South Asian Ambassadors open ADU’s Desi Cultural Week

As part of the Abu Dhabi University’s (ADU) continuing series of cultural weeks, the ADU Desi Club celebrated the ‘Desi Cultural Week’ from 3rd to 7th October.

The Desi Club is a student organization in ADU formed to create a welcoming environment for students of South Asian origin, and promoting the various South Asian cultures in a multi-cultural university that represents over 50 different nationalities.

Ambassadors to the UAE from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh shared the platform as guests of honor at the grand opening of the cultural event on 6th October, which was attended by students, staff and faculty of ADU, and led by the Chairman, His Excellency Ali Bin Harmal Aldahri, Chancellor, Professor Nabil Ibrahim, and College deans.

Unique events and eye catching displays were all part of the Desi Cultural Week’s appeal. The ‘Desi Bazaar’ food sampling corner was sponsored by Zari Zardozi Restaurant, a part of NMC Group, and the ‘Qawali’ musical show was presented by Nizami Bandhu of New Delhi. The graceful ‘Ghoomar’ dance was performed under the leadership of Her Highness Rajmatha Goverdan Kumariji of Udaipur, Rajasthan, and a friendly game of cricket was organized by the Pakistani Youth Club. Also, members of the Desi Club actively participated in performances of the Punjabi ‘Bhangra’ and other traditional dances.

“This cultural week helped me sharpen my leadership skills and made me emerge as a good team player,” said Owais Aamir, President of the Desi Club. The Club’s Vice President, Saim Riyyan Mughal added that “it has been a great opportunity for us to share our culture within our multi-cultural community”. Zayed Al Areefi, an Emirati student, said, “I really enjoyed the Desi Cultural Week as it’s enlightened us about a colourful and respectful civilization”

Cultural diversity being one of Abu Dhabi University’s main strategic goals, the Student Engagement and Development Office (SEDO) is one of the departments that focus on creating development opportunities for the ADU student body through engaging them in social, cultural, and artistic activities to sharpen students’ professional and interpersonal skills.