ISA KOREA

Getting Driving Licence in Korea

2012-02-09T17:11:00.000-08:00

To drive in Korea you can use an International Driver's License or, if you are a long-term resident, you can obtain a Korean driver's license - this can be done in one of the two ways described below.

Short-term visitors can use an International Driver's License.

An International Driver’s License is as valid as a Korean driver’s license during the term of its validity. You must also cary your regular driver's license with you if you are using an international driver's license in Korea. However, if you are a long-term resident, you must obtain a Korean driver's license.

Long-term residents can either exchange their driver's license for a Korean one or apply for a local license. If you are given a Korean license by the Korean Driver's License Authority (DLA), your home country license will be held by the DLA and will be returned to you before you depart Korea, on vacation or permanently. Just bring your fixed flight departure itinerary to a DLA office.

EXCHANGING your license for a Korean one is an option if you are from a country that recognise Korean driver’s licenses. Exchanging means just that - you will have to hand in your foreign driver's license in exchange for a Korean one. Your license will be returned to you when you leave the country. If you don't want to give up your license, you can apply for a Korean license. The difference lies mainly in the tests. For both options, you have to undergo a physical exam. However, the exhange option exempts you from the other tests. 

Exchange Rquirements: 

1. You must be from one of the below listed countries.

2. Apply in person at a Driver's License Agency (proxy applications are not accepted). If you don't need to take a test, you can go to the Seoul Global Center. If you are required to take a written test in order to exchange your license, then you must go down to the DLA office to do so. Whether or not you have to take this test depends on your visa status and which citizenship you hold. To find out if you do have to take the test contact 02)2075-4127 and ask for the driver’s license issuing desk.

3. Bring your Alien Registration Card (ARC). Those people who are legal residents but who are not issued an ARC must bring a record of their entries/exits. 

4.Bring 3 photos (3cm x 4cm) 

5. Bring your passport. 

If your license is not from your home country, you must produce an official letter to prove that you resided in the issuing country for more than 90 days. For example, an UK citizens with a Canadian passport, will have to prove that s/he was a resident of Canada for more than 90 days.

6. Bring your foreign driver's license

a. If your driver's license is not in English, you must bring a translated and notarised copy of the license. The translation must inlcude the issed date and validity period of the license.

b. If your driver’s license doesn’t indicate the date on which it was issued, you will have to obtain a certification letter providing that information.

c. The license must be a full and valid license. It cannot be a permit, a temporary, motorcylce, etc. license.

d. An certificate from your embassy is required unless you are from Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland, Spain, UK. (Update March 2010: US drivers now need a notarized embassy certificate to get a license. It is possible to schedule a notorial appointment on-line. The cost of the embassy certificate may be around USD50.00 or the equivalent in won)

7. You will have to undergo an eyesight and hearing (aka physical) test.

8. You will have to pay W17,000 which includes the cost of the physical test and the cost of the license.

Countries That Recognise Korean Driver's Licenses:

Africa: Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Cape Verde, Cote d'lvoire, Republic of the Congo, Demoractic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Republic of South Africa, San Tome and Principle, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Americas: Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Panama, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Uruguay 

Asia:  Afghanistan, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Vietnam 

Europe: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Romania, San Marino, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Switzerland, Spain, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, the United Kingdom 

Middle East: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen 

Getting Back your Driver's License:

To get back your dirver's license you must present yourself at the DLA office.

You must bring your passport and your airline ticket with you (e-tickets are accepted).

OBTAINING a Korean License if you are from a country that does not recognise Korean Driver's Licenses of if you don't want to surrender your driver's license. The procedure is the same for both foreign residents and Koeran nationals.

Requirements:

1. Apply in person at a Driver's License Agency (proxy applications are accepted under certain conditions).

2. You must be 18 years of age or over

3. Bring your Alien Registration Card (ARC). Those people who are legal residents but who are not issued an ARC must bring a record of their entries/exits.

4. Bring your Passport

5. Bring 3 photos (3cm x 4cm)

6. You will have to take a written test and driving tests, as well a physical test and Safety course.

a. Written Test - about 50 or so questions - is available in English, Chinese, French, German, and Japanese. The DLA's have written materials available to help you prepare. The written test costs W23,000 (this includes the cost of the physical)

b. Driving Tests - course driving and real driving - are required.The course test costs W15,000 and the real (road) test costs W21,000.

c. Safety class takes about 3 hours (depends on where you live if there is one available in English or not) and costs W12,000.

