India is a country known for its cultural diversity and its mantra of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ and SIMSR values this ideology. Following the path, IBS@SIMSR wanted to do something in the same lines. Hence, IBS@SIMSR came up with the idea to host and welcome the international students at Somaiya Vidyavihar, make them feel at ease, and to celebrate their cultures. Team IBS@SIMSR proposed a layout of the event, International Colloquium wherein various activities for these international students was planned- quiz, game, a musical medley by Mauj@SIMSR, the official music club of SIMSR, a fashion show by the international students showcasing their adoption of the various cultures in India, musical and dance performances by them displaying their talents in these fields.
Team IBS@SIMSR contacted all the 33 international students at Somaiya Vidyavihar and extended an invitation to them. The creative team made the posters and invitation for this event. They also designed T-shirts, which were distributed to the students after the event, along with SIMSR mugs, as a souvenir. The event team came up with the content for the quiz and the game, coordinated with the management of SIMSR, and various colleges under Somaiya Vidyavihar, and made sure that the event was executed smoothly without any hiccups. The social media team created the buzz for the event.
The event was organized on October 31, 2018, at 4 PM in the conference room where the roundtable arrangements were made. All the guests were served a traditional welcome drink. The event started with the welcome note speech by Prof. Pankaj Trivedi of KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research which was followed by keynote Speaker Prof (Dr.) V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Provost of Somaiya Vidyavihar where he shared various initiatives taken and planned by the Management for the International Students.
The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Sudha Vyas, Principal of KJ Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce, Dr. Pradyna Prabhu, Principal of KJ Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, Dr. Manali Londhe, Principal of SK Somaiya College of Arts Science and Commerce, Mr. Aizaz Khan, Director Somaiya Sports Academy, Prof Isaac Jacob, Dr. Satyendra Kumar Upadhyay and Prof (Dr.) Brajesh Bolia. The attendees were shown an informative video of a few International students who shared their experiences after coming to India. After that, we experienced a fantastic performance by some students who performed fashion show depicting various Indian culture and theme.
The Sports Academy of Somaiya Vidyavihar presented a small video covering all the Sports and Games facilities available at Somaiya Vidyavihar. This was followed by a quiz on various cultures, languages, places of International importance and general knowledge for which they were divided into teams. There was one questionnaire game, few music and dance performances by the International students where they presented their own culture. The participants and guests were served multi-cuisine Dinner in the Govinda canteen.
The event was concluded with success which was immensely loved by the guests and participants. The concept of cultural celebration was delivered and portrayed through the tasks and performances. The event helped the students to interact and gel up with others. The opportunity was well utilized by the International students and the SIMSR students as well.
We hope that we can make this an annual event in KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research and make it grander every year.
By:
SWAPNIL GHOSE (PGDM-IB, 2018-20)
MEMBER, IBS@SIMSR