Nilai U students get to experience a dose of the subcontinent during Indian Heritage Festival.
By Nur Hana Samsudin (Intern, Corporate Communications)
“This is something new to me. It is my first time trying this,” smiles Samantha Chipo, a Nilai University (Nilai U) Accounting and Finance degree student who hails from Zimbabwe. She was having her hands decorated with picturesque floral motifs in henna. The henna booth which was a huge hit, especially among the ladies on campus, was part of the Indian Heritage Day. The event was organised by Nilai U’s Indian Cultural Society with the principal aim of celebrating the diversity of Indian culture and to share it with the multicultural student populace on campus.
“This event was designed to promote cultural understanding. With such a cosmopolitan campus, students and staff should make that extra effort to know more about their counterparts who come from so many different parts of the world,” says Rekha Prakash, lecturer-advisor to the Indian Cultural Society. “It was a fun event and great to see so many students from various backgrounds joining in.”
“Organising such events allows students to take pride in their culture and tradition,” says Rekha. “Students learn soft skills that are beyond the class room lesson. These include planning, getting sponsors, interacting with peers and outsiders, developing presentation skills, and showing their artistic talents to all students especially, those from other countries. They also learn negotiation and public relation skills, as they have to interact with sponsors, students from other colleges and also the guests of honor they have invited.”
The event site was also visited by the President of Nilai University, Prof Tengku Dato’ Shamsul Bahrin and the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dato’ Dr Sothi Rachagan. The latter was also the guest of honour for the evening song and dance recital – Vaigasi Nite. A full house turned up to witness students put on a colourful and festive performances in full traditional garb. Also a part of the annual agenda, the Indian Cultural Society presented gifts to the university’s bus drivers and cleaners to thank them for their service.
“The whole activity has been so enjoyable and fun!” beams Samantha, who still sported her henna painting later during the evening performance. She and her peers ensured that they would undoubtedly be a part of this event again next year for more exciting piece of the Indian cultures.
