Symbols & Tradition
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ABOUT ISSUOS:
The Indian Students’ Society is a cultural society at University of Sussex, aiming to bring together people from different parts of South Asia, some of whom have come 9000 miles away from their motherland. The members of the society try their best to create a ‘home away from home’ feeling, especially for those who find it difficult to settle into an alien country in their initial days at University.
These attempts are made via planning, organising and executing various cultural events/ festival celebrations. Through the course of the year, the society puts up different kinds of events that not only cater to Indians, but also to the wider community of sub-continental ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, which includes Sri Lankans, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Nepalese etc.
Events like Diwali, Holi, Bollywood nights, Lewes Bonfire Trip and Movie screenings, are a big hit amongst students. The annual Diwali celebration at Sussex is one of the biggest cultural events held on campus. With close to 400 people attending, the show is always a sell out and something that everyone looks forward to right from the start of the autumn term. Attendees include some University officials as VIP guests (Vice Chancellor, Pro Vice Chancellor, International Support Officer), a guest from the Indian High Commission, Sussex Alumni, local Asian families living in Sussex county and of course, past and present students.
HISTORY of the ISSUOS:
The existence of any kind of Indian community at Sussex traces back to the early 1970's. There was an Indian-Sitar society, an Indo-Pak friendship society, a BollyGood society, a BollyGlee society, etc.
Basically, in one form or another, there has been something since the early '70's in terms of a society with one name or another and the Diwali celebrations predate that, but have existed in many different forms.
Quoting our current International Student Officer Mr John Sanders, “When I first started to work with India, circa 2004 the event was more formal, in the Meeting House with more Pooja speeches and ‘bring a dish’ (which included home cooked Indian food) but no dancing or music. It tended to only be attended by the older PG's and fewer (max 120 people).”
Over the years, the support from the University and Students’ Union AND the love for the festival has grown leaps and bounds. It reflects largely on the way the event has expanded from the small Meeting House to the large Mandela Hall; from 120 mature postgraduates to a mixed crowd of 400 people (VIPs, alumni, families and students).
To quote John’s words, “I think this event serves many purposes admirably and I hope it offers a challenge for the participants and an outlet for lots of creative energies. I am however confident that for as long as Sussex and India exist there will be "Sussex Indians" and a campus celebration of the biggest of the Indian festivals.
