Ratna Geethika, bio-technology major, and Pavani Kallempudi, computer-science major, create an art piece with a mixture of colored sand and salt to wish guests a “happy Diwali.” Photo by The Signal reporter Liliana Marin.
Prior to the event, the ISA team assembled decorations throughout Bayou Atrium II and coordinated an elaborate design for the main stage where the DJ would perform. Photo by The Signal reporter Liliana Marin.
At the entrance point to the festival, a statue of the Indian god, Ganesh, stood as a representation of good fortune and new beginnings. Photo by The Signal reporter Liliana Marin.
Lanterns and brightly colored materials decorated a dimly lit hallway as a symbol of Diwali’s core theme: the power of light which triumphs over darkness. Photo by The Signal reporter Liliana Marin.
A memorial decorated with lights and flowers was displayed in remembrance of Deputy Sandeep Dhalilwal, an Indian American law enforcement officer who was killed while serving the Harris County community. Photo by The Signal reporter Liliana Marin.
Many guests attended this year’s Diwali Festival including UHCL staff, faculty and students, as well as members of the local community. Photo by The Signal reporter Liliana Marin.
Usha Mathew, associate vice president of finance, encouraged the audience to carry spirits of light which is what Diwali is all about. “We have to be radiant, not only during Diwali, but every day,” Mathew said. “We must be kind.” Photo by The Signal reporter Liliana Marin.
Mohammed AbdelGilil, president of the Student Government Association, expressed gratitude to ISA for sharing the Indian culture with the UHCL community. “The Indian Student Association never disappoints with events like these,” AbdelGilil said. “The events educate us and bridge us as a community.” Photo by The Signal reporter Liliana Marin.
Dr. Preeti Jain, faculty advisor of the Indian Student Association, presented the five ISA officers who received DS Lab scholarships, including Darshitha Bikkumalla, Lohit Bhupati, Leela Seshank Alluri, Prashanth Muthuram, and Sadhvi Gurulingaiah Eswara. Photo by The Signal reporter Liliana Marin.
Dancers Srija and Maegha Tipirneni, Vaishnavi Alli and Arya Gangakhedkar from the Anjali Center for Performing Arts present a classical Indian group dance. Photo by The Signal reporter Liliana Marin.
Dance duo Arun Ramesh and Maneesha Jayaraman perform a contemporary Bollywood style dance together. Photo by The Signal reporter Liliana Marin.
UHCL Vice President of Student Affairs Aaron Hart accepts the invitation to dance with Anirveesh Reddy Padamati, one of the event's hosts. Photo by The Signal reporter Liliana Marin.
Ajinkya Pednekar gave an instrumental performance with a style and rhythm that is reminiscent of traditional Indian music. Photo by The Signal reporter Liliana Marin.
Lohit Bhupati, president of ISA, closes with a note of thanks to everyone who made the event a success. Photo by The Signal reporter Liliana Marin.
