Dr. Are: India is a ‘colorful tapestry’

Kids, dance and colors.

That’s what people can expect when they attend Sunday’s Rhythms of India/Bharat Mela event in the Truhlsen Campus Events Center, said Chandra Are, M.D., associate professor of surgical oncology and president of the India Association of Nebraska.









picture disc.

Chandra Are, M.D.
The event — which is cosponsored by UNMC and the Indian Association of Nebraska — runs from 2 to 10 p.m.

Below Dr. Are tells us more about the event.

What will the atmosphere be like on Sunday?

The term “Mela” means carnival and as such this event will be fun-filled and reflective of the incredible diversity of Indian culture. There will be a lot of kids running around, a lot dancing (traditional and Bollywood), food and very colorful outfits that people have stitched up just for this event. It will be a colorful tapestry, which is exactly what Indian culture is.

Events such as a Indian history contest and cultural presentations will be intermingled with booths about India and Indian culture. There also will be a lot of food. We expect about 600 people will attend. It really will be a lot of fun.

What do you most look forward to about the festival?

I want people to get a notion of what real India is. I think people may be struck to find how diverse and tolerant Indian culture is. Many people don’t realize that there are 22 languages spoke, countless types of cuisines and many religious backgrounds represented in Indian culture. People also are often surprised to learn just how rich and distinguished Indian history is.

Where can people learn more about Bharat Mela?

The best place is probably our blog — bharatmelaatomaha.blogspot.com.