Students from all over the world had a delightful taste of Deepavali recently at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Cyberjaya. For most of them, this was their first glimpse into this ancient Hindu festival which they celebrated with grace and gusto with their Indian hosts.
Students from all over the world had a delightful taste of Deepavali recently at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Cyberjaya. For most of them, this was their first glimpse into this ancient Hindu festival which they celebrated with grace and gusto with their Indian hosts. Organised by the University’s Indian Students Club, the event showcased classical Indian dances, a fashion show that featured traditional costumes from various parts of India, and a Diwali Bazaar.
The venue was transformed into a mesmerizing sight with beautiful wooden arches and pillars draped with marigold flower garlands and Lord Ganesha’s statue surrounded by intricately drawn kolam. Students from China, Germany, United Kingdom, Kazakhstan just to mention a few, experienced the taste of Indian food, drinks and sweets, and also visited the stalls to beautify their hands with colorful mehendi designs and sparkling Indian bangles.
“I am so happy with my henna,” beamed Nicole Ryan from the United Kingdom. “The colors are beautiful and the patterns are so intricate, it is an art form, I am ecstatic here at Limkokwing,” she concluded.
Ruby from Egypt acknowledged she was mesmerized by the Diwali festival. She said, “When I saw the vibrant colours, I couldn’t stop myself from participating. Being an Egyptian I got an opportunity to participate in a Diwali celebration, it’s only possible in Limkokwing University,” she added.
When students emailed photos of the function, held on 31 Oct and 1 Nov, back to their folks in India, some parents were impressed by the ability of students to bridge cultural differences in globalised environments.
“It is a pleasure to have my son educated at Limkokwing a university with such colourful cultures and talented students under one roof,” said Bhindu Mishra, a parent working at Air India in Mumbai.
Angad Nyyar, an entrepreneur in Mumbai, said in an email message: “It’s excellent how students from India took the spirit of Diwali to a globalised environment and involved students from other nations.”
Students in Limkokwing University who come from 160 countries regularly showcase their costumes, food and practices at the campus which has become a melting pot of global cultures.