Korean driver's licenses are valid for 7 years, except for those 65 or older who must renew every 5 years.

RE-ISSUANCE of a lost/damaged driver’s license is available at any of the 26 driver's license test sites accross the country or at the License Section of aNational Police Station.

Required documents:

For a lost license:

 1. Alien registration card and passport picture for application

2. Picture required when applying for a temporary driver’s license at the police station

3. Alien registration card, passport or public official card required when picking up the license 

For a damaged license:

1. ID card and a passport picture required for application.

2. ID card, passport or public official card required when picking up the license 

3. Fee: W5,000

Notes:

1. You can drive for 20 days on a temporary driver’s license.

2. Whenever you change your address, you should take your driver’s license to the gu office so that the change can be recorded on it as well as on your alien registration car. 

3. Test Sites – English translation is not available at all sites. Try callilng 02-1577-1129. If that doesn't work, go to through 02-1330 (the KTO help line). They will provide some translation for you and possibily identify where there may be English staff.

DRIVER'S LICENSE AGENCY 

Website: www.dla.go.kr  (English, Chinese and Japanese available)  

Main Office:

Switchboard: (02)1577-1120 (recording in Korean - no English speakers)

E-mail: helpdesk@npa.go.kr (if no answer, you may want to follow-up by contacting 02-1330)

Address: 438 Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Volunteers Required for Prime Minister's Visit to Seoul

2012-02-08T22:29:00.000-08:00

Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh will be visiting Seoul around late March 2012, for the Nuclear Security Summit 2012 to be held in Seoul. The Embassy of India (EOI) is looking for Indian volunteers with good Korean language skills to assist PM's delegation.

Details

Date: 24th March ~ 28th March 2012 (tentative)
Eligibility criterion: Good Korean Communication skills
Compensation: 50$ per day (to be confirmed) along with an acknowledgement Certificate from the EOI.
Application: Send your details (Name/Profession/Passport No./Korean Proficiency level/Photo) to satyakorea@gmail.com before 12/02/2012.
*Personal Emails will be sent to the selected candidates.

Thanks!

India Perspectives Feb 2012 issue

2012-02-07T17:12:00.001-08:00

- -

ISA representatives met the New Ambassador of India

2012-02-07T07:08:00.000-08:00

ISA's Chinar Pathak, Anil Kavala and Satyanshu Srivastava met Hon'ble Ambassador of India, Shri Vishnu Prakash at a Reception on the occasion of 63rd Republic Day of India on 27th January 2012 at Seoul Millennium Hilton.

Busan Celebrates Holi

2012-02-07T00:41:00.000-08:00

Registration and Details:-
Click Here

Odisi Performance in Seoul & Busan!

2012-02-06T20:20:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the ‘Year of India’ in Korea & the 63rd Republic Day of India, Indo-Korean Foundation (IKF, www.india.or.kr) in association with Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) in Seoul cordially welcomes you to an Odissi performance by Ms. Kavita Dewibedi.

Time : 7:30 PM
Day & Date : Tuesday, 14 Feb.
Place : Baekam Art Hall ( www.baekamhall.com ) (Line 2 Green line, Samsung Station Ex. No.8)
02-559-1333
Ticket : Free on reservation (first come first base)
Reservation :

Ms. Kavita Dwibedi
Born and brought up in a family of practioners of traditional arts, Kavita Dwibedi is the daughter and disciple of stalwart Odissi maestro Guru Hare Krishna Behera. She has received countless awards for her excellent performances and performed throughout the world. She lives in New Delhi and runs an Odissi Akademi which organizes the highly regarded annual two day festival named Jayadeva Utsav. This will be the first performance in Korea for one who says ‘For me, Dance is a beginning of a spiritual journey.. Dance is like a pooja.. a meditation.. Dance is like a celebration of life.. a gift of God’ www.kavitadwibedi.com

Musicians
PRAFULLA KUMAR MANGARAJ – MARDALA (drum)
UKANTA KUMAR KUNDU - VOCAL
BALRAM CHAND - VIOLIN
JABAHAR MISHRA - FLUTE
YAR MOHAMMAD - SITAR
RAJ KUMAR – TECHNICIAN for light & sound.

