MAG: Multi-Cultural Dinner
Staff Writer: Yesenia Sanchez
Editor-in-Chief: Lesli Molina
Photographer: Claudio Rispoli
If you have yet to attend the annual multicultural dinner, it is a must! This year, Lycourier had the pleasure of attending the dinner. The theme was “Blooming into Our Cultures,” the Keiper Recreation Center was decorated beautifully with blossom flowers.
The dinner began with a drumming performance with Professor Urie. Afterwards, MAG’s President gave a speech stating how happy and excited he was to be able to host the event after two years. Afterward, Black Student Union did a dance performance which was a combination of jazz, hip-hop, modern dance, contemporary, and West African dances. A short break was given to allow attendees to get food and refreshments. Dinner consisted of a variety of dishes to try from that were delicious. A couple dishes included: Lumpia - Filipino spring rolls, Mauritian Chicken Curry, Spaghetti Verde - Mexican Dish, Mochi - Japanese dessert and more. Shortly afterwards, the Fashion show took place, it was amazing to see the different styles of clothing from each culture. The following cultures were part of it: Mauritius, Mexico, Vietnam, Peru, Japan, Nepal, Nigeria, China, and Egypt.
A short intermission was given to allow attendees to take pictures and take a look at the exposition that members of MAG had made. The expo’s consisted of Japan, Mexico, Palestine, Nepal, Vietnam, Peru, Colombia, India, Nigeria, and Philippines. Shortly after, Michelle and Milo’s group performed a dance called “Danza de los viejitos” which translates to dance of the elderly. This dance is a traditional folk-dance form Michoacan, Mexico. Overall, the dance consisted of 4 men who asked El Dios Viejo (The Old God) for a good harvest. It was an interesting and amazing performance. Sohini then followed with a short poem called “One day in Spring '' and a short interview. Michelle and Milos group performed once again but this time with a dance called, “Baile de la iguana” (dance of the iguana) which depicts how men try to flirt with women. The last performance of the night was by Tara Wands who sang, “Never Enough” and did an amazing job!
To get a better insight on the dinner, we asked the president of MAG, Maha Soojaysingh, and some attendees a couple of questions.
What is the purpose of the dinner? What did you hope to achieve with it?
President of MAG 23’: The purpose of the Multicultural dinner is to embrace; appreciate and celebrate the diverse community we have at Lycoming College. It is an opportunity for students to showcase their cultures and expose and educate the college campus about it. 2 years ago, the dinner used to be called the "International dinner"; however, it was changed to "Multicultural Dinner" because we found it more fitting with the purpose of what the dinner is trying to achieve, which is to showcase all cultures no matter if it is overseas or not.
Why do you think the multicultural dinner is important?
President 23’: The dinner is important because I think it is a great way of learning and bringing awareness about other cultures by immersing oneself, even if very briefly, into different cultures. The dinner after all is very much like a trip across the world where you get to taste different foods, hear different music, see different attires, dances and performances as well feel engrossed in a completely different atmosphere than what we are used to.
Sohini Mukherjee 22’: It allows students and faculty to know and become familiar with the different cultures on our campus. The dinner is a wonderful way of appreciating all the cultures and allows students to share food, songs, dances, poetry, and literature that are meaningful to them.
Harshita Bandhu 23’: The MAG dinner has always been one of the most momentous events, for it celebrates the diversity at Lyco. It is a time where all cultures come together to recognize and appreciate each other's customs, through performances, food, music, attire, etc.
Umaya Liyanage 22’: It is education through experiences. From the food to the performances and even the fashion show, every aspect of this event is a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and that is why it is important.
If you represented a culture, what culture is it? Is there anything you would like to say about it?
Sohini Mukherjee 22’: I represented the Bengali culture because I am from West Bengal, India. The Indian culture is very spontaneous and vivacious. We love sharing our food and spending time with new individuals and making them a part of our culture. Within Indian culture, each state has its own culture and forms. That is what makes us say, “Unity in diversity.” An essential part of Bengali culture is Bengali literature. Rabindranath Tagore’s songs and poems define our Bengali culture, and I was very pleased to share one of his poems at the dinner.
Harshita Bandhu 23’: I was representing the Mauritian-Hindu culture. It is a major aspect of my roots, and identity. I have been brought up in a household where traditions and ancestral values are of utmost importance. The event was not only a way to feel closer to my customs, but also a great moment to share those beliefs.
Umaya Liyanage 22’: I am Sri Lankan, a culture internationally associated with cricket, a distinct spicy cuisine, an indigenous holistic medicine practice, and exports such as tea and cinnamon.
Why did you choose to attend the dinner? If not your first time, what was your favorite memory?
President 23’: My favorite memory was from last year's dinner when I got to serve food to fellow students in the cafeteria and got to tell them about what the different food was and where it comes from. I think it was a great opportunity to expose the whole campus community to different foods and introduce new and exciting items to the menu.
Sohini Mukherjee 22’: I attended the event because it is one of the rare opportunities, I get to wear my traditional outfit and be my traditional self. Hosting the event gave me immense joy in being able to welcome all the guests and make sure they were entertained and happy throughout the event. My favorite memory would have to be being in my traditional outfit, hosting the dinner, welcoming my guests, and reciting poetry.
Harshita Bandhu 23’: My favorite feature of the event is the unity which is highlighted throughout. It has always been wonderful to see all MAG members working together, in success.
Umaya Liyanage 22’: It was my first time at the Multicultural Dinner and what drew me out was seeing past pictures of the display of beautiful cultures. My favorite memory was the fashion show. It was a strong representation of everyone's identities, both on a cultural and personal level.
Would you encourage others to attend?
Sohini Mukherjee 22’: Absolutely! This event brings an opportunity to explore the different cultures within the Lycoming College community and by doing so appreciate the values that the students from those cultures carry with them.
Harshita Bandhu 23’: I would definitely encourage attendance to the dinner, to help build a stronger community. It is a great learning experience!
Umaya Liyanage 22’: I highly recommend attending to everyone and anyone.
Maha Soojaysingh- President of MAG 2022
‘Danza de los viejitos’
