On Oct. 31, Governors State University shone bright in celebration of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, thanks to the International Cultural Organization or ICO. Held at Engbretson Hall, the event was led by the president and vice-president of ICO, Chaitanya Kumar Vepareddygari and Surya Kiran Vuppay respectfully, who aimed to plunge the audience into the cultural celebrations that united students, faculty members, and staff out of respect for the spirit of Diwali and a celebration of diversity.
“This was not a Diwali event, per se, but a get-together conclave to bring people together and create a sense of community and cultural exchange on campus,” said Kumar. “As new leaders, we wanted to make it a memorable one for everybody, letting the students coming from different walks of life get an opportunity to connect, learn, and feel home.”.
Preparations for the event started weeks in advance when ICO began to contact students and faculty members to help on the organizing committee. Together, they were involved in all the details of the event, from budgeting and logistics to decorations and event publicity. The vice-president Surya Kiran Vuppay took responsibilities related to the design of the layout and was in charge of activities organized for the day, which also included a speech regarding what Diwali means. Kumar arranged the finances, helping volunteers around him be cost-effective in their dealings while getting smooth logistics going and publicizing the festival across campus.
On Oct. 30, the ICO had put up a fundraiser at the Hall of Governors with the art of henna, painting nails, and some games to get into the spirit. These pre-event activities help build momentum and raise some additional money to fund the event. Volunteers and board members were involved in decorating Engbretson Hall with vibrant colors and a cozy atmosphere to welcome Diwali.
The gala featured cultural events like henna painting, nail art, singing, and dancing. Various department heads and deans spoke briefly, connecting them with the students and highlighting all that GSU has to offer. “It was gratifying to see our academic leaders join us in celebrating Diwali and encouraging students to avail themselves of all that GSU has to offer,” said the Vice President Surya Kiran Vuppay.
Support by the GovState Indian Club was essential to the event. Event Coordinator Sama Parimala along with GIC members Harish Rayalpati and Faiza Syed provided hands-on assistance with setup including traditional diyas and decorations that augmented the authentic atmosphere of Diwali. To add festivity, members like Harshavardhan Verma and Yamunasrivalli Akki prepared promotional materials for Diwali. Sudha Rani Maroju delivered a very enlightening speech on the cultural significance of the occasion. Anchors at the event, Sai Sindhu Tumukunta and Umadevi Kunduru, working along, kept the program in rhythm and led the whole audience through the program. Rohan Amaradi clicked on with the moments of the day.
Success was proved by the response of the participants, especially the international students who were comforted with the celebration of a very familiar festival so far away from home. Food was traditionally Indian, catered by the local restaurant Siri, becoming a big highlight-one that gave a real taste of Diwali to the GSU community. It will be a good example for both students and faculties who feel privileged to be united in sharing festivities and learning about a culture so rich in tradition and values.
More cultural explosion for understanding, unity, and community than an event itself, the Diwali celebration courtesy of the ICO at GSU is something that Chaitanya Kumar Vepareddygari and the Vice President Surya Kiran Vuppay could very well institutionalize annually and enlarge with each successive year to bring in as many participants as possible. They went on to let those involved know that they also valued the support from their advisors, Andrew Pitts and Alexis Robinson, and the commitment of their volunteers and board members.
Planning other events in the future, the ICO seeks to make the campus one where inclusivity allows cultures to be shared and appreciated. This Diwali event marked the beginning of a new chapter for GSU’s International Cultural Organization-one that promises a bright future filled with shared traditions, cultural growth, and lasting connections.