– Malavika
October 29th arrived, not as an ordinary day on campus but as a celebration of tradition, identity and community. Ethnic Day had come to the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, and students embraced the chance to bring a bit of their culture to campus. From sarees and salwars to dhotis and kurtas, everything added a festive feel to the day, even if some opted for simpler, comfortable attire.
Throughout the day, the department gathered for group photos. The department secretary council collaborated with the Photography Club and worked to capture each batch(HS20 through HS24) and faculty members as they posed together, creating moments of laughter and camaraderie. These photos were more than just snapshots; they represented the bonds within each year and the variety of backgrounds and experiences that make up our department.
By midday, the heat of Chennai had set in, testing everyone’s patience and adding a bit of humor to the day. Some joked about the “trapped inside the drapes,” while others tried to keep their makeup intact in the blazing heat. It felt like an early Diwali celebration, especially with the festival just a couple of days away, adding to the festive vibe of the day.
As evening fell, Ethnic Night kicked off on the UTIL terrace with performances and a DJ session. For a few hours everyone could let go of assignments, deadlines, and the approaching exams, simply enjoying the music and dancing together. Even those who claimed they couldn’t dance found themselves on the dance floor, caught up in the excitement of the moment.
In a place as diverse as IIT Madras, where students come from different regions and traditions, Ethnic Day was a reminder of the unity that can be found within such variety. Beyond academics it’s about learning to celebrate each other’s ethnicity and building a community of mutual respect. Ethnic Day wasn’t just a break in a busy semester but a moment to honor the diverse threads that come together to create a rich, shared experience.
Edited by Oishi Banerjee
Design by Vasuki
Article 19 