In the heart of Montreal’s storied McGill University, a cultural renaissance is taking place. The McGill Indian Students Association (MISA) has transformed over the past year from a modest cultural club into one of the university’s most vibrant communities, offering South Asian students a true home away from home while inviting the broader campus to experience the rich tapestry of Indian culture.
As I weave through the crowded atrium of the University Centre on a crisp autumn evening, the air is alive with the rhythmic beats of bhangra music and the enticing aroma of freshly prepared samosas. MISA’s Diwali celebration has drawn hundreds of students—many wearing colorful traditional attire, others experiencing these cultural traditions for the first time.
“We wanted to create more than just a social club,” explains Anika Sharma, MISA’s current president. “Our vision was to build a community that celebrates our heritage while creating meaningful connections across campus.”
This ambitious vision has manifested in record-breaking event attendance and unprecedented campus engagement. MISA’s membership has nearly doubled in the past year, now boasting over 300 active members, making it one of McGill’s largest cultural student organizations.
“What sets MISA apart is how they’ve balanced cultural authenticity with inclusive accessibility,” notes Dr. Claire Moreau from McGill’s Department of Cultural Studies. “They’ve created spaces where South Asian students can connect with their roots while welcoming the broader student body into these experiences.”
The association’s transformation began with a strategic shift toward more diverse programming. Beyond traditional celebrations like Diwali and Holi, MISA introduced events addressing contemporary issues facing Indian youth, from career networking sessions with South Asian professionals to mental health workshops tailored to cultural contexts.
Priya Malhotra, a second-year Computer Science student from Mumbai, credits MISA with easing her transition to Montreal. “Moving across the world for university was overwhelming. MISA immediately gave me a sense of belonging—people who understood my background but also helped me navigate Canadian campus life.”
The association has garnered attention for its innovative approach to cultural education. Their “Taste of India” series transforms the traditional food sampling event into interactive cooking workshops where participants learn about regional variations in Indian cuisine while preparing dishes alongside MISA members.
“Food becomes a gateway to deeper cultural understanding,” explains Vikram Patel, MISA’s cultural events coordinator. “When students make roti by hand or learn why certain spices are significant, they connect with Indian culture beyond stereotypes.”
This commitment to authentic representation extends to MISA’s Bollywood Dance Night, which attracted over 800 attendees last semester—their largest event ever. Rather than presenting Bollywood as a monolith, the showcase highlighted regional dance styles from classical Bharatanatyam to contemporary fusion, with performers providing context about each tradition’s significance.
McGill’s Student Society has taken notice. “MISA has redefined what cultural student organizations can achieve,” says Marie Tremblay, the Society’s Vice-President of Student Life. “They’ve created a model other groups are now emulating—deeply honoring specific cultural traditions while making them accessible to everyone.”
Perhaps most impressive is how MISA has extended its impact beyond campus borders. Their partnership with the Montreal South Asian Youth Network has created mentorship opportunities connecting McGill students with local high schoolers from South Asian backgrounds.
“Many of these teenagers struggle with cultural identity,” says Rohan Mehta, who leads MISA’s community outreach. “Seeing university students who proudly embrace both their South Asian heritage and their Canadian experience gives them permission to do the same.”
The association faces challenges too. Finding adequate space for larger events remains difficult, and balancing diverse perspectives within India’s vast cultural landscape requires constant attention. “India isn’t monolithic,” Sharma acknowledges. “We’re continuously learning how to represent different religions, languages, and regional traditions with respect and authenticity.”
As Montreal’s South Asian community continues growing, MISA’s influence extends into the city’s cultural fabric. Their collaboration with the Parc-Extension Community Centre brought traditional Garba dance workshops to local residents, while their Indian Independence Day celebration in Jeanne-Mance Park attracted families from across Montreal.
Looking ahead, MISA plans to expand academic initiatives, including a lecture series featuring prominent South Asian scholars and a scholarship fund for international students from India facing financial barriers.
For McGill’s administration, MISA exemplifies the university’s commitment to cultural diversity. “Organizations like MISA create critical bridges between our institutional goals for inclusion and students’ lived experiences,” explains Dr. Samuel Richardson, McGill’s Associate Dean of Student Life.
As the evening’s Diwali celebration concludes, I watch students from diverse backgrounds attempting to learn intricate dandiya dance steps, laughing through their mistakes while MISA members patiently guide them. In this joyful cultural exchange, it’s clear that MISA has created something special—a community that honors tradition while building new connections across difference.
For information about upcoming events or membership, students can visit MISA’s Instagram page or stop by their weekly meetings in the University Centre.
