Seattle University first US campus to host India culture week

From the arts to dance, food to tech, contemporary India will be on display at the first-ever India Culture Week on a US campus, hosted by Seattle University Nov 12-14.

Presented by the Office of Global Engagement, Roundglass India Center and the Consulate General of India–Seattle, the event will feature a host of speakers including Consul General Prakash Gupta, and Seattle University President Eduardo Peñalver.

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India Culture Week will be a vibrant, multi-day celebration of Indian culture, exploring food, dance, art, yoga and wellness and other aspects of contemporary India, according to a media release.

“Seattle University is delighted to collaborate with Consul General Prakash Gupta and the Roundglass Center to host Seattle’s first-ever India Culture Week,” says Peñalver. “We are excited to welcome the wider Seattle community to our campus to experience the food, music and dance as well as the many other cultural offerings planned for the week.”

Sital Kalantry, law professor and executive director of the Roundglass India Center, is thrilled Seattle University will host this showcase.

“The Roundglass India Center is delighted to partner with the Indian consulate to showcase the beauty and diversity of India,” says Kilantry. “It is important to recognize, celebrate and respect the diverse religious, cultural and other traditions that have long existed throughout India.”

Some of the highlights of India Culture Week:

A reveal of “The India Collection” at Lemieux Library—a gift from the Indian Consulate of 100 diverse books on India, from history and poetry to architecture and politics.
India photo exhibit, “India Through US Eyes” with the City of Seattle photographer Tim Durkan and Seattle magazine columnist Linda Lowry.

A dynamic stage performance by the Prashanthi Chitre Institute of Performing Arts, bringing forth the cultural richness of India through song and dance, from classical to folk, North to South and East to West.
An Indian food banquet, yoga session and wellness and arts workshops.

“India Culture Week aims to provide a better understanding and appreciation of contemporary India to U.S. students,” says Gupta. “We are particularly delighted to begin its journey in partnership with Seattle University … and look forward to students and the public enjoying the photo exhibit, cultural dance performances, food festival, yoga sessions, art workshops and lecture series on India.”

Register and get the full schedule of happenings.

Inaugural Celebration, Nov 12, 5:00 – 7:00 pm.

Pigott Building and Campion Ballroom

Join the grand inauguration of Seattle University’s India Culture Week, a special kick-off celebration that includes amazing dance, delicious food, and a contemporary photo exhibit!

Yoga Session, Nov 13,10:00 – 11:00 am.

Eisiminger Fitness Center, Studio 1

Practice with yoga instructor Shephali Agrawal of Art of Living.

Bringing Traditional Indian Philosophies Back into Global Wellness Practices: An Immersive Workshop, Nov 13, 4:30pm – 5:30pm,

Sinegal Center, Oberto Commons

Global Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing at Roundglass, Prakriti Poddar, has worked successfully to make wellness practices informed by Indian philosophies accessible to all globally. In this immersive workshop, she will guide audience members to create their own wellness plan that is tailored for them.

Heritage Arts Workshop

Nov. 14, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation, Oberto Commons

Experience the ancient art of Madhubani painting in this free arts workshop led by Deepti Agrawal of Deepti Designs.