A vibrant cultural space featuring a variety of artistic activities, including Henna painting, Bollywood dances, and historical stories brought to life through cinema, attracted the enthusiastic participation of more than 300 Vietnamese and international students studying at Ho Chi Minh City Open University.
In celebration of the 80th Independence Day of the Republic of India (August 15, 1947 – August 15, 2026), on the evening of August 12, 2026, Hall 602 at 97 Vo Van Tan Campus of Ho Chi Minh City Open University was transformed into a vibrant space of cultural exchange, offering students opportunities to experience Indian culture, connect with one another, and embrace the spirit of international integration.
Attending the event from Ho Chi Minh City Open University were Dr. Do Sa Ky – Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Vice-President; Mr. Tran Van Tri – Deputy Head, in charge of the Department of Student Affairs and Communications; Mr. Ho Thanh Son – Deputy Head of the Department of Student Affairs and Communications; along with representatives from the University’s units.
Among the distinguished guests was Mr. Sourabh Kemparaju – Consul of the Republic of India in Ho Chi Minh City, together with other honored guests. In particular, the participation of a large number of Vietnamese and international students created a youthful and welcoming atmosphere where differences in language and culture were bridged through art and shared experiences.
Culture – A Bridge Connecting People and Nations
Speaking at the event, Dr. Do Sa Ky – Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Vice-President of Ho Chi Minh City Open University, extended his congratulations to the country and people of India on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of its Independence Day. He also emphasized that the longstanding friendship between Viet Nam and India has been built on a foundation of trust, respect, and cooperation, and has continued to develop across various fields, particularly education, science, technology, and cultural exchange.
According to Dr. Do Sa Ky, higher education is not only about imparting knowledge but also serves as a bridge connecting people, cultures, and nations. With its orientation toward openness, international integration, and learner-centered education, Ho Chi Minh City Open University consistently places importance on expanding international cooperation, fostering a multicultural learning environment, and providing students with opportunities to engage with and experience diverse cultures.
“A good education not only helps learners know more, but also enables them to gain a deeper understanding of people, cultures, and the world”. This message shared by the University’s representative also reflected the spirit that ran throughout the event.
Through these cultural experiences, the University hopes that every student will not merely be an observer, but will actively engage, share, and connect with others. An experience can become a cherished memory, an encounter can mark the beginning of a friendship, and the connections formed among young people can contribute to building lasting bridges of friendship between Viet Nam and India.
Experiencing Indian culture through Henna and Bollywood Dance
At the event, students had the opportunity to experience Henna painting firsthand, a distinctive cultural art form closely associated with daily life and festive occasions in India. The graceful lines and intricate patterns gradually taking shape on their hands attracted enthusiastic participation from both Vietnamese and international students.
More than simply an experiential activity, Henna became a way for young people to connect more closely with another culture, not through textbooks or lectures, but through direct observation, interaction, and personal experience.
The atmosphere in Hall 602 became even more vibrant with the Bollywood Dance exchange. The distinctive melodies of Indian cinema and lively dance movements quickly brought students closer together, blurring the boundaries between performers and participants.
Alongside these activities, artistic performances featuring the cultural colors of Viet Nam and India contributed to creating a dynamic space for cultural exchange. Music, dance, and applause became a “common language” through which students from different countries could share joy and connect with one another.
Cinema brings students closer to Indian history and culture
Following the lively cultural exchange activities, the atmosphere became more reflective with a screening of the film Padmaavat. The film introduced the audience to a distinctive historical and cultural setting of India through the story of Rani Padmavati, highlighting values such as honor, dignity, courage, and the spirit of defending one’s homeland.
Through the language of cinema, stories of history and culture became more accessible to young audiences. For students, this was more than simply a film screening; it was also an opportunity to approach another culture from multiple perspectives, ranging from costumes, music, and architecture to the spiritual and cultural values portrayed in the film.
Beyond cultural exchange, the event also reflected Ho Chi Minh City Open University’s commitment to advancing internationalization and strengthening educational connections with India.
At the event, the University’s representative expressed the hope of welcoming an increasing number of Indian students to study in Viet Nam in the coming years. Ho Chi Minh City Open University currently offers various support policies for international students, including tuition scholarships covering 100%, 75%, and 50% of tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs; 100% tuition scholarships for Vietnamese language courses; as well as living allowance support for eligible students.
These policies contribute to realizing the University’s vision of developing an open, multicultural, welcoming, and internationally integrated educational environment, while expanding opportunities for learners from different countries to study, experience, and grow at Ho Chi Minh City Open University.
From Henna patterns drawn on students’ hands and Bollywood dance moves to stories told on the big screen, or simply conversations between friends from different cultural backgrounds, every moment at the event added another vibrant color to the students’ journey of discovery and experience.
The event celebrating the 80th Independence Day of the Republic of India therefore offered more than just a memorable evening of cultural exchange. It also contributed to creating a learning environment where young people can experience to understand more deeply, connect to become closer, and embrace international integration to broaden their own world.
Through the event, Ho Chi Minh City Open University continued to promote the spirit of international integration and cultural exchange, while looking toward broader opportunities for educational cooperation among the University, the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, and Indian partners in the future.
Photos and article: OU Help To Be Helped Club