South Asia comes to College of Business Administration

The rich culture from South Asian countries filled the second floor of the College of Business Administration Building through the sounds of music, the smell of traditional dishes, and the vibrant colors of decorations and clothing.  Cultural traditions, holidays, and customs from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were presented to students and faculty as part of the Dean’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion’s (DACODI) first “Regional Focus.”  

Graduate assistant member of DACODI, Maggy Dorian, who also helped organize the event, explains the purpose of these monthly international events.  “These regional events aim to educate students on the culture, heritage, traditions, holidays, and celebrations of the countries represented as well as the business commerce that takes place between that region, the US, and the state of Ohio.   

BGSU international students from the representative Asian countries hosted tables and spoke with attendees about their native cultures such as their traditional foods, their dress, their jewelry, music, art, and home decorations.  

Dorian adds, “Formal student organizations that contributed research and/or time to the event were the India Student Association, Nepal Student Association, and the Global Management and Leadership Society. Moving forward we hope these monthly celebrations will increase awareness and interest of business students in various cultures and business relationships.”  

Achut Silwal, Nepal Student Association President, states how this event cultivated more understanding. “It (the event) provided a platform to learn more about South Asian countries compared to America. It is really helpful to strengthen the relationships between American and international students.”