Celebrating South Asian heritage

A special event celebrating South Asian culture was held for staff and students to launch a special South Asian Heritage Week on campus.

Teesside University’s Ethnic and Cultural Diversity focus group organised the South Asian Week celebrations, as South Asian Heritage Month is usually held during the summer months when the campus can be quieter.

Initially taking place on one day, events held on Wednesday 22 November included an Indian classical dance, singing and percussionist performance from Devika Rao and Pratap Ramachandra in the Student Life Building.

Carrom, a traditional Indian board game, was set up and played throughout the day, and concept art student Taejusvin Sashita was involved in the live creation and display of a digital mandala, also in the Student Life Building.

A special discount was offered on all Biryani dishes bought from the food outlet in the Library during the full day of celebrations.

Dr Satish Shewhorak, games animation lecturer and vice-chair of the University’s Ethnic and Cultural Diversity focus group, said: “We were overjoyed with the success, turnout and engagement of the celebration of South Asian culture among staff and students. We hope it leads to further events like this.”

Anyone interested in getting involved in the Ethnic and Cultural Diversity focus group can find out more by contacting ECD@tees.ac.uk

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