India Fest opened with the feel of a bustling marketplace withenergetic organizers and members marking its 16th anniversary atThe University of Memphis last weekend.
"We wanted people to recognize our culture. Indians are not whatthey appear to be," said Saurabh Kumar, Indian Student Associationpresident and exercise sports science graduate student.
Saturday's fair at the Rose Theatre exceeded the organizersexpectations and succeeded by many accounts in bringing diversityto The U of M, organizers and attendees said.
"This is totally new, so we are trying all the food and lookingat all the clothes," said Myra Wilkins, who took her daughter,Mykel Grass, to learn about India.
"I just like to learn about different cultures," Mykel said.
The market-style setup showcased different Indian states with asampling of the clothes and food of the country.
"Usually, we have mostly Indian (participants) and a fewAmericans, but this year I have seen more Americans and others,"said Vani Chitupolu, longtime fair volunteer.
Participants had the same perception of the event.
"We hardly could move, and it gave me a decent opportunity totry Indian food," said Kara Wilber, sophomore education major.
The festivities ended with a show at the Rose Theater showcasingIndian dance and amusement.
One of the reasons for the event was the concern of Indianstudents that their culture is a gray area for the Memphiscommunity.
Armed with the new concept chai cutting -- sharing tea from thesame cup to emphasize brotherhood -- and a new group mission tomore actively integrate Indian culture, the Indian StudentAssociation hopes to bring Indian culture to The U of M, Kumarsaid.
The ISA is working with other minority organizations and clubsto integrate Indians and their culture into events not specificallyrelated to India.
"Chai cutting is symbolic for friendship, so we are bringing thesame concept to Memphis," Kumar said.
