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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.

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