Seattle University Partners with Indian Consulate for Landmark Cultural Celebration

Historic India Culture Week Celebrates the Vibrancy of Indian Arts, Cuisine, and Traditions

India is increasingly gaining recognition on the global stage, with its advancements in education, business, information technology, and artificial intelligence capturing the world’s attention and also gaining admiration for its rich cultural legacy, which dates back to 8000 BC, making it one of the oldest and most diverse cultures in the world. Its heritage is now being celebrated on the campus of a U.S. university, offering Americans an opportunity to experience the vibrant and dynamic cultural legacy that has shaped the nation for centuries.

The inaugural India Culture Week will be hosted by Seattle University in partnership with the Indian Consulate, from November 12-14, marking a historic event as the first-ever Indian cultural celebration at a U.S. university campus. The event promises to offer the Seattle community a vibrant, immersive experience of Indian culture, with opportunities to engage with the rich traditions and innovations that define modern India. Presented by the Office of Global Engagement, the Roundglass India Center, and the Consulate General of India–Seattle, the event will showcase contemporary Indian culture across various domains, including food, dance, art, technology, yoga, and wellness.

The week-long celebration will feature a range of activities with some of the key highlights including the unveiling of The India Collection at Lemieux Library—a donation of 100 books by the Indian Consulate covering topics from history and poetry to architecture and politics. A photo exhibit titled "India Through US Eyes", featuring Seattle photographer Tim Durkan and Seattle Magazine columnist Linda Lowry, will also be on display. In addition, the Prashanthi Chitre Institute of Performing Arts will present a dynamic stage performance that highlights India’s cultural richness through song and dance, spanning classical, folk, and regional traditions from across the country. Other events will include an Indian food banquet, a yoga session, and various wellness and arts workshops.

Prominent speakers will include Consul General Prakash Gupta, Seattle University President Eduardo Peñalver, and Prakriti Poddar, among others. President Peñalver expressed the university’s excitement about collaborating with the Consulate General of India and the Roundglass Center. He highlighted that the Seattle community is warmly invited to the campus to explore the diverse cultural offerings planned throughout the week, including Indian cuisine, music, dance, and more. Sital Kalantry, law professor and executive director of the Roundglass India Center, noted that the Center is thrilled to partner with the Indian Consulate to showcase the beauty and diversity of India. She emphasized that it is essential to recognize, celebrate, and respect the diverse religious, cultural, and traditional aspects of Indian culture, which have been an integral part of the nation for centuries.

Consul General Prakash Gupta shared his thoughts on the event, stating that India Culture Week aims to foster a better understanding and appreciation of contemporary India among U.S. students. He expressed particular excitement about launching the event in partnership with Seattle University and looks forward to the public’s engagement with the photo exhibit, cultural dance performances, food festivals, yoga sessions, art workshops, and lecture series focused on India.

In conclusion, this event will showcase the rich cultural diversity of India to international audiences and also strengthen cultural ties between India and the United States which will pave the way for bilateral relations and future collaboration.

Editor’s Note:

The inaugural India Culture Week is the first-ever celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage at a U.S. university. The event will showcase India’s traditions, art, cuisine, and culture, bringing together students, faculty, and the local community to experience and appreciate the diversity of Indian culture. In partnership with the Consulate General of India–Seattle and the Roundglass India Center, this historic event highlights India’s cultural contributions and its growing presence on the global stage. 

Skoobuzz is proud to see the vibrant cultural heritage of India reflected in the eyes of the American people.