The Harvard South Asian Association (SAA), representing more than 600 undergraduates of South Asian heritage, hosted its annual cultural gala, Andaaz, on April 11, 2025, at the Smith Campus Center. 

Attendees included students, alumni, and faculty from Harvard’s various institutions — Harvard Business School, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard Kennedy School, there to honor South Asian heritage and extraordinary achievement, a press release said.

The evening’s centerpiece was the recognition of Michelin-star chef Vikas Khanna as the Harvard SAA Person of the Year 2025, honoring “his contributions to art, cuisine, and humanity.”

“Celebrated for his transformative influence on global South Asian representation, Chef Khanna has elevated culinary arts through his renowned New York restaurant, Bungalow,” organizers said in the press release. “By blending traditional South Asian flavors with innovative techniques, he bridges cultures and fosters unity. His work as a filmmaker and philanthropist further amplifies his role as a global ambassador, promoting compassion and cultural understanding.”

Equally celebrated were Shivangi Gupta Singh and Shashank Gupta, recipients of the Harvard SAA Designer of the Year Award. They are the founders of Nazranaa, a renowned South Asian bridal boutique in the U.S.

“With over 10,000 brides styled, Singh has set new standards in luxury ethnic fashion, earning global acclaim. Meanwhile, Gupta has left his mark on South Asian menswear and built bridges in textile trade between India and the U.S. Together, they created the widely acclaimed TV series Nazranaa Diaries, which has garnered over 77 million views. They introduced the exclusive Fall/Winter collection “Dhruva,” uniquely designed for Harvard students to symbolize leadership, elegance, and confidence,” the press release said.

“Andaaz reflects the strength and diversity of South Asian culture while honoring those who inspire us to dream bigger,” said a Harvard SAA spokesperson not named in the press release. “We are thrilled to celebrate Chef Khanna, Singh, and Gupta for their remarkable contributions to the global stage.”

Entities who partnered with SAA to host the event included Aria Events, Vidhi Beauty, Alankaar Decor, Nirvanaa, and Mabruuk Fashions.

(Under Special Arrangement with NIT)

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