We are delighted to be able to organize the celebration of the 63rd anniversary of Republic day of India. On this day in 1950 India formally adopted its Constitution and became a Republic. The annual commemoration of this momentous event is marked by a blend of traditional pomp and modernity. Every year a head of state from a strategic partner is invited to share the spectacle. On the 61st anniversary, the our president Mr. Lee Myeong Bak was the chief guest, signaling the importance of the trade agreement CEPA signed between the two countries.

CEPA has brought tremendous progress in the economic exchange between the two countries. In 2011, the volume of export to India was around USD 20 billion while the volume of imports was around USD 11.2 billion. At this trajectory of growth, the volume of trade is expected to touch USD 50 billion within 2 years. India & Korea are set to become very important economic partners to each other and this kind of partnership will certainly play an important role in bringing in a new, harmonious and more prosperous world.

Indo Korean Foundation organizes various cultural exchanges between the two countries from time to time under the banner of ‘Two Nations, One Shared Joy’ because we believe that such exchanges help the two peoples to understand each other and create a firm foundation for a win-win and long term partnership.

As we enjoy the performance of well known Odissi dancer Ms. Kavita Dwibedi on the occasion of the 63rd Republic Day, we trust that our shared appreciation will bring us closer together and create deep bonds and greater understanding.

This is also an opportunity to extend a hearty welcome to His Excellency Mr. Vishnu Prakash who will chart the course of the friendship between the two nations in the next several years. We would like thank the diplomats & officers of Indian Embassy, Indian Cultural Centre & ICCR without whose help this function would not have been possible.

Thanks and Namaskar ~

GRAND DIWALI WEEKEND @ SNU

2011-09-26T05:52:00.000-07:00

GRAND DIWALI WEEKEND @ SNU

2011-09-26T04:17:00.001-07:00

2011-03-31T01:24:00.000-07:00

ISA@SNU invites you to Join us to cheer for India one big last time in WC 2011. Ye Cup Hamara hai ! Match will be screened live with Indian dinner and beer at Otsal restaurant, Seoul National University stn, exit no. 2.

HOLI-2011

2011-03-03T08:06:00.000-08:00

Click Picture to view in larger size.

ISA@SNU Diwali Blast-2010

2010-10-13T00:50:00.001-07:00

ISA@SNU Core/Sub Committee 2010-11

2010-09-27T00:06:00.000-07:00

A New ISA Core-committee has been formed on 25th Sept. 2010. This core-committee is further divided into five Sub-committees.

The details are :-

Namaste Bollywood!

2010-01-20T03:43:00.000-08:00

The Indian Film Festival

Namaste Bollywood
Indian Film Festival

Time: January 21st (Thursday) ~ January 24th (Sunday)
Venue: Lotte Cinema (Theater no. 9), Konkuk University
(Konkuk University Stn. Line no. 2, exit no. 5; Line no. 7, exit no.4)

A total of 8 Bollywood Movies will be screened.

Program:

Date Show Time Movie
Jan 21st (Thu) 1st 15:00 Om Shanti Om

Jan 22nd (Fri) 1st 11:00 Lage Raho Munna Bhai
Jan 22nd (Fri) 2nd 14:00 Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Jan 22nd (Fri) 3rd 18:00 Dhoom 2

Jan 23rd (Sat) 1st 10:30 Dhoom 2
Jan 23rd (Sat) 2nd 13:30 Dostana
Jan 23rd (Sat) 3rd 16:30 Lage Raho Munna Bhai
Jan 23rd (Sat) 4th 19:30 Ghajini

Jan 24th (Sun) 1st 11:00 Dostana
Jan 24th (Sun) 2nd 14:00 Veer Zaara
Jan 24th (Sun) 3rd 18:00 Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge

*Free tickets on first-come-first-served basis
*Ticket will be distributed at 2nd floor, Lotte cinema (next to ticketing window) 90mins before the start of each movie.

Two Nations One Shared Joy

2010-01-20T03:33:00.000-08:00

Celebrating 60th Republic Day of India!

Diwali Blast 2009!

2009-10-05T10:31:00.001-07:00

Contribution: 12,000 KRW per head for adults and children above 10yrs. Others go free.

