WOSY (World Organisation of Students and Youth) organized its annual Diwali Milan 2024 event in Hyderabad, creating a vibrant celebration of India’s festival of lights that brought together 450 students from 45 countries. The event was graced by esteemed guests including Osmania University’s Vice-Chancellor M. Kumar as the chief guest, Prof. Shiva Rama Krishna, Director of International Affairs at Osmania University, Shravan Raj, National Secretary of ABVP, and Mohammed Alpha, a Sudanese student and former International Secretary of WOSY.
The event, which took place on November 5 at the Prof. G. Ram Reddy Centre for Distance Education auditorium at Osmania University, brought the festive spirit of Diwali to a diverse and enthusiastic audience with a wide range of cultural performances that celebrated the richness and diversity of Indian customs.
Mohammed Alpha shared his experiences as an international student in India, praising the nation’s warm hospitality, religious tolerance, and the unique inclusivity he found during Indian festivals. “The way India brings people of all backgrounds together, respecting all religions equally, has been a deeply moving experience,” he reflected.
Vice-Chancellor M. Kumar commended the efforts of WOSY and the organizers for creating a welcoming space for international students to connect with Indian culture. He spoke on Osmania University’s various initiatives aimed at supporting foreign students and lauded WOSY’s mission of to foster cross-cultural ties, creating an environment where students from all backgrounds feel connected.
Prof. Shiva Rama Krishna extended his Diwali greetings to the students and expressed his gratitude to the organizers for their dedication. The event saw a large gathering of students from the Middle East, African, and ASEAN nations, all coming together in the spirit of celebration and cultural unity.
Ch. Nikhitha Reddy, International Secretary and National Convenor of WOSY, spoke about the Hyderabad Chapter of WOSY and its commitment to uniting students globally with the motto “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family). Founded in 1985 and headquartered in New Delhi, WOSY now has 20 chapters across India, focusing on cultural exchange and fostering connections among students. Every year, WOSY organises cultural gatherings to create opportunities for international students to connect, meet, and celebrate together.
Speaking with Organiser, Nikhitha Reddy, said, “At WOSY, we believe that the world is one family – a belief rooted in the ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. With this profound notion as our guiding star, we are dedicated to creating a harmonious world where cultural integration flourishes, and a shared sustainable future is built together.”
The event attracted a diverse audience, with nearly all foreign students studying across Hyderabad’s colleges in attendance. The auditorium was alive with excitement as students from varied cultural backgrounds—particularly from the Middle East and African nations—gathered to celebrate Diwali, exchanging warm greetings and embracing the festive spirit together.
The evening concluded with a spirited series of dance and musical performances, spreading Diwali’s message of unity and celebration.
