Fall 2024 India Semester

5-6 PM, MSUB Liberal Arts Building, Room 205

Help us launch the India Semester by participating in a general overview about India, led by Indians in Billings. Discover India's rich and diverse history and culture in this engaging presentation. Embark on a journey through India's vast geography, tracing its historical developments from ancient to modern times. Immerse yourself in the major religions that have shaped the nation's spiritual and political landscape and explore the linguistic diversity that reflects its complex social fabric. Learn about India's achievements and contributions to arts, architecture, science, and its passion for sports.

This event is ideal for anyone interested in understanding the ethos of India.

Mansi Luthra is an international student at MSUB from Punjab state in India. Mansi is in her sophomore year, studying Health Administration and serves as the Vice President of the Multicultural Club on campus. She is known for her amiable nature and perseverance and has been instrumental in the successful execution of India Semester 2024 through her commitment to fostering diversity and her deep understanding of Indian culture.

Andrew Louis is a 28-year-old data analyst living in Billings, MT. He graduated from Rocky Mountain College and is originally from Pondicherry, which is a French town in southern India. Andrew is an avid traveler and skilled in conviviality. He loves being outdoors in breathtaking landscapes. When not outdoors, he enjoys watching art films and experimenting with food, always eager to learn something new.

7 - 10 PM, Babcock Theater
2810 2nd Ave N, Billings

Kadaisi Vivasayi: The Last Farmer (2022) is a Indian Tamil-language drama film by director and producer M. Manikandan. Mayandi, played by Tamil actor Nallandi, is the last active farmer in his remote village in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. His farm work, his fields and livestock are enough for him, and he refuses to sell his land to a property developer. But Maayandi's pleasantly predictable way of life comes to an abrupt end when he is wrongly accused of killing three peacocks - the national bird of India - and burying them on his property.

Kadaisi Vivasayi received widespread critical acclaim, winning Best Feature Film in Tamil and Special Mention for lead role, Nallandi, at the 69th National Film Awards.

Ted Kim, cinema instructor at MSU Billings, will host a short introduction of the film prior to the viewing. Ted has worked in the television and film business in NYC and Los Angeles for more than 20 years as a director, writer and producer.  He most recently worked as a producer in Los Angeles developing TV network dramas for Tokyo Broadcasting System (“TBS”). He holds an M.F.A. in film directing from Columbia University in NYC.

4-5 pm, MSUB Student Union Building, Beartooth Room (2nd floor)

Join this interactive Henna Workshop to experience the 5,000-year-old tradition of henna skin art. Henna, also called mehndi in Urdu and Hindi dialects, includes decorating the skin on a temporary basis with various patterns, designs and colors, such as black, red, gold and white. Henna is used mostly for special occasions in southern regions of Asia, such as Diwali, Teej, Karva Chauth and Navratri. Henna is practiced by both men and women.

Henna is a paste which is applied by using a stick and plastic cone. The darker one wants the color to be, the longer they must keep the henna on their skin. During ancient times, it was used for its cooling properties, especially in the regions of extreme humid climates.

Henna can be applied in various designs and ways, but the two most widely used designs are Mandala and Arabic. It contains medicinal and beauty related properties as well. It is believed that by applying henna, one can attract good fortune and prosperity. Henna is popular in Indian weddings and is applied not only to the bride but to other relatives as well.

This is an interactive event that is also kid friendly event.

4-5 pm, MSUB Liberal Arts Building, Room 206

Block printing is an ancient printing technique that was introduced to India in the 12^th century. This technique is called relief printing because of the utilization of carved substances such as wood, but nowadays it includes using rubber or linoleum as a stamp to transfer the ink or color to either paper or cloth. The patterns can be a single stamp or a collection of distinct prints such as floral, geometric, cultural or characters.

This easy looking technique includes a series of precise and accurate steps. The steps are quite complex and time consuming and require accuracy to ensure that the motifs are perfectly printed and aligned without cracks or disruption. 