If you are planning on attending please confirm your participation by depositing your contribution latest by 18:00 h, October 12, 2009 (Monday!!!) to the following bank account:

Nonghyup Bank: 079-02-895497 (recipient: Srivastava)

ISA@SNU will try reliving those wonderful moments you have had over the years at Diwali by hosting an event in which we shall pay tribute to the festival of lights and join our folks back home in celebrating the extravaganza.

"TALES (Talks And LEcture Series) by Indians @ SNU" Talk 01

2009-09-29T23:26:00.000-07:00

Talk Announcement details:

Title: "Beauty of Sanskrit: Snippets from Indian Science and
Literature"
Speaker: Ramanathan
Venue: 500(503) building, 5th floor seminar room
Time: Oct-02, 2009; 1600 hours (4.00 pm)

Abstract
Our proud and classical language has been in vogue for several
thousand years and has been accredited as one of the ancient
progenitor language in the world. All the official, scientific and
literary wisdom that prevailed in our country in the distant past are
crystallized succinctly in this wonderful language and passed on to us
in their utmost pristine form. In this talk, I will introduce few
exhilarating works of Sanskrit that take any onlooker by awe for its
magnanimity, symmetry and beauty! Thereafter I will introduce the
Indian system of counting and Indian numerals that were used by some
of the great Indian scientists (Aryabhatta, Bhaskaracharya,
Varahmihira and others) who had actually preceded in centuries some of
the western scientists and mathematicians in discovering the nature
(Pythagoras’ theorem, value of pi, calculus etc) and used marvelous
codes to express their findings. The key to decipher these codes is
the wonder of Sanskrit language.

Sincerely
raman

P.S: Please take your seats at 3.55 pm and sharp at 4.00 pm, we will
commence our meeting paying our homage to Mahatma Gandhi by observing
30 second silence. See you all on Friday.

FESTIVAL OF INDIA

2009-09-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

2009 Career Fair for Overseas Students

2009-08-09T09:29:00.000-07:00

Ministry of Knowledge Economy(MKE) and Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology(KIAT) host '2009 Career Fair for Overseas Students' for the 3rd time.

Korean companies and research institutes are looking for global talents in S&T and management. Those who have global experience in Korea or abroad are all welcome to this career fair.

(When) 9.Oct.2009 (Friday) ~ 10.Oct.2009 (Saturday) 10:00~17:00

(Where) COEX conference hall #310~311 (3F)

* There will be 'how-to-prepare-interview-in-Korea' seminars for job seekers. (COEX #304)

[Field of Participation]

S&T related companies and research institutes: IT, BT, Nano, Digital Electronics, Mechanies, Transportation, Material Science, Environment, Enegery

[Application Procedure]

Online Registration -> Review participant lists and Apply for interview -> Walk-in and On-site interview (9.Oct~10.Oct.2009, 2 days)

[Requirements for Job Seeker]

Foreign students in Korea must meet one of the following conditions to get the E-7 visa after employment.

1. 4-year Bachelor's degree from any Korean university (inc. those who will graduate in February 2010)

2. Master's or PhD degree holder

3. If you received a Bachelor's degree abroad, you must have at least 1 year of working experience in the related

field & You have to get one of the following occupations to get the E-7 visa. (Detailed elligibility for E-7

occupations)

http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/en/info/popup/icis/e_7_pop_en.htm

INDIAN FESTIVE EVENT AT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ARTS, SEOUL SATURDAY, 09 MAY 2009

2009-04-27T23:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

The National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea has provided us this opportunity as it is holding an Exhibition on Indian Contemporary Art, supported by the Indian Embassy from April 17 to 07 June 2009. The exhibition itself is unique as it is the first time that 129 Art exhibits from 27 Contemporary Indian Artists is being shown in Seoul. Earlier, the exhibition has received positive acclamation from critiques and public alike in Tokyo where it was exhibited for over a month in March/April 2009. From Seoul, the exhibition is scheduled to move to Vienna, Austria in June 2009. With the permission of the Museum Authorities the Embassy has chosen Saturday, 09 May 2009 for a festive event at the Museum site concurrent with the exhibition display.

