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TCU 360

Students host fundraiser for earthquake victims

While many of the cities affected by Hurricane Katrina are slowly rebuilding, the Northern regions of India and Pakistan are still suffering from their own natural disaster.Students for Asian Indian Cultural Awareness are hosting Experience India: “A Celebration of the Indian Subcontinent,” which is a fundraiser for the Pakistan Earthquake Relief Fund and the Mother Teresa Charity. The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday in the Student Center Ballroom.

The magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck northern Pakistan on Oct. 8, leaving about 3 million people without a place to call home.

Claudia Vaz, a junior finance major and member of SAICA, said people should attend the event not just to support the relief fund, but to enjoy a night of fun.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn about the Indian culture and support a good cause,” Vaz said. “People can come and taste Indian cuisine from an authentic Indian restaurant.”

The event will involve food and live music provided by a group of Indian students from the University of Texas at Dallas, and a fashion show, Vaz said.

Vaz said SAICA is also asking for the donation of sweaters, coats and blankets to help families deal with the winter temperatures in Pakistan.

Nishant Maller, president of SAICA, said the organization has been putting on fundraisers to support charities annually since 1992.

“We want students to come and learn of the problems caused by the earthquake,” said Maller, a junior biology major.

Greg Trevino, director of Inclusiveness and Intercultural Services, said it is important to expand awareness of all cultures to help make a better society.

“Not too many of our (TCU) students have been around Indian cultures,” Trevino said. “Plus the event was just a lot of fun when I went last year.”

SAICA’s goal to help spread diversity on campus matches the goal of the IIS, Trevino said. SAICA is one of nine organizations sponsored by IIS.

The event is open to all students, faculty and staff and all members of the community. Tickets are $10.

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