The specialty of this technique has expanded beyond India to include countries in Asia, North Africa, Europe and elsewhere to create high quality designer clothes and promote the legacy of artisan craftsmanship.

This is an interactive event that is also kid friendly event.

This Event is FULL! Spaces were limited to the first 30 registrants. If you are no longer able to attend this event, please contact ois@msubillings.edu so we can let someone else take your spot.

7-10 pm, Babcock Theater
2810 2nd Ave N, Billings

RRR (2022) is a Telugu-language epic period action-drama film directed by S. S. Rajamouli. A fearless warrior on a perilous mission comes face-to-face with a steely cop serving British forces in this epic saga set in pre-independent India.

RRR received universal critical acclaim for its direction, screenwriting, cast performances, cinematography, soundtrack, action sequences and VFX. The film was considered one of the ten best films of the year by the National Board of Review, making it only the seventh non-English language film ever to make it to the list. The film became the third Indian film and first Telugu film to receive nominations at the Golden Globe Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film, and won Best Original Song for "Naatu Naatu", making it the first Indian (as well as the first Asian) nominee to win the award.

This film is rated PG-13

Ted Kim, cinema instructor at MSU Billings, will host a short introduction of the film prior to the viewing. Ted has worked in the television and film business in NYC and Los Angeles for more than 20 years as a director, writer and producer.  He most recently worked as a producer in Los Angeles developing TV network dramas for Tokyo Broadcasting System (“TBS”). He holds an M.F.A. in film directing from Columbia University in NYC.

5:30-6:30 pm, Black Dog Coffee House
3115 10th Ave. N

Tea’s integration into Indian culture is deeply intertwined with its colonial history, indigenous practices, and global trade. Although tea consumption was established in China and Southeast Asia, it wasn't until the early 19th century that India began significant tea cultivation. Robert Bruce’s 1823 discovery of wild tea plants in Assam, led the British East India Company to develop tea plantations. By the 1860s, tea plantations spread across Darjeeling and the Nilgiris, bolstered by British incentives but marked by harsh labor conditions.

Following India’s independence in 1947, the government encouraged Indian entrepreneurs to assume control of the tea industry, which made India the world’s second-largest tea producer, contributing over 1.43 million tons annually. The diverse regional flavors, from Darjeeling’s floral notes to Assam’s malty robustness, reflect the country’s varied geography. Today, tea is more than an agricultural product; it is a cultural symbol and an essential part of daily life in India.

Andrew Louis, a 28-year-old data analyst from Pondicherry (a French town in India), is an avid traveler and skilled in conviviality. He has experienced the diverse tea flavors from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, savoring brews at roadside stalls and top-rated restaurants. Andrew loves being outdoors in breathtaking landscapes. When not outdoors, he enjoys watching art films and experimenting with food, always eager to learn something new.

This is an interactive event that is kid friendly for children with adventurous palates.

This Event is FULL! Spaces were limited to the first 40 registrants. If you are no longer able to attend this event, please contact ois@msubillings.edu so we can let someone else take your spot.

4-5 PM, MSUB Library Room 148

The time for this event has changed to 4-5pm to accommodate the Consul General's adjusted travel plans.

Indian Consul General to the United States Prakash Gupta will speak with the Billings community about ongoing India-U.S. relations and other related topics.

Prakash Gupta is a career diplomat from the Indian Foreign Service who has served in various capacities in Beijing, Shanghai, Indian Mission to the United Nations in New York and in Jakarta. His most recent assignment in New Delhi included his stewardship of India’s tenure at the UN Security Council (2021-22) and he was pivotal in piloting the International Day of Yoga Resolution at the United Nations. He was also part of the planning preparations for India’s hosting of the successful G20 Summit in New Delhi.