The Director of the Museum, Mr. Bae Soon-Hoon has been kind enough to offer a 30% discount on entry ticket of KW 5000/- for every Indian adult visiting the Museum on 09 May, 2009. For children aged 8 to 18 the fees are KW 3000 and below 8 years of age entry is free. On its part, the Indian Embassy intends creating a `mela’ ambience for the Indian community on the premises of the Museum on that date with the support of Annapurna Women’s Welfare Association, Indo-Korean Foundation, Incredible India group and some local Indian entrepreneurs. To that end there will be six stalls at the entrance of the Museum, all with an Indian flavour, comprising Indian food, clothes, herbal products stalls and the like.

While these stalls will be open from 11.30 AM some of you may also like to watch popular Hindi Movie songs to be screened in the Museum Auditorium from 11 AM to 2 PM. In the afternoon we are having a free `Indian Cultural Show’ organized by a Cultural Performance Group of the Indian community and some Korean Artistes between 3.30 PM to 5 PM at the auditorium. We are indebted to these artistes for their voluntary participation. The cultural show will be attended by our Ambassador as well as Director of the Museum Mr. Bae Soon-Hoon and will start at 3.30 PM. In case you would like to see the performances, kindly be seated in the auditorium by 3.20 PM as the auditorium has a limited capacity of 300 people.

All things considered, I feel it will be an excellent and rewarding outing for you and your family on Saturday, 09 May 2009 and it will also give us all a chance to interact as a community at the National Museum. We would also encourage you to bring your Korean friends and families to expose them to a flavour of India in Seoul. For location of the Museum and directions to reach it please see map attached. Do forward this e-mail to other Indians who are known to you in Seoul. The web site of the National Museum is www.moca.go. kr.

전시구분 해외 전시

전시유형 기획전시

전시기간 2009.04.17 - 2009.06.07

전시장소 국립현대미술관 / 국립현대미술관 1, 2 전시실 및 중앙홀

참여작가 인도현대미술 대표작가 27명

작품수 110

주최/후원 주최 : 국립현대미술관

관람료5,000 원

Transportation:
Shuttles between the Museum and Exit 4 of the Seoul Grand Park (blue line 4) Subway Station offered every twenty minutes beginning at 9:40am

The museum is located a 20-minute walk from the subway station.

Tramcar is also available.

KOREAN GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP –2009

2009-04-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

LAST DATE: 30-04-2009

Applications are invited from Indian nationals on plain paper in the format given below for the award of scholarships to Indian students offered by the Government of Republic of Korea, at Master’s level, Ph. D. level. The subjects in which scholarships will be awarded are given as below:

i) Bio-technology
ii) Environment Science
iii) Molecular Biology
iv) Computer Application.
v) Architecture
vi) Agronomy
vii) Information Technology
viii) Korean Language & Literature
ix) International Co-operation *

2. Age: Not exceeding 40 years for Master’s & Ph.D. respectively as on 1-9-2009.
.
3. Qualification: Applicants must have already earned or expected to receive: (a) a bachelor’s degree with 60% of marks or equivalent prior to August 31, 2009, in order to apply for Master’s Programme; (b) a Master’s degree with 60% of marks prior to August 31, 2009 in order to apply for an advanced programme (doctoral degree; Ph.D.

* This subject can be studied in English.

Note: Candidates who have received Korean Scholarship at any time are not eligible.

4. Duration:

Master’s degree programme: About 2 years (excluding a 1 year Korean Language course)
Ph.D. programme: About 3 years (excluding a 1 year Korean Language course)

5. Airfare: The awardee will be paid an economy class ticket airfare to the Republic of Korea, and thereafter, a return ticket of the same category to his or her country of residence after the completion of a study programme.

6. Value of Scholarship:

(i) Monthly Allowance: Upon arrival and registration at National Institute for International Education Development (NIIED) , the awardee will be provided with 900,000 won per month to cover living expenses for the period of his or her programme.

(ii) Tuition Fees: Scholars under the auspices of Korean Government are subject for a tuition waiver: full tuition fee is exempted by the Government and the full entrance fee is exempted by the host institution.

(iii) Research Allowance (Additional Payment): Includes costs for textbooks and other literature, student association membership, dissertation review, and so on; it is only granted to those who take a degree course or a research course.
Humanities: 210,000 won per semester
Natural Sciences, Arts or Physical Education: 240,000 won per semester

(iv) Settlement Allowance: An awardee will be paid 200,000 won upon arrival.

