The Texas Tech India Students Association hosted its annual event and cultural gala Jashnn ’09 Saturday in the Allen Theater at the Student Union Building
Jashnn, which means “celebration,” paid tribute to India’s Independence Day, Aug. 15, 1947, from British rule and also focuses on India-U.S. relations.
The ISA is an approved student association primarily made up of students and scholars from India.
Seshadri Ramkumar, faculty adviser to the ISA, said the organization serves to open cultural doors by showcasing India-U.S. relationships and the strength of the two democracies.
“It’s purpose is to create a platform for students who come from India, 15,000 miles away from home, and help them interact into the community,” he said.
The India Association of West Texas also plays a major role in supporting the ISA, Ramkumar said, and the Tech organization serves as a way to connect the community at large.
Appachi Arunachalam, president of ISA and graduate student, also expressed the value of the organization.
“Having an organization like this influences me,” he said. “We all come here from India. When you come to a foreign land, you face hardships. It’s very hard to adapt.”
The ISA takes up the responsibility of helping new students from India by helping with tasks such as transportation to the grocery store every week.
India has a rapidly-growing economy, Arunachalam said, which creates a possibility for a future of good relations between India and United States.
“This is the right platform to understand another culture,” he said. “It is better to develop friendships on the individual level and grow it into a national level.”
The chief guest of the event, Provost Robert Smith, gave praise to the organization.
Tech has a significant number of students from India, he said, and the organization helps the students acclimate.
Tech supporting the event not only allows the organization to celebrate something important to them, Smith said, but also provides the students the opportunity to learn about cultural diversity.
Jashnn ’09 opened with introductions by Ramkumar followed by brief presentations by Smith and the Director of Environmental and Human Health Ronald Kendall about India’s influence and value to their experiences.
The presentations were followed by a cultural extravaganza complete with numerous dances, a fashion show, and musical performances influenced by India customs and various cultures within the country.
The event concluded with an Indian dinner serving a diverse menu of Indian dishes.
Attributing to the success of the event was not just the 600 people who attended but the presence of non-Indian students and locals who were in attendance.
One of the non-Indian members of ISA, graduate student Leanne Draus from Lubbock, said the organization helps her appreciate that everyone comes from different cultures.
The organization’s continued success was highlighted when it won the Most Improved International Organization of the Year award and has created a growing interest in India among local public schools.
Public schools now are starting to integrate the Indian culture into their teachings, Ramkumar said.
Smith said the meaning behind the paisley print tie he was wearing, given to him by a close Indian friend of his, also was of significance to the event.
“It is a symbol for strength and growth, growth in Tech, growth in peace and honoring in two great democracies,” he said.
Arunachalam said the ISA looks forward to continuing their annual event, opening cultural doors, closing cultural gaps and providing a platform for Indian students to interact with American society.
