Diwali is one of India’s most important annual festivals, and on November 15th (2023) the Indian Student Association brought its celebration to NPUST once again through a wonderful series of Diwali Festival activities. The event was held at the school’s performance hall, where Taiwanese and overseas students from Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia, St. Lucia, Nepal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Eswatini gathered for the excitement. International College Dean J.C. Leong, OIA Education Division Director Chun-Yi Lee, Assistant Professor Omkar Byadgi, and Indian Student Association President Shubhra Singh jointly kicked off the program by sharing their blessings with the students. Diwali carries the significance of “conquering evil with good and driving away darkness with light”. Similar to Chinese New Year, which is celebrated with family and friends, lights are used to symbolize “knowledge” and the “light” in people’s hearts. The symbols are meant to inspire deep feelings of peace and a hope for better fortune in the new year.
International College Dean J.C. Leong said: “Diwali is one of India’s most important local festivals—it’s a time when every household is decorated with lights and colors to welcome happier and brighter times together. This unique and meaningful event can be genuinely presented thanks to the organization of the NPUST Indian Students Association. In addition to helping Taiwanese students understand the cultural characteristics of other countries, the event allows Indian students to enjoy festive experiences from their own country while they are here in Taiwan. It is a time when everyone can be happy together.” OIA Education Division Director Chun-Yi Lee said “the Indian Student Association is an organization that is budding quickly. While studying, they are also working very hard to introduce the beauty of Indian culture to the campus, and helping to make the campus more international. I wish the event a complete success.”
Currently, NPUST has 17 Indian students (including short-term exchange students) and one Indian teacher. Through the coordinated efforts of the Indian Student Association, they carefully organize cultural activities which allow Taiwanese and overseas students to experience traditional Indian customs and authentic traditional Indian foods. This year’s Diwali event also included a fascinating history film viewing, lighting ceremony, traditional costume fashion show, and traditional Indian dances—with stage lighting and sound effects to add to the brilliance. NPUST is committed to creating a friendly learning environment that gives focus to the physical, mental and spiritual balance of its students while providing them with relevant assistance and care. It also organizes foreign cultural festivals and Taiwanese cultural activities to enrich the life experiences of its international students during their time spent in Taiwan.