(v) Language Training Expenses: the NIIED will pay the entrusted language training institution the full cost up to 1 year.

(vi) Dissertation Printing Costs: Up to 500,000 won will be reimbursed for the costs related to a dissertation printing.

(vii) Medical Insurance: 15000 won per month.

7. Last Date for submission of application:

(a) Application on plain paper (as per format given below) alongwith the required photocopies of documents with a recent passport size photograph pasted on the application should reach the ‘Section Officer, Es.3 Section, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education, A.1/W.3, Curzon Road Barracks, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi-110 001’ latest by 5.30 PM on 30-4-2009.

(b) Application can also submitted on-line at the Department’s website www.education.nic.in by 30-4-2009. In case of on-line applications, Hard Copy of the application in the prescribed format along with required documents should be submitted by 10-05-2009, otherwise on-line applications will not be entertained.

8. Documents to be attached:

1. The candidates must attach the following documents with the application:

(a) Attested copy of the certificate the date of birth.

(b) Attested copies of all degree/diploma/certificate & mark-sheets of the qualifying examination.

(c) Self attested copies will not be accepted.

(d) Where grades are mentioned, the candidate must indicate the conversion formula adopted by the University/Institution and should indicate equivalent percentage of marks.

2. Equivalent foreign degree will be considered.

3. Candidates who have already been abroad for study/research/training for more than six months at a time either on a scholarship or on their own, are eligible to apply only if they have been in India for at least two years after their return from abroad as on 30-4-2009. Applications of candidates, who are abroad, will not be considered.

4. Candidates should have adequate knowledge of geographical situation, culture and heritage of Korea and India.

5. Application in subject-fields, other than those prescribed, will not be considered. A candidate can apply only in one subject.

6. Employed candidates must send their applications through their employers with “ No Objection Certificate”. However, an advance application can be submitted with the understanding that the application through employer should reach before the date of interview. Otherwise candidates will not be allowed to appear for interview. Advance application must be complete in all respects.

7. Candidates must attach with the application a description in at least 500 words of his project/proposal of study/research to be undertaken in Korea.

8. Applications, which are incomplete or unsigned, will not be considered.

9. Canvassing in any from & suppression of any fact in the application will disqualify the candidature of the applicant.

10. While indicating the period of past experience and stay abroad, candidate should mention the specific dates.

11. As these scholarships are offered by foreign Govts, hence the applications should be submitted in English only.

12. Candidates who do not possess the essential qualifications need not apply.

13. THE DECISION OF SELECTION COMMITTEE SHALL BE FINAL. & NO REPRESENTATION IN THIS REGARD WILL BE ENTERTAINED.

14. THE FINAL SELECTION OF THE NOMINATED CANDIDATES RESTS WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF REPUBLIC OF KOREA.

15. Mere fulfillment of minimum requirements as laid down in the advertisement does not qualify a candidate for interview. Interview letters are sent only to limited number of candidates after their applications are examined by the Committee of Experts.

16. The applicants who are in employment should have an assurance from the employer that if their nomination is successful, they will be granted sufficient leave during study period in Korea.

17. This Division will not be responsible for postal delay.

18. For detailed information and making contact with the Korean Professors/Universities, please visit website www.ied.go.kr

Online Submission of Application Form

This Application can also be submitted on-line and the last date and time for submission of online application would be 5.30 PM on 30.04.2009. For on-line submission of application, attested photograph and documents as required above may be submitted after short listing of the applicants and on receipt of such a communication along with the registration no received on line from this Department. Immediately after successful submission of application on line the registration number is displayed on the screen. The on-line application form is a generic form and intending applicants should ignore the columns which are not mentioned in the format above. Any clarification on on-line submission of application may be sought by e-mail at scholarship.edu@nic.in.
Our past experience has shown that sometimes due to network conditions and PC environment at the client’s end applicants are not able to submit online application and it has caused inconveniences to intending applicants. This Department does not take any responsibility in such eventualities. On line applications may be accepted provided hard copy of the application alongwith required documents (attested copies of certificates, marks-sheets etc.) should reach the Ministry by 10-05--2009.

