News By: Narmatha Devi
Photos By: Fahda Tasnim
The Global Buddies Club UUM (GBC) organized a vibrant event, “Festival of Lights: Deepavali Delights” on 21st November 2023 at the SAC Hall, UUM. The event saw a total of 55 participants, including 21 international students and our advisor, Dr. Norliza Binti Katuk, who also represented the Centre of International Affairs & Cooperation (CIAC).
Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a significant festival in Hinduism, and it's often referred to as the “Festival of Lights". The name comes from the Sanskrit word "Deepavali", which means "row of lights". The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The festival was filled with color and creativity, with activities such as “Rangoli” art execution and decorating tealight creatively. These activities allowed participants to immerse themselves in the traditions associated with Deepavali.
The program aimed to create an immersive experience where students from various nationalities, GBC members, and CIAC representations could come together to learn, celebrate, and appreciate the traditions associated with Deepavali. The objective was to promote cultural exchange, inclusivity, education, community building, diversity, interpersonal skills, and global citizenship, making it a valuable and enriching experience for all students.
Universities and educational institutions often have a diverse student population. When GBC and CIAC organize multicultural events like Deepavali celebrations,it emphasizes the institution’s commitment to diversity and creating a welcoming environment for all students. Students can immerse themselves in the colorful world of “rangoli” and create their own tealight holder.
The benefits that international students, GBC members, and CIAC staff gained from this program is cultural exchange where participants had the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the traditions and customs associated with Deepavali. Besides, international students and other participants learned about the significance of Deepavali and its associated traditions, enhancing their cultural knowledge.
The event brought together students and staff from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of community, and enhancing their interpersonal skills. Moreover, by participating in the event, students and staff demonstrated their respect for cultural diversity, a key aspect of global citizenship.
Overall, Deepavali is important because it emphasizes the triumph of positive forces and provides an opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of celebration and unity.
The “Festival of Lights: Deepavali Delights” was a resounding success, bringing together the UUM community in a vibrant celebration of culture and diversity.