India is unique motley of various foods, festivals and languages. When anyone nourished in such a wonderful land has to leave it suddenly, he/she is sure to feel the creation of a huge void in his life; a huge social void. Imagine living without all the Indian food, without any of the Indian festivals (except Christmas), without other Indians with whom you could talk at least in our National language (if not your mother tongue). It is not that Maitri gives all of these, but it helps you adjust. It can be called an Indian students' ambassador in NC State. To put it formally, Maitri is the Indian Graduate Student Association at North Carolina State University.
We are a group of enthusiastic people who love bringing the multifaceted and dynamic face of India. Maitri becomes a part of every Indian student's life the moment he/she sets foot on the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. It is our responsibility to safely transport you from the airport to NC State campus, to 'little India'. 'Avery Close', 'Champions Court' and 'Colonial Arms' colonies consist of this 'little India'. We would also provide you with an accommodation which you can share with some current resident "for free" till you find your own apartment. But without worries you will get an apartment in 'little India'. Later you will also be oriented about the functions and benefits of Maitri, places in Raleigh and Cary an Indian must know, and much more.
We are simply a student body that loves to volunteer to make you feel at 'home'. So understanding the importance of mid terms and final exams of all the majors, we organize events like Freshers' Party, Diwali and Holi: just getting a little spice of India. Not to miss, you would also love to be a part of sports events and potluck we organize so that we can get together and come to know the fellow Indians better. To put it short, Maitri is by Indians and for Indians, irrespective of whether the Indians are new fish or old fish in American waters. It remains committed to the welfare of Indians at this university.