5-7 PM, MSUB SUB Galcier Room
First Floor - Student Union Building

We are proud to include the important celebration of the Diwali in this year’s Themed Semester and hope that you’ll join us for this vibrant and tasty celebration. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is considered India’s most important festival. Diwali represents a time for friends and family to enjoy quality moments, spiritual blessings, and delicious Indian cuisine.  Diwali is considered the golden day to pray to the Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and to Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu god of prosperity and wisdom.

Indian people wear new traditional clothes, decorate their homes with lights, candles and earthen lamps to bring out light and color. Indians also typically make Rangoli, which is an art design created on floors using sand colors and chalk. In the evening, this festival is celebrated by visiting temples, lighting candles and enjoying homemade delicacies. Families come together with dancing, food, decorations and lively traditions.

At this event, we’ll have live and interactive dancing and music, an assortment of Indian food, Rangoli art, and good company. Due to capacity limitations, please complete the below RSVP so we have a good idea of how many people will be joining this free celebration.

This is an interactive event that is also kid friendly.

This Event is FULL! Spaces were limited to the first 50 registrants. If you are no longer able to attend this event, please contact ois@msubillings.edu so we can let someone else take your spot.This event is co-sponsored by the MSUB Multicultural Club.

4-5 PM, MSUB Liberal Arts Building, Room 205

India, world’s most populous nation and the largest democracy, recently became the fifth largest economy. At present, India’s GDP stands at around three and half trillion dollars. In FY, it expanded by 6.9%. India’s most popular stock index, SENSEX, yielded 20.77% return during the last twelve months. In June this year, Indian sovereign bonds were included in the JP Morgan Government Bond Index – Emerging Market (GBI-EM). Where is India’s economy moving? What are the risks? What are the opportunities? Is India the next China?

Dr. Sougata Das completed his undergraduate in civil engineering. He then worked in the technology sector for three years. Then he went on to do his MBA. After completing his MBA, Das worked in the consulting and financial sectors for four years. He received his PhD in finance from the University of Texas - San Antonio in 2015. He is working at the MSU Billings as an Associate professor of finance since fall 2015. His research includes both corporate finance and financial markets. He is involved services, especially activities related to assessments.

6-7:30 PM, Cisel Theater
MSUB Cisel Hall

Come experience this special, live showcase and performances by Indian natives in Billings. This event will showcase music, dancing, and traditional dress. Indian culture is based on the perception of “Unity in Diversity”, and the Billings community will have the unique opportunity to experience the incredible diversity of India at this cultural showcase. 

India is home to a diverse array of dance forms, coupled with eclectic music and dress, for which each state has its own unique styles. The Indian Cultural Showcase will be an electric and colorful portrayal of culture that you won’t want to miss.

This is an interactive event that is also kid friendly.

7-10 PM, The Babcock Theater
2810 2nd Ave N., Billings

I Have Found It (Kandukondain Kandukondain) (2000) is an Indian Tamil-language adaptation of Jane Austen's 1811 novel "Sense and Sensibility" focusing on two sisters of opposing temperaments.This romantic musical is directed and co-written by Rajiv Menon. Serious elder sister Sowmya falls in love with aspiring film director Manohar. Passionate younger sister Meenakshi is admired from afar by wounded commando Captain Bala, but her young heart is set on Srikanth, a businessman who shares her fondness for poetry. More complications arise when the sisters' grandfather passes away, and they loose their place in the family home.

The film was released to Tamil Nadu audiences in May 2000 and was commercially successful, thus subtitled versions were worldwide.The film won a National Film Award and two 2021 Filmfare Awards South: Best Film and Best Director. Kandukondain Kandukondain has been featured in international film festivals. 

This film is is appropriate for children.

Ted Kim, cinema instructor at MSU Billings, will host a short introduction of the film prior to the viewing. Ted has worked in the television and film business in NYC and Los Angeles for more than 20 years as a director, writer and producer.  He most recently worked as a producer in Los Angeles developing TV network dramas for Tokyo Broadcasting System (“TBS”). He holds an M.F.A. in film directing from Columbia University in NYC.