Alakananada Mookerjee

The Volstroff Ballroom at the University Student Union wore a festive look Saturday as it pulsated to the sights, sounds and flavors of India.

It was the first official day of spring and the last day of the year 2060, as per the Hindu calendar. To greet the arrival of the green-season and to ring in the New Year, the Indian Students’ Association put up a cultural extravaganza: India Night 2004.

Dressed in an elegant, pastel-blue traditional Indian ensemble, South Dakota State University President Peggy Miller lit an Indian-style lamp to mark the opening of the occasion.

Expressing pride in the students who sponsored the evening’s event, Dr. Miller spoke about the power of diversity.

Dr. Allen Branum, Director for Diversity Enhancement and Dr. Karl Schmidt, Director of International Programs, were amongst those who attended the gathering.