About Us
The PGSA serves to provide a platform for representing the interests of Pakistani and Pakistan-origin graduate students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and supporting them in their endeavor to promote Pakistani culture and heritage within the larger Champaign-Urbana community. Through social, cultural and humanitarian-themed events and community gatherings, we hope to unite a larger community of students of all races, cultures, religions, and genders interested in learning more about Pakistan and dispel inaccurate and negative stereotypes. The PGSA aims to hold numerous events throughout the academic year. These include but are not limited to charity events, picnics and cookouts, cricket tournaments and cultural performances in collaboration with other like-minded organizations on campus. We will also host informal gatherings such as ‘Chai Chaat’ for our members to engage in community-building over a cup of tea while discussing broader human rights and social justice issues. We hope to invite guest speakers with expertise on Pakistani society, politics and political economy, from leading research Universities around the country and across the world to engage in discussion on the pertinent issues facing Pakistan today. In summary, the PGSA is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive community for Pakistani and Pakistan-origin graduate students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign while also promoting Pakistani culture and heritage to a broader audience.
