Sadie Jones
A&E Editor
Cameron University’s 8th Annual India Night event took place at 6 p.m. on Nov. 8 in the MCC Ballroom.
CU’s Business Department encouraged faculty, staff, students and members of the community to broaden their cultural horizons by coming to the event and experience a bit of India for the evening.
The event offered attendees a variety of attractions. Elite scholar Dr. Sanku S. Rao, gave a presentation; there was the chance to taste authentic Indian cuisine and hear the sounds of traditional Indian music.
The ballroom was set up with enough tables and chairs to accommodate 300 people and was decorated for the event. Each table held a program that listed the schedule of events, a biography of the speaker, musicians and a menu which disclosed what attendees could expect for their dinner that evening.
Cameron University President John McArthur welcomed guests at 6 p.m.
Dr. Ajay Bhargava – Gastroenterologist at Southwestern Medical Center – immediately followed McArthur and introduced Rao as the keynote speaker.
A native of India, Rao received his Medical Degree from Osmania Medical University in Hyderabad, India; he then received his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship from Brooklyn, NY.
Rao spoke to the audience about his experience in helping to improve healthcare in India, informed the crowd of the improvements that have been made to the healthcare system and how the number of citizens of his country who are pursuing medical degrees has increased.
Rao is the president for the USA chapter of the Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, a global network of Indian physicians who work to improve India’s healthcare.
In addition to his involvement in India – Rao is also a mentor for the Oklahoma State Medical Association. The Association helps internal medical graduates gain clinical experience before they apply to residency programs.
Eloise Herbert, a Senior Communication major, enjoyed the evening and the diversity it provided.
“I am the Cameron University Diversity Ambassador,” Herbert said. “I try to patronize different events on Cameron campus – just to soak up different perspectives and cultures – and learn a little bit about everybody.”
In addition to her enjoyment of the diversity presented throughout India Night, Herbert said she found Rao’s presentation informative and interesting.
“The presentation on the Indian medical doctors and their impact and arrival in America was very informative – I learned a lot tonight,” Herbert said. “Its amazing how they came here, made it successful and now they want others to follow.”
At 6:45 p.m., Business Department Chair Dr. Bhattacharya presented Rao with a plaque. Professor of Economics Dr. Syed Ahmed and Assistant Professor of Management Dr. Ankur Nandedkar acknowledged those in the School of Business responsible for planning and organizing the event. Dinner immediately followed.
‘Ajanta Cuisine of India,’ located in Okla. City, provided the meal. Guests experienced an assortment of authentic Indian food and completed their meal with dessert.
A musical performance by Sitarist Indrajit Banerjee and Nitin Mitta, who played the Tabala, captivated the audience with their native sounds and brought the evening to a close.
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