Pakistani students took to The Green on Tuesday, Nov. 1, to spread knowledge and immerse students in their culture.
“Basically, we are exhibiting the culture of Pakistan, and we want people to know what Pakistanis really are,” said Mahrukh Khan, a senior biotechnology major. She is currently participating in a study abroad program from Pakistan.
“We are giving out free food, free henna and free photo frames,” Khan said.
Several items related to Pakistani culture were on display for students passing by. Around the tent were articles of clothing, a flag, maps of Pakistan and poster boards listing facts about the country and its lifestyle.
Henna, Pakistani cuisine and music were some of the things presented for students to enjoy. The traditional music incorporated string instruments and drums, and it was mixed with popular American music by artists like Drake.
Other things like scarves and salwar (or shalwar) kameez — a colorful traditional garment worn by men and women in the Middle East and India — were on display for students to see the variety of customary Pakistani clothing.
“I just think our culture is so rich and so beautiful, and it’s so underrated,” said Saleka Kabir, a junior psychology major. “People can’t distinguish Pakistan from India, so that was our main goal today.”
Many students and a few professors stopped by to try the traditional food and get henna tattoos on their hands and wrists.
“This event is great,” said Diamond Brooks, a freshman business major. “There is a lot of culture, a lot of beautiful women, a lot of beautiful dresses.”
Khan and her friends were inspired to spread awareness and knowledge of their way of life because they did not see or hear much about other Pakistani students at KSU.
“We just realized that there are so many other Pakistanis on campus, and we never really get to get together and do something like this,” Kabir said.
Though they are not affiliated with any on-campus student organizations, Kabir and Khan plan to host more cultural events like this one in the near future.
