(November 23, 2004) -- The music turned on and sophomore Bibi Babu broke out into a South Indian dance. The students in Indian club started clapping and whistling, encouraging her on. After the song ended, the crowd asked for one more dance. This time, her sister, freshman Beny Babu joined in and the two showed the club how South Indians rock the house.

Beny and Bibi along with Freshmen Roshni Matthews were among the first to present information about a part of India last Friday for Indian club. Aside from dancing, they brought in pictures and talked about the differences within the country. Bibi even showed the club members how to put on a traditional Indian outfit.

Junior Patrick Atwater summed up the last presentation in one word: “illuminating.” He said that it taught him about the diversity in the country.

“Everyone assumes that Indians speak the same language, follow the same religion and even dress the same way,” said club president junior Sunit Atwal. “However, there are so many different cultures in India and these presentations are showing just that.”

“People think that because I’m Indian, I’m Hindu. Not every Indian is Hindu,” added junior Christina Ahsan. In fact, in the presentation, Matthews pointed out that most South Indians are Christian, like herself.

On Dec. 3, the Indian club is going to hold a debate between Atwal and senior Harish Venkatramanan about Gandhi.

“Gandhi is like Columbus. Everyone thought he was good, but he was quite the opposite,” said Atwal, who is debating against Gandhi.

Venkatramanan, on the other hand, says that he admires Gandhi and considers him a role model.

The debate is going to be held in teacher and club advisor Mardirossian’s room and is open to all students.

After the debate, the club will wrap up the rest of the presentations.