First “Indian Day” at Yonsei On November 2, 200 Indians gathered at Yonsei to participate in the first “Indian Day” held at Yonsei. Graduate students, businessmen, children, homemakers, and other people of all ages and occupations filled the auditorium. Professor Rajkumar Patel (Chemical Engineering, BK 21 Research Faculty) and the Yonsei students from India worked together for the event, which commemorated India’s biggest holiday, Diwali (Festival of Lights). Diwali is a traditional Hindu holiday, which is on the 15th day of the Kartika month (October and November) of the Hindu calendar. The Festival of Lights is the day when the god Rama achieved victory over the god of evil, Ravana, to end his 14-year exile and took the throne as the lord of Avodhva. This signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. Generally, families in India decorate their houses with candles and exchange gifts. The Indian ambassador to Korea Skand Ranjan Tayal (57) was moved by the event. “Diwali stands for the victory of light over darkness and also shows how light drives away ignorance. I am thankful to Yonsei University for helping us hold this event.” Dean Min Kyungchan responded by saying, “In the global era, it is more important than ever to understand and respect other cultures. I hope that today’s event will solidify the relationship between Korea and India.” The event consisted of three parts. Beginning with a song to the gods, various dances including the Bengali Folk Dance were performed. The second part began with the Indian ambassador lighting a candle. Two skits showing the joys and sorrows of Indians living in Korea were also performed. Professor Patel, who played a large role in organizing the event, said, “Currently, there are 40-50 Indian students at Yonsei, and we meet regularly.” Now two years into life in Korea, Professor Patel said that the Indian students at Yonsei seemed to be satisfied with their experiences. “Every year, more and more students are coming to Korea. In India, there are many Korean businessmen and students. In addition to Korea’s developed economy, the media is playing a big role in making Korea widely known in India.”