Reyka Lycklama à Nijeholt, Program Manager & VU India Coordinator, emphasized the importance of internationalization and informed the attendees about the VU India (Science) Network and the collaboration with India.
Amu Shrestha, Diversity Officer Campus & Community, highlighted the importance of celebrating the diverse community at VU Amsterdam and of celebrating Diwali, which is celebrated in many countries around the world, here at the university. She also gave some insight into her personal life by showing how she celebrated Diwali at her home in the Netherlands and how Diwali is celebrated in Nepal, the country where she lived the first 10 years of her life.
The evening ended with Indian music and dancing, and everyone could light a diya and take one home as a memory. The event both celebrated the cultural diversity at VU Amsterdam and fostered cross-cultural understanding and strengthened the sense of community among students and staff.
What is Bridging?
Bridging encourages diverse student associations to collaborate and organize activities for the VU community. The goal of this program is to stimulate dialogue, understanding and knowledge between the diverse student groups at the university. This contributes to student engagement, bonding and togetherness between the diverse groups of students, which has a positive effect on student well-being. Activities are being organized by students, for students.