by Milaap is "Diwali Night" which has been taking place every fall for since 2003. Other events include like screening of Indian movies and inviting various speakers to the campus which promotes the spread of Indian culture among Laramie residents.
Diwali 2011 had almost 530 people coming in for the event. Milaap began in FALL semester 2010 by having 150 registered members. Milaap was proud to be a part of the subcommittee under Indian student association to organize the KARMA fund raiser in order to raise funds for 2 international students who were involved in accident on campus. Milaap invited Dr. Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi in November 2010. Arun Gandhi, activist and diversity speaker, is the founder of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence and the grandson of the legendary peace fighter and spiritual leader, Mohandas Gandhi. Born and raised in apartheid-era South Africa, Gandhi was sent to India when he was 12 to live with his grandfather, where he observed firsthand the profound national campaign for liberation through non-violent means. Following his visit to India, Arun Gandhi went on to lead successful economic and social reforms in India. He then came to the United States, where he and his late wife Sunanda founded the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Non-violence. The Institute's goals are to further the study and practice of non-violence while also providing a unique source of information about Mohandas Gandhi and his work. By continuing his grandfather's legacy, Arun Gandhi has been able to provide insight into one of history's most influential leaders and has continued to stress the importance of non-violence across the globe.
Achievements
ASUW sanctioned $10,150 in the form of available funds to Milaap for Diwali night 2010.
Milaap gets "Vice President for Student Affairs award, Most All rounded Recognized Student Organization". Today at the Mortar board Torch Laurels ceremony, Mr. Brandon Kosine, Associate Director for Campus Activities and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Sara Axelson presented the award.
Milaap: Indian Students' Organization just won the RSO Teamwork Award this year! This award is usually goes to an RSO that "demonstrates sponsorship/ teamwork with University Departments, fellow RSOs, the Laramie Community, Campus Community and others". Competing with 200 other RSOs on campus this is no small feat and I want to thank all the members and also non-members who worked really hard throughout the year in making Milaap visible all over the campus and Laramie community as well creating a goodwill that is revered by a lot of other RSOs here at U.W. Our nomination was supported by Campus Activities Center and we were recommended by Dr. Mark Ritchie (our Wonderful Advisor), Dr. Bonnie Zare (Professor at the Women's Studies Department), Dr. Leah Hardy (Professor at the Department of Art), Dr. Peter Parolin (Chair of Department of English) and Dr. Rodney Garnett (Professor of World Music).
Thank You Bonnie for getting us involved in some really meaningful projects this year! We hope you'll continue to work with us.
