India Republic Day Recognized With Music, Poetry Reading

By Kassidy Menk

On Jan. 28, 2022, the India Center at UCF in collaboration with the Indian Student Association (ISA) hosted a Republic Day celebration. Republic Day in India is a national holiday celebrating the day the Indian Constitution came into effect on Jan. 26, 1950. The event featured a poetry reading by Vidhu Aggarwal, Ph.D., of Rollins College and live music by India Center Affiliate Faculty member Pandit Nandkishor Muley.

Pandit Muley and Ben Tiptonford began the event by playing a short raga, a melodic improvisation showcasing their talent. Aggarwal followed with readings from her poetry books, The Trouble with Humpadori and Daughter Isotope, and illustrated how India’s culture influences her writing. A short Q&A session drew the event to a close.  Students, faculty and staff continued to discuss music and poetry while eating, meeting new people, and celebrating together.

Watch the poetry reading here

Watch the music presentation here