BYU students gathered in the Tanner Building for naan bread, henna and a taste of Indian culture during the BYU Indian New Year celebration, hosted by the Whitmore Global Management Center on March 26.
The event was organized by International Program Coordinator Veronica Stoltz. She explained that the aim of the event was to introduce students to Indian culture and encourage interest in international experiences, like study abroads and exchange programs.
"Our hope is to help students have an opportunity to be exposed to different cultures and traditions and holidays," Stoltz said.
Stoltz explained that these events are meant to break down barriers and make global experiences feel more accessible for students at BYU.
"It just sparks conversations," she said. "Those [henna designs] will last a good seven to ten days and in that time period they’ll have a lot of people ask about it. It’s a conversation piece that helps melt off some of the apprehension that maybe we have about other cultures and traditions," Stoltz said.
Students waited in long lines for naan bread from Swad Cabin and free henna by Fantastic Face Painting of Utah. Elsa Bottger, a student studying pre-business, said she came to the event because of her love for Indian culture.
"I grew up in California, surrounded by a lot of Indian culture in school. It’s something I’ve missed since coming to Utah," Bottger said.
In addition to introducing students to other cultures, one goal for these events is to raise awareness about exchange and study abroad programs run by the business school. Stoltz shared how exchanges are less known but offer great value for students.
Ellie Lowry, a student office administrator in the Whitmore Global Business Center, shared how she recently returned from one of those exchange programs.
"I went with my husband and we lived in Germany for a whole semester," Lowry said.
"We're both business majors and so through the center, we were able to go on an exchange. I feel like nobody knows about it, and even at these events, it gets people to think about international travel," Lowry said.
She shared how a barrier some students may feel to going on an exchange is due to finances.
"People are like, 'I can’t afford it,' but there are ways to help. There’s financing and support," Lowry said. "I’m living proof that you can be a broke student and still go out and have fun and have these amazing experiences."
Jonathan Wood, managing director of the Whitmore Global Business Center, said while it's hard to track exact numbers, there's been a noticeable increase in student interest through the events they hold.
"I believe what we're seeing is a general growing interest in all things international," Wood said. "Whether students end up studying abroad, doing an exchange, or simply talking to someone from another background, these experiences open the door to greater empathy, understanding and connection."
As students left with naan bread in one hand and henna drying on the other, Stoltz hoped that the event left a lasting impression on each student, both culturally and personally.
"The best way to learn is through experience," she said. "That’s what we’re trying to create here."