The medical students at IAU this semester took full advantage of their multicultural diversity by celebrating the various ethnicities encompassing their surroundings. The semester was highlighted by great celebrations of the religious groups at IAU. The enlightenment of Diwali, the commemoration of sacrifice in Eid-ul-Adha and the big Multicultural Gala hosted by the SGA. Musical evenings filled with laughter, enjoyment and savoury dishes!
Deepavali is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the world. The day on which Deepavali falls marks the commemoration of several important episodes in the Hindu and Jain religions. “Deepavali” translates into “row of lamps” and indeed rows of small clay oil-filled lamps are lit on this festival to signify the triumph of good over evil. To celebrate this festival, the Hindu Students Association at IAU held a prayer followed by a dinner in a room decorated with lamps, lights and colorful cloth. Deepavali is of special significance to us medical students because it shows us that provided one has strength of character, strength of skill, strength of spirit and strength of will, anything can be achieved.
Eid-ul-Adha is a major Islamic festival that marks the completion of Hajj (pilgrimage) rites in Saudi Arabia, but is also observed by Muslims throughout the world to commemorate the faith of Ibrahim (Abraham). The festival commemorates God\\’s gift of a ram in place of Isma\\’il (Ishmael), whom God had commanded Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice. The Muslim Students Association at IAU organized a spectacular feast to celebrate this occasion. With light Arab Music, beautiful decor, and great company, the evening couldn\\’t get any better. Until the dinner was served that is. Rows of massive amounts of delicious ethnic dishes like Goat Biryani, Butter Chicken, Baba Ghanoush, Bakhlawa and many many more! An evening enjoyed to the fullest!
The Multicultural Gala was a fancy affair. Organized by the SGA at IAU, the evening was full of surprises! There were auctions, comedians, live Karoake and ofcourse music from all the different cultures was played. The highlight of the evening was the celebration of Navratri. Navaratri represents celebration of Goddess Durga, the manifestation of Deity in form of Shakti [Energy or Power]. Students celebrated this occasion by the Gujurati Garba dance. This dance in performed in a circle of many people and the skillful use of sticks (Dandiya) is involved. The Multicultural night was definitely special for everyone.
It was a pleasure to be with wonderful people who filled the void of family and a relief from stressful exams! A semester that will be remembered forever and marks the tolerance and acceptance of difference at IAU!
– Zaira Hassan for the Multicultural Dinner and Eid-ul-Adha and Navneet Setlur for Deepavali.
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