April 14, 2009 -- They may be far from home but that didn't stop Indian students from CEIBS MBA 2008 from joining their country mates in celebrating today's five festivals which traditionally take place across various sections of the country.
Indian students busy with food preparation.
From left: Abhijeet Chitnis, Vishal Agrawal, Ghaus, Muthuram Kathiresan, Chanda Nanda Kishore and Karthik Ramani
They are Baisakhi in North India; Bihu in North East India; Naba Barsh in East India; and Puthandu Pirappu and Vishu in South India. The infusion of Indian culture and spirit were evident throughout a well planned "Indian Night" which presented the best of India to the CEIBS community.
The event was a continuation of the CEIBS tradition of fostering cross cultural exchange through social events. It was hosted by members of the school's Indian community and the International Club with the support of the MBA 2008 Student Committee. CEIBS boasts a strong international student population, with about 38% of MBA 2008 students coming from outside mainland China. They represent some 22 countries, and therefore there are many opportunities for cultural exchange.
Indian students joined by faculty members and other guests during "Indian Night". From left: Vishal Agrawal, Chanda Nanda Kishore, Muthuram Kathiresan, Prof Tom Callerman, MBA Director Yvonne Li, Prof. Bill Parr, Prof. Rama Velamuri, Karthik Ramani, Prof. Per Jenster, Puneet Butan, Prof. Stephen White, Jitesh Jaipuriyar, and Jesus Fernandez).
Colourful posters helped promote "Indian Night" beforehand and the anticipation built steadily as the mouth-watering menu was revealed. All seven members of the school's Indian community got involved, with some going to work on food preparations from the night before. Today, they commandeered the school canteen to prepare a taste of home. Some eager guests were half-an-hour early for the 6:30pm start to dinner. The Indians -- dressed in traditional clothing -- warmly welcomed each guest with a Namaste, a warm greeting and show of respect.
In a matter of minutes the hall was full of students and faculty members. As everyone relished delicious samosa (the most popular Indian snack), chicken curry and other mouth-watering dishes served with jeera rice (a special flavoured basmati rice) and chapati (commonly known as naan) the eldest Indian student at CEIBS -- Jitesh Jaipuriyar -- extended an official welcome. Then, Chanda Nanda Kishore and Karthik Ramani gave a presentation on India, followed by a video showcasing the country's history and traditions.
In keeping with their own personal code of conduct of "Work Hard, Party Harder", the students were soon rocking to the beat of the Bollywood music videos being projected overhead. Faculty members joined in, unable to resist "Bhangra" (a famous dance form) and Bollywood dance lessons. The crowd was ecstatic.
Throughout "Indian Night", both traditional and modern India were showcased. The cultural history, spirit of hospitality, great food, colourful and varied outfits, and the Bollywood dance all competed to steal the show. It's been said that the International Club and the Student Committee will soon help organize another acculturation-oriented social event. Until then Haste Raho, which is Hindi for 'keep smiling'.
-- Puneet Butan (MBA 2008, International Club)
