Entering India by Susan Kotwicki https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired Instructing English Language Learners en-us 2017-10-05 23:30:38 UTC 2025-10-10 16:32:54 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Manbag.png Map of Languages contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/194545983 According to New World Encyclopedia, the Constitution of India recognizes 23 languages, spoken in different parts the country.]]> 2017-10-06 02:52:59 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/194545983 Mehndi Ceremony cc3665 https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/196245106 A pre-wedding tradition in Indian culture, in which a mehndi artist applies the intricate designs to the bride's hands and feet. The designs can often include the name or initials of the groom.

This photograph is used with permission of Soma Chatterji (a mendhi artist) during an event at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.]]> 2017-10-11 23:46:33 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/196245106 Education in India cc3665 https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/197053727 Education is still revered and tied in with financial standing, many Indian parents wish to send their children to private schools. The passage of the Right to Education Act 2009 gave free and compulsory education to children ages 6-14. Unfortunately government and public schools are understaffed, underfunded and have inadequate infrastructure. (https://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/india/family/schooling-education/school-system )

In my interview with Soma Chatterji, she mentions this about the study of the sciences in India, "As a science student in New York City, had Bio in 9th grade, Bio and Chem in 10th, and would be offered physics in 11th or 12th. In the school i went to in India, by the time you were in 7th grade, students were already doing all three core sciences."

]]> 2017-10-14 18:52:11 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/197053727 New Delhi cc3665 https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/198062794 The capital city of India is located in north central part of the country. ]]> 2017-10-18 00:49:50 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/198062794 Mixing American Culture contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/198512010 According to her Facebook artist page, "Raja Kumari ('The daughter of the king’ in Tamil), is an Indian American songwriter, rapper and recording artist." Raised in America, she struggled to come to terms with her Indian culture. Now, she proudly mixes an American hiphop sound with Indian influences. 

In this music video, Raja shares video of her experience in traditional dance in her childhood.Pranitha Jakilinki, interviewed for this cultural project, also dances traditionally in America and raises her two daughters to do the same.]]> 2017-10-19 02:27:04 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/198512010 STEM Education contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/198729386 In 2016, 2.6 million graduated with majors in the STEM field in India.
- Forbes.]]> 2017-10-19 15:37:29 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/198729386 Mathematics in India contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/198739263 "The difficulty of math is such a severe problem throughout India that last month, the Bombay High Court asked educational boards to consider making mathematics optional in Class 10."
- Hindustan Times, 07/2017

Pranitha described mathematics in India as 2-3 years ahead of her classes in the U.S.]]> 2017-10-19 15:54:34 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/198739263 Taj Mahal cc3665 https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/198886890 Regarded as one of the "Wonders of the World", the Taj Mahal stands as a memorial to  Mumtaj Mahal. The structure was built by the famous Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1648, according to Cultural India (http://www.culturalindia.net/monuments/index.html ). 

]]> 2017-10-19 21:56:30 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/198886890 Diwali: The Festival of Lights cc3665 https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199270020 An important festival celebrated in India between October and November. The festival represents the triumph of good over evil and references the story of the battle between the exiled king Rama and the demon king Ravana.

Diwali is a busy shopping time, as various gifts are exchanged between families and friends (gold, as it is though to bring wealth, and new clothes). Families clean the house and decorate it with colorful lights and diyas (candles), gather for a large feast with many Indian sweets and a magnificent fireworks display. ]]> 2017-10-21 14:06:07 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199270020 Holi: The Festival of Colors cc3665 https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199272283 2017-10-21 14:33:13 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199272283 Bollywood contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199309528 Bollywood refers to India's Hindi language films production and is only a part of India's Indywood, or cinema. Most are musicals in nature, with music and dancing, and center in romance.

It is a family tradition for Pranitha's American family to enjoy Bollywood films together on weekends, even though they do not speak Hindi. ]]> 2017-10-22 00:52:43 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199309528 The Bindi contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199310616 [from Sandskrit: Bindu]
Often seen as a red dot between on the forehead on Hindu and Jain women, bindu is considered "the point at which creation begins and may become unity." It is also described as "the sacred symbol of the cosmos in its unmanifested state." 

The area between the eyebrows was considered the third eye chakra, and is present in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The bindi is said to retain energy and help concentration. From Vedic times, men and women wore it to worship one's intellect. 

Modern day, bindis can be worn for decorative purpose without religious affiliation. ]]> 2017-10-22 01:27:10 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199310616 Religions contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199311776 "India is the birthplace of some of the world’s largest religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. As well as these, modern India also has a significant amount of Christians and Muslims. Some rural Indian tribes also have unique religions and beliefs. Each religion’s traditions are recognised and celebrated by Indian people; India has over 60 public holidays a year to commemorate significant days or events in each religion, such as Good Friday for Christian belief and the End of Ramadan for Muslims."
- Intercultural Communication]]> 2017-10-22 02:02:23 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199311776 Reincarnation & Vegetarianism contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199312112 Many believe in reincarnation; that each living thing has a soul, and when it dies its soul will become a new living thing. 

