Alpha Chapter's Festival of India

Alpha chapter at the University of Houston recently hosted the 19th Festival of India, or FOI for short, from March 31st – April 3rd 2011. FOI is an annual cultural event, rotating between major universities in Texas and bringing in huge crowds. This year we were proud to throw one of the biggest FOI’s to date. Our weekend was highlighted by a talent show, basketball tournament and three after parties. The talent show featured a performance by Penn Masala, a world renowned Hindi a capella group, and was hosted by Dan Nainan, an up and coming comedian. We had 11 acts perform for a prize of $4000, the biggest cash prize in the history of the event. Our basketball tournament hosted 16 teams competing for a $3000 prize, and the after parties were highlighted by performances by local Houston rappers Z-Ro and Slim Thug, on Friday and Saturday respectively.

Overall it was a very successful event that helped us raise money for our chapter while giving students a fun filled weekend. This FOI in particular was very important as it was the first time Delta Epsilon Psi would be hosting it alone, having acquired the rights to it from the Indian Students Association the previous year. We feel this is one of the most important events Delta Epsilon Psi hosts since as a South Asian interest fraternity it is our responsibility to stay intact with our cultural roots, something we all too often forget to do in our lives. This event has been a continuous success due to the fact that for one weekend, college students from various universities can come together to have a great weekend, while at the same time being reminded of the South Asian culture. Though everyone has their differences, this event shows that a common ground is all that is needed to unite people. The Festival of India will be heading into its 20th year, showing that the cultural awareness of students was and will be present in future generations.  I’m sure that FOI will continue to become bigger and better, and will be a success for many years to come.

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Philip Thekkekara
Alpha Chapter