Most students grow up feeling like their parents are from a completely different world. But in our case, as South Asians living in America, they are from a completely different world.
Most of our parents grew up in a small farming village or the bustling streets of Bombay. Both are far away from our daily lives now full of Instant Messenger and fast food. They don't understand us, and we don't understand them. Welcome to our lives. But most of us take these differences in stride. We love "The Simpsons" and Apu and sing along to Additive's new Indian remix "Truth Hurts."
But in bridging that generation gap with our parents, we also celebrate the traditions and customs that our parents grew up with -- through festivals, dance, songs and comedy. This year, Sangam would like to give you a glimpse of our South Asian-American experience at Sangam Nite as we attempt to turn our own conflicting background into and opportunity.
We will fuse the two most significant aspects of our lives -- the culture with which we were raised and the society in which we live -- to create a vibrant, colorful, get-up-in-your-seat-and-dance show. At the same time, you'll give us the opportunity to exhibit our heritage to our friends and the community. Help us bridge the gap between the different ends of the globe and showcase not only UNC's diversity, but more importantly, our unity.
This year, Sangam Nite will be held on two consecutive nights -- Friday and Saturday. The 8 p.m. Friday show is in the Hindu Bhavan Hall in Morrisville. The 7 p.m. Saturday show is in the Great Hall. Tickets are available in the Pit.
Mauli Desai
Senior
International Studies
