Exploring India: A Journey Through Culture, Festivals, and Heritage in the Geography Series at UNHAS
The International Office (IO), Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) recently held its monthly event, the Geography Series (G-Series), featuring India on November 5, 2024. This session was presented by Indian student Gautam Kumar Apurvakant, known as Kumar, who is a recipient of the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) scholarship provided by the Republic of Indonesia. Mr. Kumar began with the traditional Indian greeting, “Namaste,” followed by the Indian national anthem. His presentation took the audience on a comprehensive tour of India, covering topics like history, religion, food, festivals, clothing, cultural heritage, and tourism.
In his historical overview, Mr. Kumar traced India’s journey from the earliest human settlements to the British colonial period, then offered a look at modern-day India. Moving to religion, he highlighted the country’s rich spiritual diversity, noting the presence of Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. When it came to food, Mr. Kumar captivated the audience by describing the variety of Indian cuisine, influenced by both regional traditions and religious customs. He shared examples of popular dishes from different parts of India, showcasing the country’s culinary diversity.
One of the most celebrated aspects of India, Mr. Kumar explained, is its festivals, which include national, religious, and harvest celebrations. He detailed national holidays like Republic Day and Independence Day, as well as religious festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Durga Puja. Mr. Kumar also highlighted harvest festivals such as Makar Sankranti, Bihu, Pongal, Onam, and Baisakhi, each celebrated in different regions across India. His presentation continued with insights into traditional clothing styles, regional dances, and the internationally renowned Bollywood film industry.
To make the presentation more engaging, Mr. Kumar incorporated videos illustrating India’s vibrant culture and famous tourist destinations. The IO expressed heartfelt appreciation to him for his enlightening presentation and wished him success in his studies at the Faculty of Public Health (FKM) UNHAS.
