American South Asian Network

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.

South Asian Countries

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

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

Hospitality

South Asians own and operate 60% of hospitality in the US, generating $600 Billion in annual revenues, and employing 4 million people

physicians

Physicians

20% of the physicians in the US are of South Asian origin

spelling bee

Spelling Bee

28 of the last 35 national spelling bee champions are South Asian

Growth

US unicorns

US Unicorns

18% of the US unicorns have a South Asian founder

education

Education

22,000 full-time faculty members in US education system are of South Asian origin, 3% of the total

foreign students

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

minority

Largest Minority

South Asians are the second largest minority community in the US, and also the fastest growing

Influence

purchasing power

Purchasing Power

South Asians wield considerable purchasing power. Their average household incomes are 40% higher than the national average

individual tax

Individual Taxes

South Asians are only 2% of the population, but contribute more than 6% of the individual taxes

university donations

University Donations

South Asians have donated over $3 Billion to US universities

travel

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

ASAN panel discussion
ASAN events
ASAN Holi Party
Asan signature events

Why ASAN?

ASAN fills a significant gap in representation and support for South Asians in the United States. While many individuals in our community have achieved personal success, there is a lack of unity and a platform that truly reflects the diversity and collective potential of South Asians across different subcultures and generations. ASAN is bridging this gap by creating an inclusive community where the voices, especially of the younger generations, are heard and supported. Through our programs, ASAN equips the community with the tools needed to excel both personally and professionally.

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

Six Indian Americans Featured in Fortune’s 2024 List of Most Powerful People in Business

Six Indian Americans, including Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai, feature in Fortune’s 2024 list of the 100 Most Powerful People in Business, showcasing the global impact of South Asian talent in innovation, leadership, and transformation.

Read more..

R. Panneer Selvam, A Civil Engineering Professor Selected as ASME Fellow

Dr. R. Panneer Selvam, a civil engineering professor at the University of Arkansas, has been honored as an ASME Fellow. Recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to wind engineering, computational modeling, and disaster resilience

Read more..

Grammy Awards 2025 Nominations: Meet the 6 Indian-Origin Artists

Know the six Indian-origin artists nominated for the 67th Grammy Awards, including Ricky Kej, Anoushka Shankar, and Varijashree Venugopal. Know about them and the impact on the global music scene.

Read more..

DigiCert Appoints Lakshmi Hanspal as Chief Trust Officer

DigiCert appoints Lakshmi Hanspal as Chief Trust Officer, highlighting South Asian representation in tech leadership. Hanspal brings extensive cybersecurity expertise from roles at Amazon, Box, and PayPal, set to drive DigiCert’s digital trust initiatives forward.

Read more..

The INDUStry Show logo

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.

Kevin Parikh
Shama Patel
Mohnish Pabrai
Dr. Nupur Kohli

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.