On October 27, students from the NPUST Indian Student Association celebrated Diwali together with students from Indonesia, Taiwan, St. Lucia, Nepal, Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, Mexico, and Malaysia. The “2022 Indian Diwali Festival” celebration was held at the NPUST Auditorium, with NPUST President Chin-lung Chang, International College Dean Jik-Chang Leong, OIA Dean Vincent Shih, and other senior staff in attendance.

The university representatives kicked off the event together with Indian Association councilor, Omkar Byadgi, and chair, Sagar Pandappa Kalahal. The eventful evening included a history into, lighting ceremony, Indian dance, traditional costume fashion show, food sharing activity, and more.

President Chin-Lung Chang thanked the Indian Student Association for organizing the celebration, saying “through this event, we can learn about different cultures; and Taiwanese and international students can grow together. With a solemn blessing it is my prayer that that the university will be a shining light and our students will all be safe and healthy”.

“Diwali is one of the most important festivals in India”, said Dean Jik-Chang Leong. “It is a time when every family displays lanterns to welcome happiness and light. The Indian Student Association faithfully organized this unique and meaningful event on campus, not only providing Taiwanese students with a chance to learn about the cultural characteristics of other countries, but also allowing NPUST’s Indian students to enjoy the festive atmosphere of their home country.”

At present, there are 14 Indian students, one Indian teacher, and one Nepalese teacher at NPUST— and the event offered them a chance to celebrate India’s biggest annual festival together. Comparable to Chinese New Year celebrations in Taiwan, Dawali is a time for family and friends to reunite. During the festival, lights are used to symbolize knowledge and the “light in people’s hearts”. The light drives away ignorance and darkness, brings people peace of mind, and calls them to look forward to a more prosperous new year. The organizers hope that all teachers and students who participated in the event will be left with good memories to take with them.

NPUST is committed to creating a friendly and multilingual learning environment and providing care for international students, so they can to quickly integrate into their study lives in Taiwan and make the most of every moment.