Kudos to the Students of the Indian Subcontinent

Korrin B.

February 8, 2009 - 5:00 PM

Last night I went to an incredible event put on by the UO group Students of the Indian Subcontinent. It is called UTSAV and is a night that showcases the extraordinary culture of India. Ever since returning from studying abroad, I have been increasingly interested in different cultures and want to travel everywhere. After last night, India is definitely on my list of places to go.

It was so nice being able to experience another culture right there on the UO campus. I don't have the time and money to do all of the traveling I'd like to right now, so I think that being able to taste little bits of different cultures right here at home is a great alternative. It was also great just going to a community event on campus. I felt as though I was part of something. These were people putting together an incredible show for the public because they cared about it and wanted to share their culture with everyone. It is always so nice to see people from the community come together.

The first part of the event involved some of the most delicious food I have ever eaten. The student group had set up a buffet style banquet of different traditional Indian foods. I, of course, got some of everything offered and I loved everything I tried. The spices were so unique and perfect and I tried to imagine myself in India while eating them. The meal was served on the second floor of the EMU, but its delicious aromas filled the entire building. I have become much more adventuresome in my trying of new foods since studying abroad and I am very thankful for this.

The next part of the event involved a show put on by the students and other community members. There were several traditional-style dances put on, drumming on instruments specifically from India, songs sung, and a fashion show.

The dances were incredible. The dancers looked like they were having so much fun up there! In one instance, an elementary school girl went up to perform a dance and she immediately turned from looking like a shy little girl into a dancing machine! It was incredible. The music was so upbeat and I decided that I needed to get some for my iPod. It was great hearing some of the students sing some of these songs as well. They all had such beautiful voices and although I couldn't understand the words, I could feel the emotion.

The fashion show was at the end of the show and it was great. First, all of the little kids came out in their garb. They were adorable. The college students followed them. All of the participants just looked like they were having so much fun and enjoying themselves. It was great to see this. The participants really cared about what they were putting on to the community. All of the clothes were beautiful, made of bright colored fabrics and covered in sequence and intricate beading.

I left UTSAV feeling inspired. I definitely want to try to start going to more activities like this on campus and in the community. It is a great way to taste another culture, as well as a great way to become more involved in the community.