Shoolini University recently organised two cultural events celebrating the rich traditions of students from Northeast India and South India at the Open Air Theatre (OAT).
On April 15th, students from the Northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, and Sikkim came together to present their vibrant cultures and customs. Students from each state showcased their culture in different forms, such as singing, dancing and poetry recitation. Students from the various states spoke a few words about what made their homeland special. However, the highlight of the event was the captivating Bihu dance from Assam, which enthralled the audience with its delicate and graceful movements.
Similarly, on April 18th and 19th, the South Indian students of Shoolini University celebrated their regional New Year festivals, including Tamil Puthandu, Telugu Kannada Ugadi, and Malayalam Vishu. The celebration started with a movie night where they enjoyed ‘Manjummel Boys’ at the Cineplex on the campus. The following day, a small ritual ceremony was performed as a form of respect to the Gods before they proceeded to other activities of the day. In the spirit of cultural exchange, a session called ‘Fun discussion on Jewellery of Tamil Nadu’ shared how important Jewellery is for South Indians.
There were various fun activities such as ‘The Girls Edition Stone Hurling Contest’, ‘Whispering Chain in South Indian Languages’, ‘Tug of War’, ‘Sugarcane Eating Challenge’, and others. The Kathak dance performance by the South Indian students was equally mesmerising, drawing the spectators to their feet in an attempt to emulate the artists. The day was filled with not only fun activities but also ended with an unforgettable food festival where they served various authentic South Indian dishes, including delectable sweet Pongal, tangy lemon rice, savoury tamarind rice, comforting coconut rice, and different flavours of Dosa, for which South Indians are known.
Despite being a minority on the campus, the Northeast and South Indian students of Shoolini University demonstrated outstanding unity, hard work, and sacrifice in organising these events. Dean of Student Welfare Poonam Nanda aptly described Shoolini University as a “mosaic of diversity” that celebrated inclusivity and acceptance as a core part of its ethos. These cultural celebrations not only showcase the diverse drapes of India but also remind us of the beauty in unity amidst diversity.