Online Application Click Here

FOR MORE DETAILS Click Here

Source:- http://education.nic.in/announcement.asp

Happy Holi ^^

2009-03-10T01:51:00.000-07:00

ISA@SNU wishes all its members and visitors a great Holi !! May GOD bless All ^^

Indian Embassy to Celebrate Republic Day- 26th January 2009

2009-01-21T05:28:00.000-08:00

As in previous years, the Indian Embassy in Seoul will celebrate Republic Day on Monday, 26th January 2009 at 1000 hrs in the premises of Embassy at 37-3, Hanam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul as per the following programme:

0945 Hrs : Assembly in the Library Hall
1000 Hrs : Unfurling of the National Flag by Ambassador Shri Skand R. Tayal
1001 Hrs : Singing of the National Anthem
1005 Hrs : Message of the President of India on the eve of the Republic Day to be
Read out by the Ambassador
1015 Hrs : Singing of some Patriotic songs
1030 Hrs : Light Refreshments (in the basement of the Chancery)

You are cordially invited to attend the above function. Those proposing to attend are requested to confirm attendance by e-mail indiaculture@kornet.net or Tel No. 798 4257.

http://www.indembassy.or.kr/NewsDetail.aspx?oid=vjT35eLz8X%2b3NpakwQZX/Q%3d%3d

Happy New Year 2009

2008-12-31T23:12:00.000-08:00

ISA@SNU wishes all its visitor a very happy and prosperous NEW YEAR 2009!

Asteroid named after Indian-origin girl

2008-12-28T00:58:00.000-08:00

Guwahati (PTI): An asteroid has been named after an 18-year old Assamese-origin girl Nandini Sarma for winning the first place in a science project which advocates garlic as a replacement for syntehtic chemical food preservatives.

The asteroid, discovered on November 21, 2000 by the Lincoln Laboratory Near Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) team in Socorro, USA, has been named as 23228 Nandinisarma.

LINEAR, a programme of Massachusetts Institute of Technology in collaboration with US Science Service and with the approval of International Astronomical Association has named the asteroid as an honour to her for winning the first place in the 2007 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair for her microbiology project.

Nandini, an American citizen, has been conducting research to find solutions to common health hazards and her prize-winning research focussed on natural food preservatives. She has proved that garlic can effectively replace synthetic chemical preservatives.

Nandini, currently visiting her grandparents at Pathshala in Barpeta district, said she was happy with the honour.

Her father Girish is the chief scientist of a US company.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200812271926.htm
Photo:http://www.anandabazar.com/28desh7.htm

Lets Join Hands against Terrorism

2008-12-05T03:29:00.000-08:00

http://www.abillionhands.com/

please go through this site and register yourself to sign the petition which says-

I want the government to:

1. Create and implement a National Terror Response Plan within a defined time-frame. The Home Ministry must first appoint an empowered Panel of independent, respected domain experts charged with the task of a thorough analysis of the current security apparatus uncovering ALL areas of weakness.

The government must formally approve this report within a week or two of its submission. The Home Ministry must make public, non-sensitive aspects of this report. The National Terror Response Plan must have, at least, the following elements:

» Timely and effective intelligence gathering processes with proper coordination between the various central and state agencies concerned.
» A mechanism/organization for preemptive action based on the above intelligence to defuse attacks before they happen; this should clearly spell out the responsibilities of existing central and state law & order machinery as well as any new organization built specifically for this purpose
» An elite Rapid Response Team (RRT) that MUST be replicated in ALL states, to respond quickly and effectively in all crisis situations. The RRT must include the following personnel/expertise: combat commandos, search and rescue experts, medical experts, negotiation experts, coordination managers to coordinate effectively with the many local bodies on the ground, such as police, hospitals, state and local government bodies etc.
» Clearly lay out the funding requirements for the above. Funding must encompass equipment, manpower and ongoing training. The personnel for the above teams must be treated on par with the Indian Army or the IPS (whichever is appropriate)
» Lay down a clear implementation timeline

2. Reduce security for VIPs who don’t need it. This will save money and reduce inconvenience to common citizens at airports and other public places. Most importantly, it will give the alleged VIPs a sense of the insecurity that we live with on a daily basis

3. Publish a time-bound plan to make the Police independent of Politicians. India’s Police system is stuck in the 19th century and we have among the most corrupt ill-qualified and ill-paid Police forces in the world. The government must commit to a time-bound and complete overhaul of the Police system

And on my part, I promise to:

Use my VOTE to make an active statement. If I believe that none of the candidates standing in my constituency are worthy of my vote, I will not vote for any of them. I will invoke Section 49 O of the People’s Representation Act, which allows me to register at the polling booth, but choose the “Vote for none” option in the ballot paper. This will hopeful put pressure on our politicians to field better candidates.

