Students from abroad will help bring a flare of cultural diversity to NIU.

India Night will be a night to celebrate Indian culture that will be hosted by the Indian Students Association tonight Duke Ellington Ballroom at 7 p.m.

Shashank Nalla, president of the Indian Student Association, said those who plan to attend should look forward to a wide variety of Indian festivities.

“This year we are hosting a number of segments including dances and other musical performances from Bollywood,” Nalla said. “We will also be showing a video about different countries’ perceptions of the Indian culture. It’s a good way to create discussion and resolve stereotypes,” Nalla said.

Kartheek Nannuru, graduate student studying electrical engineering came to the United States in the fall of 2007. Nannuru said he has visited his home city Hyderabad in India once since moving to the U.S.

“Indian Culture Night is a great way to meet people and learn more about the history of India and how our country is progressing today,” Nannuru said. “I usually help put the costumes together for the show. Last year I organized the fashion show, and I will be doing the same again this year.”

Nannuru said he hopes to return to India once he completes his graduate degree.

Senior nursing major Jessie Buck said she has had many neighbors of Indian descent, and they are deserving of a night to celebrate culture.

“Their culture just seems to be so welcoming of all people,” Buck said. “What I absolutely love about the Indian culture is the delicious food, interesting dress and great music. Last summer I went to an event in Chicago called ‘Dancing in the Park’ where I learned different Indian dances. It was so much fun!”