More than 400 students celebrated the triumph of good over bad at last month’s Diwali celebration at the Student Union Library Building in Hammond.
The event, hosted by the Indian Student Association of Purdue, attracted a cross-section of students. It featured a program filled with traditional performances, modern dance numbers and an authentic Indian buffet. 

“Even though we can’t light firecrackers here like back home, this event lets us embrace our culture and share it with everyone,” said Vinay Teja, a graduate student in Computer Information Technology and the treasurer of ISAP. 

For many students, the event was a reminder of home. 

 “This event felt like home to me and it reminded me of the way we celebrate the festival in India,” said Monish Mallikarjun Gasikanti, a sophomore in Computer Science. “Celebrating Diwali here made me feel connected despite being far from home.”

Het Ajitkumar Modi, a junior majoring in Business Analytics Information, agreed.

“Even though I’ve lived in the U.S. for most of my life, events like this connect me back to my roots,” he said. “It’s moments like these that help me celebrate my heritage.”

 
The event featured a variety of cultural performances, including classical and western dances, music and a vibrant fashion walk. Performances weren’t just for entertainment. They also served as a platform for students to express themselves. 

“The event is all about showcasing talent and embracing our culture,” said Vikram Guttapalli, a third-semester student in Computer Information Technology and the president of ISAP.

 
The event’s inclusivity was a point of pride for the organizers. 

“Even though this is an Indian festival, it’s not just for Indian students,” said Teja. “We welcome everyone to experience our culture, and it was great to see so many students from different backgrounds joining in.”

One such attendee was Chihiro Yoshida, a junior in Computer Graphic Technology from Japan. 

“This was my first time experiencing Diwali, and it was so colorful,” she said. “I enjoyed all the different performances, and the food was really nice.”