By Thompson Perry

Vice President of the Indian Student Association Srivathsa Bhattar wants to be clear: diversity is more about attitude than environment.
“I wouldn’t say people have to [embrace diversity], but that it’s their choice,” said Bhattar as he spoke on Saturday night outside the entrance to the Multipurpose Room in the Student Activities Center.
If the attendance to Diwali was any indication, it is a choice that many at the University of Louisville and the surrounding community have decided to make. Less than 90 minutes into the four hour event, tickets were sold out and the Mutipurpose Room was filled to capacity.
“I didn’t really expect so many people,” said U of L graduate Jesse Mertz as she motioned to the winding line of attendees gathering to sample the traditional Indian cuisine available. “The crowd really makes the experience that much better.”
The audience had gathered not only to sample the foreign dishes but also to enjoy a night of dance, song, fellowship and celebration. The ISA was happy to oblige on all counts while still teaching those in attendance about the significance of Diwali in Hindu culture.
“It’s a major holiday,” said Bhattar, comparing it to the Christmas holiday of Christianity. “In India, you will see firecrackers all over the place. The main reason is to welcome back Rama, the reincarnation of Vishnu, from fourteen years in the forest.”
Though the names might be unfamiliar to the average member of the campus community, the themes contained with Diwali are universal and, according to those familiar with the holiday, especially interesting. The event commemorates Rama’s return and the triumph of light over dark with an opportunity for family and friends to spend time together, exchange gifts and share in the joy of Rama’s return.
“The theme is ‘Enlighten Yourself,” said ISA President Sarvagya Bhatnagar. “People ask questions, they are very curious. The reason they came is to gain understanding.”
Bhatnagar, who oversaw his second Diwali event as ISA president, viewed the event as a means to expose the university community to cultural diversity.
Senior psychology major Garrett Key enjoyed the night and gained a greater appreciation of Diwali as well.
“I loved the food, the dress, and the performances,” said Key, who spent the night learning new phrases for the Indian food and dress that were presented
And it’s that kind of basic, simple curiosity that Bhatnagar hoped to incite with this year’s event. Bhatnagar, who has lived in American for less than two years, has celebrated Diwali since his birth in India and  believes that such curiosity is vital in an increasingly globalized world.
“Having understanding of a different, diverse culture is as important as having a good resume,” said Bhatnagar.
And it is his hope that Diwali helped all who attended understand and appreciate the event and culture a little more.
“You leave with a real value,” said Bhatnagar. “[The student admission fee] will be $10 well spent.”