For those who do not know what “tabling” is, it is when a club or organization sits in Kessel during heavy traffic hours in hopes of collecting money, recruiting members or publicizing an event. Once in a blue moon the art of tabling is mastered. The organization will lure in otherwise well-disciplined students and faculty members with aromas and treats that trigger the dormant soldiers within us to march with tunnel vision towards the tabling committee. More often than not, Desi Heritage of South Asia (DHOSA) masters the art flawlessly.
They line their table with silver trays, brimming with authentic Indian foods like Basmati Rice, samosas (fried pastry filled with potatoes, peas and meats) and Daal (spiced chickpeas), just to name a few.
“We currently have 16 members,” said sophomore nursing major and secretary of DHOSA, Sonam Patel.
Despite the organization’s small numbers, it sure knows how to put on a big event. Each year an evening showcasing festive South Asian traditions called “Bollywood Night” attracts those of all different cultures. This year, the event incorporated both East and West Indian culture, allowing the club to display many different types of Indian tradition including dance, music and delicacies.
“Last year Bollywood Night won a Pace Pride Award for ‘Program of the Year’ for 2012, which many Greek and non-Greek organizations co-sponsored”, said sophomore accounting major and President of DHOSA Maharlika Alangilan. “We also co-sponsor a blood drive with SDCA once every semester.”
Along with the eagerly anticipated Bollywood Night, DHOSA holds other events like Henna (traditional South Asian, non-permanent tattoos) tabling and eyebrow threading to help raise money for their philanthropy, The Against Malaria Foundation.
Although DHOSA is culturally an Indian club, it is among the most diverse at Pace.
“I joined DHOSA my very first semester at Pace,” recalled Alangilan. “I am Pilipino, but one of my closest friends in high school is Indian and I became so intrigued with her cultural background that when I heard about the organization, I really wanted to join, and now I’m president!”
The organization has helped Alangilan and other members learn about a variety of different cultures and has helped them to branch out of their comfort zones.
“My main goal is to recruit members by explaining the importance of DHOSA and what it stands for to the Pace community,” said sophomore business administration- management major and vice president of marketing Ricarda Cabrera, who happens to be of Dominican descent.
“A long- term goal that we are hoping to achieve is to always have this organization be a part of Pace, even after we all graduate,” said Patel.
DHOSA meets every Wed. afternoon from 12:20 p.m.-1:20 p.m. in conference rooms C/D of Kessel. The organization and its members want to spread the message that DHOSA is not a club limited to those of South Asian descent and welcome anyone who wants join.