Australian university celebrates unique 'Festival of India'

The campus grounds of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) transformed into a "Little India" as the highly-rated Australian university celebrated Festival of India 2017 - a stimulating, event-packed week to celebrate and promote Australia's partnership and friendship with India.

The unique festival, October 23-26, showcases not only the country's rich, cultural offerings but also its ground-breaking developments in innovation, finance, scientific research and economic growth.

The festival week brings to light India's vibrant mix of tradition and transformation. "As the UNSW Sydney campus transforms into a little India, together we will showcase ground-breaking developments in innovation, business and culture along with a few surprises," the university said in a statement.

There are also an 'Inscription of India' stall for henna tattoos, an 'Exam Therapy Stall' "designed to refresh your body, mind and soul through the ancient art of yoga" and stalls showcasing the culinary delights of India.

"UNSW's first Festival of India - 'India Illuminated' is an event-packed week to celebrate Australia's friendship with South Asia's emerging global powerhouse," the statement said.

Growing numbers of Indian students are now enrolling at Australian universities with the country enjoying the distinction of being the third biggest international student destination in the world.

At its peak nearly 28,000 Indian students enrolled for studies in Australia in 2009. After a period of slowdown in enrolments between 2010 and 2015, the numbers are looking up and are beyond its 2009 peak.

Currently, UNSW admits about 360 students from India annually, mainly in its engineering and business schools. The India pitch is part of UNSW's goal to see the numbers go up 10 times by 2025.

Its 50,000-plus students come from 128 countries, making it one of Australia's oldest and most cosmopolitan universities with a unique focus on the scientific, technological and professional disciplines,

--IANS

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