On the evening of November 30, the Activity Center at National Chung Cheng University (CCU) hosted a grand Diwali celebration. Organized by the Indian Student Association and supported by the Taiwan-India Joint Research Center on Artificial Intelligence, the event attracted over a hundred participants, including CCU faculty, students, Indian nationals in Taiwan, and local residents. The celebration centered around the traditional lighting ceremony, showcasing the essence of Indian culture and successfully promoting international cultural exchange.
    
The highlight of the event was the traditional lighting ceremony, where distinguished guests and student representatives jointly lit candles symbolizing light and harmony. The lighting of the candles conveys the spirit of Diwali—light overcoming darkness and spreading hope and blessings—creating a warm and dignified atmosphere.

In her speech, CCU Dean of International Affairs Dr. Victoria Rau stated, “Diwali is one of the most significant traditional festivals in India, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and goodness over evil. This event not only allows us to gain a deeper understanding of Indian culture but also highlights CCU’s efforts in promoting internationalization and cross-cultural exchange. Through such events, our faculty and students can experience the unique charm of different cultures.”

Dr. Pao-Ann Hsiung, Director of the Taiwan-India Joint Research Center on AI, emphasized, “Technology and culture are closely intertwined. Cultural diversity inspires technological innovation, while technology provides a broader platform for cultural understanding and appreciation. The richness and diversity of Indian culture, much like the broad applications of artificial intelligence, is truly inspiring. Supporting this Diwali celebration not only fosters cultural exchange between Taiwan and India but also opens up more opportunities for dialogue between technology and culture.”

Ms. Radhika Bansal, President of the Indian Student Association, expressed her gratitude, “We are deeply honored to celebrate Diwali at CCU and share our culture and traditions with everyone. We especially thank the Office of International Affairs and the Taiwan-India Joint Research Center on AI for their support, which allows us to spread hope and light through this festival and introduce Indian culture to more people.”

After the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a series of vibrant cultural performances, including classical Indian dance, traditional music, and drama. Dancers in exquisite traditional attire performed gracefully, showcasing the artistic beauty of Indian culture, while the music performances, featuring traditional instruments, captivated the audience with their melodies.

The event reached its climax as participants lit sparklers together, lighting up the night sky. The sparklers, symbolizing light and blessings, illuminated the smiles of everyone present, providing a heartwarming conclusion to the celebration.

CCU officials noted that the Diwali celebration not only serves as an important platform for showcasing the university’s internationalization but also promotes multicultural exchange. Moving forward, the university will continue to host similar events, creating more opportunities for cross-cultural interactions and fostering greater understanding and integration within the community.