ASAN: Uniting South Asians Across America
The American South Asian Network (ASAN), is dedicated to elevating, empowering, and uniting South Asians across the United States. We support South Asian creators, entrepreneurs, and leaders to foster community solidarity, cultural representation, and socioeconomic equity. Through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, ASAN celebrates excellence, drives impactful change, and reshapes narratives within and beyond the South Asian diaspora.
Audio Overview of ASAN
Who are South Asians?
South Asians are those with ties to:
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
As a demographic, South Asians have achieved remarkable success in entrepreneurship, educational attainment, and wealth creation.
Impact
Businesses
South Asians lead or own businesses worth $10 Trillion in the US alone. The GDP of the world’s 3rd and 4th largest economies, combined, is $8.6 Trillion
Hospitality
South Asians own and operate 60% of hospitality in the US, generating $600 Billion in annual revenues, and employing 4 million people
Physicians
20% of the physicians in the US are of South Asian origin
Spelling Bee
28 of the last 35 national spelling bee champions are South Asian
Growth
US Unicorns
18% of the US unicorns have a South Asian founder
Education
22,000 full-time faculty members in US education system are of South Asian origin, 3% of the total
Foreign Students
As of 2023, 31% of the foreign students in the US are South Asian. This grew 19% from 2022. These students generated $10 Billion in spending, creating 93,000 jobs
Largest Minority
South Asians are the second largest minority community in the US, and also the fastest growing
Influence
Purchasing Power
South Asians wield considerable purchasing power. Their average household incomes are 40% higher than the national average
Individual Taxes
South Asians are only 2% of the population, but contribute more than 6% of the individual taxes
University Donations
South Asians have donated over $3 Billion to US universities
Travel
In 2022, 2 million South Asians visited the US; spending an average of $5,200 per person, and generating a trade surplus of $12 Billion for the US
References: AAPI Data, antha prerna foundation, Boston Consulting, CII, Columbia University, Inc42, Indiaspora, RBI, US Embassy, US Travel Association
Why ASAN?
Our Programs
Our programs empower South Asian businesses and professionals to thrive by driving access to capital, government contracting, technical assistance, and workforce development. Through insightful research and thought leadership, we bring awareness to the profound influence of the South Asian community across every industry and field, showcasing our vital contributions to the nation’s economic and cultural fabric.
Access to Capital, Government Contracting, Technical Assistance
Fueling business growth by connecting you with expert guidance, resources, and strategic partnerships
Empowering and Inspiring through Stories
Our publications in the mainstream media such as Fortune Magazine, lists such as ‘South Asian CEOs of NASDAQ and NYSE listed companies’ and The INDUStry Show highlight the challenges, impact, and success of our community
Growing and motivating through Recognition
Celebrating achievements, driving impact, recognizing excellence, sharing positivity
Workforce Development
We bridge the gap between talent and industry, aligning skills with market needs to drive innovation and foster long-term growth
Upcoming Events!
South Asian Spotlight
Indian-American scientist Ashutosh Chilkoti wins the 2025 Technology Innovation and Development Award from the Society for Biomaterials for his groundbreaking work in biomaterials.
Indian-American scientist Ashutosh Chilkoti wins the 2025 Technology Innovation and Development Award from the Society for Biomaterials for his groundbreaking work in biomaterials.
Two Indian American Students Win Prestigious CRA Research Award
Two Indian American students, Venkataram Sivaram and Prasann Singhal, have been honored with the 2024-2025 CRA Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award for their exceptional contributions to computing research.
Indian-Origin Chandrika Tandon Wins Grammy For Triveni Album
Indian-American musician and entrepreneur Chandrika Tandon wins a Grammy for her soul-stirring album blending Vedic chants with global music.
Gunjan Kedia Named First Woman CEO of U.S. Bancorp
The INDUStry Show is a widely distributed global publication that shares global entrepreneurial and executive journeys. We are positively biased towards immigrants, people of color, and women because that’s who we are!
Now in Season 9, these amazing journeys of success and lessons learned have resonated across the globe. Our content has more than 10 million impressions, and more than a million audience engagements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ASAN?
We are a community, media platform, and research entity that elevates, empowers, and highlights South Asian challenges, lessons, and successes.
What is ASAN's mission and why?
Our mission is to unify the more than 5.5 million South Asians in the US. South Asians have stayed disciplined, succeeded in many ways, and worked hard. The ‘each to our own’ scarcity mindset has helped us reach individual success. Given our successes, we now have an opportunity, really a responsibility, to succeed as a community. To help our own kind, and the ones that come after us.
What does ASAN do?
tldr; We ask all our members to be a resource for someone else – in a capacity that is available to you at that time. You could do so in time, talent, and treasure. Time commitment could vary from a couple hours a quarter to a few hours a week.
Some examples of your involvement include:
- Attending our events in various locations, which include a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Have a great time while sharing experiences, knowledge, and memories and connecting with like-minded people.
- Introducing potential members to ASAN.
- A single interaction where you share your experiences, knowledge, and wisdom with those looking to walk in your footsteps or learn from you.
- Becoming an advisor, perhaps a personal mentor, to someone building / growing their business.
- Helping someone find an internship or a job.
- Creating and administering an event/ program catering to/ helping the South Asian community.
- Providing your office or another location for events hosted by our partner nonprofit organizations, or writing a check to causes that connect with you.
- Becoming an executive team member, or a volunteer and working hand-in-glove with us.