A festival of light at USU
“Imagine a 5,000 year-old civilization that still thrives today,” said Swadesh Patra, a graduate student studying electrical engineering and vice-president of the Indian Student Association, ISA. “Imagine a thousand different languages still spoken in one country. Imagine a land where the largest battles were won by non-violent actions.”
This is how Patra described the country of India, with its distinct, multifaceted identity, including official languages. Patra said as the outside world becomes more globalized, each culture begins to be influenced by each other.
“The Indian experiment gives us a glimpse into the future model of human existence. It gives us a hope that we all can and will live together in spite of having all our individual differences,” Patra said. This spirit of India is celebrated at Utah State University each year on Diwali night.
Diwali is simply translated to “rows of light,” also referred to as the festival of lights. Patra said the rows of light at this festival are intended to teach people to vanquish ignorance, subdue humanity and drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. The festival is established as a social platform where people can forget their differences and celebrate together.
“The spirit of victory over evil forces that is championed by Diwali is made more special at Utah State by the participation of students in the various performances that are organized,” Patra said.
For the past 10 years, this tradition of Diwali night at USU has provided students with an opportunity to experience the Indian story with its many cultures and traditions. Digant Vyas, a senior majoring in geology and sports secretary of ISA, said he would like USU students to share in the heritage, experience the cultural impact and be aware of the diversity on campus.
Patra said Indian students make up the largest international group at Utah State. The ISA represents the Indian population on campus.
“The ISA helps new students from India by finding temporary accommodations, and helping them to feel at home here,” he said.
Yogendhar Surpaneni, a graduate student studying electrical engineering and treasurer of the ISA committee, said he wants to give students a taste of India through culture and food since not everyone has the chance to go to India and experience its culture.
According to the ISA website, the association also strives to organize and promote various cultural events to celebrate Indian traditions and festivals, such as, “Holi” – a festival of colors; and provide opportunities for social interactions. Anyone can become a member of the ISA for only $6 per year.
Diwali consists of dances, music and authentic Indian food. It is sponsored by the ISA. Patra said the theme for this year’s celebration will be the States of India. This theme highlights the spirit of the “unity in diversity” motto that keeps India together.
Patra said throughout the night, colorful dance and music forms from different states of India will be showcased. It is also an excellent opportunity to try some of the Indian food available in Logan. The event will end with blast of bollywood dance numbers and 500 Aggies dancing to the rhythm.
This year, the ISA plans to donate some of the proceeds from Diwali ticket sales to the charity Colleges Against Cancer – Utah State University Chapter. At the Diwali event, the ISA will be directing a fundraiser for this organization; there will be an information desk for the Colleges Against Cancer.
“Every year the ISA supports a cause by donating some funds to the organization and also tries to promote the cause through the events conducted by the ISA,” Surpaneni said. “There will also be presentations given by members of their organization during the main event to help them promote their cause.”
Diwali is Saturday, Nov. 6. Tickets can be purchased at a table on the first floor of the TSC, Nov. 1-3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m or by calling Vipin Reddy at 314-378-6897. The event will be held in the TSC ballroom, beginning at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit www.usu.edu/isa or room 313 in the TSC.
– cassandra.lambert@aggiemail.usu.edu