EDWARDSVILLE: The mystery and miracle of India sparked to life in the Meridian Ballroom at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville last week during the India Night 2008 event organized by the Indian Students Association (ISA.) The event started off with a welcome dance by the students of Asha Prem.

There was a candle lighting ceremony followed by an inspiring speech by the Provost, Paul W. Ferguson. It was followed by a speech from the Associate Dean of the School of Engineering Dr Brad Noble. The advisor of the India Student Association Dr Ramana Madupalli then announced the Indian scholarship awards. The director of the international student services Ron Schaufer announced a Leadership Award to Harsh Thota, the ISA President.

The dinner was started with live music on the stage. The fusion between the Indian classical and the western jazz entertained the audiences. Then there was live music by the Vice President of ISA Dennis with Indian filmy songs.After the dinner the performances started off with a folk dance by the students of Asha Prem followed by a refreshing classical dance from the dance school of Smitha Rajan.Students of SIUE showcased a skit portraying the Indian arranged marriage. It was beautifully mixed with dances and humor.

This was followed by a fashion show which was also integrated into the skit as a reception party. Students, Indian and non-Indian, threw aside their usual outfits of jeans and T-shirts for traditional dress from the 28 Indian states.

A few men wore long clothes called dhotis and kurtas and pajamas while the women wore saris.The sold-out event drew nearly 550 people. Tickets sold were 490 but 100 more persons were allowed in after the dinner. The night concluded with a dance floor in the Goshen Lounge. ISA is the largest international student organization on campus with 157 members on its roll.

The association also assists Indian students in their transition from India to the United States and welcomes Indian students at the airport when they first touch American soil. The show was funded by the student activities fees and supported by the staff of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

The show was also sponsored by many Indian businesses around St. Louis and the Indian Student Association offered them the thanks they deserve for their support.