Transcendence '04: A Celebration of Culture brought ancient India to Penn State; however, some students are unsure if it brought ancient India into their lives.

The festival was made possible by the collaboration of the Penn State Vedic Society and the national traveling group Festival of India. The event, held Tuesday and yesterday afternoon on the HUB lawn and in Heritage Hall, sought to glorify the diversity of Indian culture and to promote the teachings of the ancient Vedic texts, with a central focus on self-realization.

Through visual exhibits and artistic performances, the cultural event provided information on the application of Vedic knowledge, which says ultimate happiness can be achieved through bodily transcendence.

Some students who attended the event said the festival was a "great" way to provide exposure to a different and diverse culture.

Nicole Le Fur (senior-biotechnology) said the festival highlighted the color and uniqueness of Indian culture. She added that even if it did not apply directly to all students, it was a good way to build a bridge between cultures.

"At least to me, it seems like the Indian population on campus is increasing," she said. "It is important, at the very least, to understand where these students are coming from."

Subrahmanyam Wuppalapati, (graduate-mechanical engineering), said that as an Indian student new to Penn State, the festival provided information relevant to his experience here.

"The concepts of yoga and karma are applicable to all our lives," he said. "Karma basically dictates how you go about making the best decisions possible, and that can play out in daily activities."

However, some students were unsure of how Vedic teachings could directly affect them.

Stacy Burdette (senior-geography) said she did not visit the festival because of her busy schedule and a lack of interest.

"I love going to different cultural events, but this didn't really strike my interest," she said. "I'm not against it, but I wouldn't really partake in it."

Other students, while interested in the culture, said they did not personally connect with the information provided by the festival.

"I dig the culture as opposed to the religion," Phil Mackin (senior-history) said. "I really just came for the food."

Eric Schott (sophomore-electrical engineering) said despite personal feelings, the festival could be a learning experience.

"If you don't agree with what they're saying here, that can give your own beliefs more substance," he said.

Following Tuesday's events, Vedic Society member Aravind Mohanram said the group was "a little disappointed in today's turnout."

"Students may feel uncomfortable because the scene is so unfamiliar to them," Mohanram added. "We are teaching Eastern concepts, but have Western individuals immersed in this culture; it can be confusing."

He said the festival attracted more people yesterday afternoon, "probably because they feel more comfortable today."

Padmaja Vittal, Vedic Society vice president, said one of the main objectives was to not only give Penn State students a glimpse of Indian culture, but to show how the Vedic teachings can apply to their daily lives.

"Vedic literature is very rich in practical ways about going through life," she said. "There is a great deal of knowledge in the Vedas, and we hope to show it is a fairly simple practice that students can apply in their lives day to day."