Mysuru: Students from over 58 countries displayed their culture through dance and music performances at the International Students Day celebrations organised by the Federation of International Students Association, Mysuru (FISA-M), International Centre of the University of Mysore (UoM), at  Senate Bhavan in Manasagangothri last evening.

Audience got an opportunity to witness cultures of countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Yemen, China, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Tibet, Namibia, Iran, Kenya and Uzbekistan. Through various performances, students also displayed unity in diversity among them.

Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar, VC, University of Mysore (UoM), who spoke after inaugurating, said “Emelife Stella Chinelo from Nigeria won 20 Gold Medals and five cash awards in M.Sc Chemistry which was not only the highest in the 99th Convocation but also in the history of the century-old University. When Higher Education Minister got to know about her feat, he expressed his willingness to felicitate her. But when I called her, she was already in her flight back home. Definitely, in the days to come, we will call her and felicitate her on behalf of the Government. I request all foreign students to do well and be an Ambassador of the UoM.”

He assured all kind of assistance to the foreign students during their stay in Mysuru. “We have more than 700 students from 58 countries pursuing various courses  in the University. Among the 700 students, 80 are from Afghanistan, which is the highest followed by Yemen and China with 70 and 40 students respectively. In the days to come, we will try to attract more number of foreign students,” he added.

Foreign students not only from Mysuru, but also from Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Pune attended the celebrations.

Dr. David A. Shapiro, US-India Fulbright Fellow, Cascadia Community College, Bothell, WA, was the chief guest. Prof. Lingaraja Gandhi, Registrar, UoM, P. Venugopal, Regional Director, ICCR, Bengaluru, Prof. M. Mahadevappa, Finance Officer, UoM, Prof. K.M. Mahadevan, Registrar (Evaluation), UoM and Prof. G.R. Janardhana, Director, International Centre, UoM, were the guests of honour.