RADFORD – Radford University senior Andrea Swatski of Dover, Delaware, recently participated in a new specialized program at Gujarat University in India. Swatski, a dance education major graduating this fall, was the first student accepted into the program which combines studies in Indian culture, tradition and philosophy.

Swatski learned of the program while doing an online search for study abroad opportunities in India with emphasis on dance. She says the Gujarat program was the only one she found. Swatski studied for three weeks, beginning in June and continuing through  mid-July.  She says, “I was the only one studying for the three-week course but I didn’t know that until I got there. There were about 44 students all together, including students from Egypt, Sudan, Iran and Iraq.”

The program offers courses ranging from dance to business for non-resident Indians and people of other ethnic backgrounds. Classes are from three weeks to six months and studies in Gandhian philosophy are a strong emphasis.

“Gandhian philosophy seemed to be the heart of the culture. What Gandhi did for the country, and how he did it, is important to the country’s history and how people relate to one another,” Swatski says. “His contributions and example were reasons that this course was mandatory. My instructor told me that to learn about India, you must learn about Gandhi and his philosophy.”

Since there were no written tests, Swatski wrote several papers, performed Bharatanatyam and Folk dance and gave a brief speech in Hindi. “On the day after the dance presentation, I cooked the Vice Chancellor lunch and that was my examination for Indian cuisine,” she says.

Due to time constraints, she took one sight-seeing trip to Agra and Delhi. She and Gujarat faculty member Arvind Ghosalkar visited Gandhi’s memorial, Red Fort, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Her professor explained the history of each site and she says it was the best history class she has experienced.

Swatski says her trip made a great impact on her life. “My folk dance teacher Punita Contractor told me that before her husband died, she was very ‘go, go, go and always rushing’ but his death made her realize the important of enjoying and savoring each moment of life that you are given. I made it a point to relax, be flexible and enjoy all the craziness that we have in life. Her words helped me when things got a little hectic or overwhelming and the words still go through my mind here at home.”

Swatski said her studies helped her realize the importance of dedication and to love whatever she chooses to do in life. She says, “Whether it’s dance or working one-on-one with people, there has to be a genuine desire that motivates you.”

Though she plans a career in dance or working with a non-profit organization, Swatski knows that neither may be her destiny. “I honestly don’t know. I want to do something that I love and do something for others. I’ve been tossing around the idea of going on to graduate school and studying Asian culture and language studies. Right now, anything can happen.”

Gujarat University, with a student enrollment of more than 224,000, is considered one of the most versatile higher education institutions in India, with campuses across the state of Gujarat. It is best known for its medical, engineering and technology, pharmacy, commerce and management colleges.

IN THE PHOTO: An examination on Indian cuisine was part of Swatski’s requirements for completion of her studies at Gujarat University. Her first dish was Paratha, made with the assistance of her host Aishvarya Shah.