Celebrating Deepavali the AIESEC Way

CELEBRATING DEEPAVALI THE AIESEC WAY
By Hazel Almeida

It was party time at the Banana Leaf Apollo as AIESEC members from all over Singapore gathered to celebrate AIESEC day. There were over 130 people of over 30 different nationalities in attendance. It was the first time that AIESEC Singapore ever held an informal event of such a great magnitude.

I've toldja it's HAPPENING!!
If you missed it, then too bad lor...join us next time k!

Founded in 1948, AIESEC has since evolved into the largest student organization in the world spanning over 800 universities in 95 countries and territories. The main aim of AIESEC aim is to foster leadership qualities in young people by developing them through programs such as International internship programme, learning networks and global conferences where young people can gain exposure to cultural diversity and broaden their worldview.

The event, organized to mark the Indian festival of Deepavali was celebrated in true Indian style. Several of the guests sported Indian attire. The event started with a series of comical, impromptu skits prepared to introduce the guests to the customs behind the auspicious occasion. It was then followed by a dazzling Indian dance display after which the guests were on the floor trying out the fast paced Indian dance steps.

The highlight of the event was a skit based on the Indian custom of arranged marriages. It was a hilarious description of several Indian customs and even how to wear Indian attire. The play had a multicultural touch to it as the star couple were not Indian but Chinese.

Let's dress up the 'groom' and 'bride' the Indian way :)

After a lot more dancing, the guests were treated to a mouthwatering meal with Indian specialties such as Biriyani and Tandoori Chicken. This was then followed by the Deepavali challenge where the guests had to team up into groups of about five and ask as many passersby as possible about what made Deepavali special for them.

It was a day that not only brought AIESECers in touch with each other but it also introduced them to the very rich Indian culture. David Liem, an AIESEC intern from Canada currently working with Adam Khoo Learning Technologies group Pte, who was one of the main organizers of the event, said that the event was organized to bring together the foreign interns and the local AIESECers so that everyone could come together for a truly international experience. He was impressed with the turnout and said, “It was great to see everyone together. I feel this was a great achievement. It inspires me to organize something even better.”

From catwalk, skit, dances to awards...
What else could I ask?

The participants too felt the event was a success as they enjoyed themselves tremendously. Bjoern Orth, from Germany said, “I found the event very interesting. It was good to find out what Deepavali was all about. I got to know a lot more about Indian Culture.”

The event was typical of AIESEC events where everyone has an absolutely fantastic time at the same time gaining something that will help them grow.

After the celebration, it's Brewerkz chilling time.
So happee many NTU @ers were there...
Great to have you guys there ^.*v

See you at our next AIESEC events!!