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The Oregon State College Chapter of the Hindustan Student’s Association of America was established in about 1947 as an association of Oregon State students from India.  The Oregon State chapter held social gatherings, retreats, and informal discussions on a variety of topics.  Movies from India were also shown on campus regularly.  The Hindustan Student’s Association of America was founded in 1945 to foster understanding between India and America; promote interest in Indian literature, art, and culture; promote unity among Indian students in America; and assist Indian students with orientation to the United States and obtaining an education. The national organization grew quickly in the late 1940s as many students came to the United States from India to attend colleges and universities; in 1950, there were 35 chapters on campuses throughout the U.S.  The national organization sponsored an annual conference for students from all chapters.  By 1953, the organization name had changed to the Indian Student’s Association of America.

Students from India were among the first international students to attend Oregon State University in the early 1900s.