Indian students from Bangor University were invited to Cardiff recently for a special event to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, with the Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister of Wales.
Bangor University’s International Student Ambassadors together with Bangor Indian Society members travelled to Cardiff with the International Student Support Office at Bangor University. Nothing could have stopped the enthusiastically eager group going to the Capital of Wales, where a large reception was waiting for them at the Millennium Centre.
The students were able to meet, mingle and even dance with the First Minister of Wales! who dedicated a few words in his speech to acknowledge the importance of the current 2,000 Indian students studying in the UK for the future of this country and for the future relations between Wales and India.
Simran Prasad, Chair of Bangor Indian Society and BSc student in Zoology and Marine Biology, said: “We all really enjoyed the event and everyone made the students feel really welcome.
“It was surreal to meet the First Minister of Wales and hear his views on the importance of multiculturalism. He thanked us for attending the event but more importantly for studying in Wales and providing a unique perspective on culture, integration and ethnic diversity.
“For many of us Indians, Diwali is a tough time away from home, and getting the chance to celebrate Diwali amongst so many different cultures and mindsets truly enhanced the entire experience!”
The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, said: “With the way politics are going nowadays, we need to fight intolerance in every way possible.
“Events like this prove, once more, how Wales is proud of its own language and culture but also works hard to be a welcoming country, celebrating and valuing its diversity.”
