India program teaches students culture, diversity
By Joanie Carpenter
IV Leader Staff
On Thursday, Dec. 1, the first snow fall of the year may have
deterred some students from attending the presentation of the International
Education Program of India, however, those who could make it didn’t seem to mind
the small number in attendance.
The English 1001 and 1002 students’ work was displayed both Wednesday, Nov. 30
and the following Thursday in the fireplace lounge, room B216.
English Composition 1002 student John Wallaert explained that
he soaked up a lot of information at the program.
“This whole experience was pretty intense,” said Wallaert.
“I’ve learned so many different things about one place in such a short period of
time.”
The day’s festivities included Indian clothing, jewelry,
food, scrapbooks and power point presentations created by the students about
India’s many beliefs, sites, and customs. Also shown were, Indian utensils, bags
made by special needs children from Bangalore, and Bindis, which are the dots
found on Indian women’s foreheads.
Bindis symbolize spirituality and God, although they are now
used for fashion as well.
There also was a 50 cent raffle. All proceeds from this
raffle will be used to purchase a book for a student for a composition class
next semester.
“I’m really excited because we get to learn about India,”
said English student, Scott Marshall. “I’ve never really given much thought to
the country or culture and I have been able to learn so much.”
Koshu Jagasia, English instructor, sponsored the event and
donated most of the items used. She, along with her many composition class
students, planned, decorated and ran the entire day’s activities.
Austin Walters, Jeanine Snell, and Stephanie Latty made Mango
ice cream from an Indian recipe they got off the Internet, while Carleigh Damron
brought cookies. William Loza made brownies, and Lita Earls shared a home-made
heart shaped cake decorated in Indian colors and the words, “Thank you Koshu for
a great semester.” Katie Bunt and a friend taught Indian dancing and Amanda
Davis shared some belly dancing techniques while the students of another English
section showed off their yoga postures.
“I’m just so proud of my students and their work,” stated
Jagasia. “I hope that they feel the pride in themselves.”
Students greeted guests, ran the raffle, played power point
presentations the entire time, were in charge of the food table and walked
around ensuring the satisfaction of those in attendance. Some students wore
turbans, while others wore scarves known as dupatta or a sari, which is a 6 yard
long piece of silk.
English 1002 student Kathy Bond, along with daughter Eva and
Professor Jagasia, wore Salwar (pants) and Kmeez (top) with a dupatta.
“Learning about a different place is so cool,” said Michael
West who is an English 1002 student, “especially India with all the different
languages, dialects, and cultures.”
As each guest and student was leaving, they were asked to
fill out a short survey in which comments and suggestions were made. Upon
reviewing the suggestions, one was very well liked; the opportunity to introduce
the presentation to a broader range of students by holding it in the lobby next
time.
Overall, the day was a great success and Jagasia was very
pleased with the outcome.
“A special thank you goes out to everyone who participated in
the day and especially to my students,” added Jagasia.