Thus, many Indians are vegetarians. An animal could be an ancestor, passed friend or family member. Eating meat before an Indian may be considered highly disrespectful. ]]> 2017-10-22 02:13:46 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199312112 Different Cuisines contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199312494 Bhubaneswar ]]> 2017-10-22 02:27:31 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199312494 Street Food in Mumbai, India contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199312807 2017-10-22 02:37:31 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199312807 Couple's Vlog in India contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199313645 2017-10-22 03:04:46 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199313645 Traveling Vlog: India contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199313673 2017-10-22 03:05:42 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199313673 29 States & 7 Union Territories contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199367479 2017-10-22 16:39:49 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199367479 A Union of States contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199369011 "India, a union of states, is a Sovereign, Secular, Democratic Republic with a Parliamentary system of Government. The President is the constitutional head of Executive of the Union. In the states, the Governor, as the representative of the President, is the head of Executive. The system of government in states closely resembles that of the Union. There are 29 states and 7 Union territories in the country. Union Territories are administered by the President through an Administrator appointed by him/her. From the largest to the smallest, each State/UT of India has a unique demography, history and culture, dress, festivals, language etc."
- Tribal Cultural Heritage in India Foundation]]> 2017-10-22 16:53:29 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199369011 The President of India 2017 contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199369862 The current president of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind [left], being greeted during Diwali celebrations on October 19, 2017.

"A lawyer, veteran political representative and long-time advocate of egalitarianism and integrity in Indian public life and society, Shri Ram Nath Kovind was born on October 1, 1945, in Paraunkh, near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh...
Before assuming charge of the office of the 14th President of India on July 25, 2017, Shri Kovind served as the 36th Governor of the state of Bihar from August 16, 2015, to June 20, 2017."
- The President of India
]]> 2017-10-22 17:02:15 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199369862 The 12th President contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199371036 The former president of India Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil was the first Indian woman president. Prior to her candidacy, she already held office as the first woman Governor of Rajasthan. Patil held office from July 25, 2007 to July 25, 2012.
- Pratibha Devisingh Patil ]]> 2017-10-22 17:12:55 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199371036 Hear Hindi contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199373842 Learn some Hindi vocabulary.]]> 2017-10-22 17:40:16 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199373842 The Ganges River cc3665 https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199814352 The Ganges is associated as the holy River in Hinduism and has a length of 1,560 miles. It is surrounded by fertile land and a dense population. Cremations occur at the river and its water is used in funeral rites. ]]> 2017-10-24 00:17:06 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199814352 Classroom practices in Indian Education cc3665 https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199817526 Teachers in India are revered, as the idea of the guru is sacred. Children are taught to respect their elders and work together, as community is important in Indian society. Teachers face challenges of large student to teach ratios (as they can teach classes of 40 students), lack of resources and teacher training. 

Amita Gupta speaks about education, classroom practices and Indian ideals. ]]> 2017-10-24 00:42:03 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199817526 Traditional Indian Dance cc3665 https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199826562 Indian dance, much like Indian culture itself, is vibrant and wonderful. There are various types of Indian dance that are used to tell religious stories and are performed as temple dances or for entertainment. The video clip below is performed by an Indian dance group and is from a popular Bollywood movie.]]> 2017-10-24 01:37:01 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/199826562 Hindu Wedding Traditions cc3665 https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/200211996 Indian weddings are unique as they have various rituals, besides the wedding ceremony itself. The vara yatra (Groom's party) arrives at the ceremony amid music, singing and dancing and are greeted by the bride's family and friends. The groom is given a garland or flowers, a tilka (dot on the forehead) and a lighted lamp.
Other traditions include  Ganesh Poojan (invocation to the god Ganesh), and the Kanyadan (where the bride and groom's feet are washed to purify them).
- Hindu Traditional Weddings

Below is a photo from Soma Chatterji's wedding. ]]> 2017-10-24 21:26:48 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/200211996 Getting to Know Pranitha contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/200212904 2017-10-24 21:31:02 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/200212904 Pranitha Jakilinki contactsusanbalog https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/200213091 Interviewed for the project, Pranitha was happy to share about her experiences in India. She is pictured far left, with her two daughters and husband dressed traditionally. The family lives in Florida, where both parents are employed as engineers. ]]> 2017-10-24 21:31:54 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/200213091 Soma Chatterji cc3665 https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/200227085 Interviewed for the project, Soma was very excited when I mentioned I would be doing a study of India's culture. We met during our years attending Albright College and I was excited to touch base with her after all these years. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her husband and is employed at the Carnegie Science Center. Soma is also a mendhi artist and creates beautiful designs for her clients. ]]> 2017-10-24 23:07:39 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/200227085 Catching up with Soma cc3665 https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/200228610 2017-10-24 23:20:04 UTC https://padlet.com/contactsusanbalog/EDUC365_CulturalKnowledge_Paired/wish/200228610