The Dr. Mian A. Jang Fellowship, established by the Chester County History Center, is a unique opportunity for young researchers to contribute to the preservation of the voices, stories, and cultural heritage of South Asian communities. It is named in honor of Dr. Mian Jang, a renowned community leader, scholar, and active member of the local South Asian diaspora who has dedicated his life to intercultural dialogue, education, and humanitarian initiatives.

The main goal of the scholarship is to encourage young people to actively study the history of immigrants, document their experiences, and create publicly accessible archival materials. The program focuses on collecting oral histories, photographs, family archives, and artifacts that tell the story of daily life, traditions, integration, and challenges faced by South Asian families settling in Pennsylvania.

The fellows not only conduct archival and fieldwork, but also participate in the creation of thematic exhibitions that are displayed in museums, libraries, and online platforms. Particular attention is paid to such topics as the role of women in the diaspora, intergenerational transmission of cultural identity, religious diversity, entrepreneurship in immigrant communities, etc.

In addition to academic experience, program participants have the opportunity to study under the guidance of experienced historians, museum professionals, and ethnographers. They also develop skills in public speaking, intercultural communication, digital archiving, and oral history.

This fellowship not only contributes to the preservation of South Asian heritage in a regional context, but is also an important step toward increasing the visibility of small communities in the American historical narrative. It demonstrates how local initiatives can influence the national dialogue on identity, diversity, and cultural memory.

Thus, the Dr. Mian Jang Fellowship program is not only an educational and research program, but also a deeply humanitarian mission to help preserve the stories of those whose voices are often left out of official chronicles.