MSADA is young, but it has some history.

Early History: 1980 - 2002: There were some memorable and happy events that were organized by South Asian members of the ADIA (Association of Deaf Indian Americans). They have been working hard in accomplishing the mission in making the ADIA recognized over the years and the work had been passed over to next members who resumed continuing the mission. Unfortunately, the mission had been interrupted at least three or four times, because the members had moved on with their own lives and had lost the contact over the years. How incredible for the advanced technology, E-mail and the exciting event "Deaf Way II" of which Gallaudet University hosted in the summer, July 2002 that got the former and new members together. And they teamed up in planning the 2003 Diwali - Eid event, as it gave the opportunity to reunite with former and new members after many years.

It was decided to expand the base of our organization from India only to include all countries in South Asia. Thus, Metro South Asian Deaf Association was born on May 10, 2003.

Recent History: 2003 - Present: This association now encompasses Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan and India. The members do not have to be born in any of these countries-just have roots in of these and are living in DC metropolitan area. They are more enthusiastic to work together as team, in the present to the future. The benefit to join the MSADA community is to enjoy the cultural social and recreational aspects rather than political. Also, to educate each other the varieties of culture in each country we would be more enriched and knowledgeable. Non-South Asians and hearing people can be part of the club, too.

For 2003 - 2004, the MSADA members drafted the BYLAW, which were approved on April 1st, 2007.

For 2005 - 2006, the website www.msada-dc.org was developed; we've added photos of each type of our socal events and more recreational activities, and our newsletters.

For 2007, MSADA hosted Mr Punjabi, director of the Indore School for the Deaf and his daughter Monica. They made a presentation about their school which was well received. Several members of MSADA expressed an interest in being involved with their school.

For 2008, About 15 South Asian deaf and hard of hearing people gathered at the International Deaf South Asian Mela organized by Seattle South Asian Group and chaired by Vijay Advani, in Seattle, Washington during the week of July 16th - 19th, 2008.

MSADA celebrated its 5th Anniversary in a grand manner. Smitha Hanumantha and Karthik Sethuraman co-chaired the event on November 15th, 2008 at the Bohrer Park, Gaithersburg, MD.

For 2009, MSADA is in the process in applying 501 (c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). We hope to receive the exempt status by summer.