Criteria Review- Sangam

The Sangam club at the University of Central Florida is one of the school’s most unique associations. Offering anybody the chance to join, the goal of the Indian Student Association here is to spread knowledge of their rich culture and rising world power. To best evaluate the Sangam Indian Student Association for readers everywhere, I attended a few meetings and witnessed Sangams grand event of the year, the Diwali Festival. Known more commonly as the Festival of Lights, it celebrates the triumph of good over evil; and what a fantastic & well lit show it was. For anyone out there looking for a blast of culture to change up the usual norms of the US, the India Student Association would be a perfect suit. The festival began by the former president of India Dr. Abdul Kalam (yes, their president is a doctor/engineer) explaining India’s current stand in world affairs and explained the history behind the festival. The lighting of the show set a perfect atmosphere with dim colorful lights (India’s flag colors) lining the walls of the Pegasus Ballroom and big spotlights caricaturizing the different artists and dancers perform on stage. The ISA stayed true to India’s lavish art heritage and decorative tendencies by making the front stage into the royal presidential chamber of a beautiful palace and stars igniting the background of the whole set. The festival was preceded by a cuisine of native Indian dishes such as pork, rice, and some unfamiliar to me which gave a warm and friendly feeling as the night closed to an end. If you’re looking to join a club to learn new things and experience the human experience beyond the borders of your country (mentally and physically) then Sangam would be the ideal association to be part of because they host Indian celebrations, movies, and even cricket matches. However, if you’re looking for a club that’s more involved with the campus as a whole or for one pertaining to your major or career path (unless of course your major is Sociology or Anthropology), then I would suggest putting your time in a subject that matters more or will benefit you greatly in the future because the ISA only has volunteer opportunities; no chance of internship, political involvement on campus, or scholarship availability unless you’re a citizen of India.