Long after the dust has settled and the participants retreated safely to their backyard, the Annual International Students’ Day Fete held at Jnana Jyothi Auditorium (Bangalore University) recently will forever remain etched in the recall for its scores. Everything about the event- organization, unheralded exuberance and unbridled joy and expectations of the participantswas there for all to see. And even better was the continuing involvement of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Bangalore University (BU) and its affiliate colleges that made the event such a roaring success.

Speaking at the function, Dr. J.W. Lobo, the director, ICCR welcomed the gathering and highlighted the significance of the day. Soon it was the time for the Guest of Honour, Sri R.M.N. Sahai, Registrar, BU to address the students. He reiterated the commitment of the University to make their stay comfortable.The message was to be repeated by Dr. H.M. Revana Siddaiah, Students’ Welfare and Foreign Students Advisor, BU who promised the long felt need to establish a single window to address university related issues. Obviously, the highlight of the speeches was that of the Guest of Honour, Dr. Joseph. V.G, chairman, GCC who enlivened the gathering by calling upon the students to revel in the wonderful spaces created by the peace loving kannadigas. No where in the world do you find the hosts greeting you by asking you if you have had your meal. So they say “Oota aiytha”.

Such is the concern the people have because for them, the guest is like god- “Athithi Devo Bhava.” It will be nice if you think of changing yourself and adjust to the people instead of trying to change them. “We are here to support you in your academic pursuits.” The same message was carried forward by the DG and IG of Police, Karnataka State, Srinivasan, IPS. “This is your day, so let me also sit back and watch the dances on the stage,” said the officer.

With 80 countries represented and students spread across more than 30 academic disciplines, it showed to
what extent a little handholding can help. As it happens at functions of such magnitude, one would have though that keeping tabs on the vociferous students would not be easy but the Federation of International Student Associations, Bangalore (FISA-B) volunteers did a great job and everyone enjoyed an evening that showcased the growing importance of Bangalore. Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, a research scholar and President of FISA, caught the mood of the evening: “The world is here in Bangalore.”