Thursday, May 1, 2008
When graduate student Deepthi Sriram first arrived at the University of Kansas from her hometown in Chittoor, India, two years ago, the KU Cultural India club was instrumental in helping her to feel at home.
“I feel I’ve grown quite a lot as a person from my experiences in the club,” Sriram said.
She took her involvement a step further when she became the vice president of the club, organizing activities and events.
“The club’s goals are to showcase Indian culture in all its glory and to do our bit to forge a feeling of amity between India and the rest of the world,” Sriram said.
The club accomplishes these goals by sponsoring cultural programs during Indian holidays such as Independence Day; Diwali, the Festival of Light; and Holi, the Festival of Color, as well as by organizing picnics, dance parties and movie showings throughout the year.
“Being a part of the club allows Indian students to feel closer to home as they take part in Indian cultural events and celebrate Indian festivals,” Sriram said.
The club is not open solely to Indians, however.
“Non-Indian students, too, are encouraged to become a part of the club to get a true feel of what India is by making friends with Indian students,” Sriram said.
The club includes over 250 graduate students, undergraduates, faculty and other members of the Lawrence community. In addition to equipping its members with a platform for creativity and intellectual expression, Sriram said the club provided the means necessary to facilitate healthy interactions among Indian and American students.
Rajendra Srivastava, a professor in the School of Business, is the club’s advisor. She said the club gives incoming international students information about the University and Lawrence. It even arranges for pick up from the airport, as well as temporary accommodations for the newcomers.
The club organizes regular meetings for committee members and a general body meeting before every event, Srivastava said.
“The events organized by (the club) provide a great venue for individuals to come forward to present their respective talents in support of Indian culture,” Srivastava said.
“This provides a two-fold result. The Indian students who are here have an opportunity to celebrate with each other while at the same time introducing these customs to the general public here at the University.”
Priyanka Saxena, Lucknow, India, graduate student, is the president of the club. She said the club showcases Indian culture to the world.
The KU Cultural India Club will be hosting a dance party with Indian music after finals. For more information, contact the executive committee at kuindia@yahoogroups.com.
—Edited by Jared Duncan
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