- an initiative by Network 18.

'Pakistan will have to pay a heavy price'- M J Akbar

2008-12-04T09:15:00.000-08:00

Many people forget that India is a tough nation. Toothless leaders have turned India into a soft nation. People forget that India has fought back Muslim terrorism in Kashmir; Sikh terrorism in Punjab, Christian terrorism in Nagaland and Hindu terrorism in Assam, and amongst the Naxalites [Images].

We have had everything thrown at the Indian nation State. Still, we have stood up. The people of India have shown the courage and ability to believe in their nation and to fight back. But the completely impotent leadership of five years have turned a tough country into a soft State.

I am very sad. I keep feeling that if they protect India as they protect their leaders -- whether it is Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] or Congress President Sonia Gandhi [Images] -- I think I would be safe. Today, India's leaders are safe and India is in panic.

On what India's response should be:

India's proper reaction would be possible if we understand the extent of the disease.

If the disease is cancer, you can't apply band aid. After making a complete mess of security issues for five years by asking Shivraj Patil [Images] to go finally we may have a home minister who doesn't comb his hair and change his clothes. But we want something more than that. If it is cancer, we need chemotherapy, a much more serious exercise. It needs a legislative and executive framework. It needs political mobilisation. People are numbed.

The Indian people have no leadership. You have a prime minister. Did you see him when he addressed the nation? Nobody knew if he was addressing the nation or having a cup of tea?

He looked serious, but he didn't talk to us about our anger and about our anguish. I think this administration is tone deaf to the anguish of the people. They just cannot understand what the people are going through. They just don't understand our pain or our anger. The most important thing is that, perhaps, we have politicised not only the instruments of the State like the police but we have also politicised the understanding of the nature of the problem.

I think the very first thing to do is to ensure security so that it prevents the next attack. If any attack takes place under someones job should go. Don't come to me with alibis.

On the terrorists getting local support:

I am an Indian Muslim and I am very proud of both, being an Indian and a Muslim. I do not see any contradictions. This is my land and I have nowhere else to go.

But can I say because I am an Indian Muslim that no Indian Muslim is involved? Can you, because you are a Hindu, say that no Hindu is involved? We have to behave like Indians first. Not as a Muslim or as a Hindu first. Because we need Hindu votes and Muslim votes and because this government thinks that it needs Muslim votes so it has been in complete denial.

Do you think that these people came across from Pakistan and had no support in Mumbai?

It is not possible. It was a huge operation. Ten people hit nine places and you killed nine of them. You want to say that they went from place to place? Who knows some of them must have slipped away to create new sleeper cells to hit us six months later.

They are hiding things. I would like to believe that there was an underworld connection. Because, Karachi and Mumbai are also linked by drug smuggling. The culture of criminals is aggression. It comes naturally to them. It is not easy for you and I to become aggressive, however angry we are. It does not come naturally to us. These are people who are trained psychologically in aggression. They have no respect for the State. They have no love for the country. And they have no respect for authority.

Why? Because the only face of authority is the corrupt policeman. The criminal gives money in the morning and money in the evening. Why should he have respect for somebody he gives bribes to? For the guy from the underworld his understanding of the Indian State and authority is corruption. He has no patriotism to stop him. Why would he not join hands with the terrorists? In any case, he belongs to another world. We have not even begun to address and discuss this.

On the Pakistan factor

I am tired of giving Pakistan a long rope on some excuse or the other. Everybody is saying this will happen if we do this, that will happen if we do this. Our relations with Pakistan will go, then, let them go. What has our relations with Pakistan brought us except violence and terror? Why should we be in charge of saving Pakistan? For what? Every time they turn around and they say they want evidence. Now, finally we have evidence.

I have been an editor for 35 years from the age of 23. From that time on, since the days of General Zia-ul Haq, I have been hearing 'Pakistan is asking for evidence'. We asked for withdrawal of their support to the movement for Khalistan, they said, 'Oh, we don't know anything about it.' On Kashmir, they kept repeating where is the evidence. Benazir Bhutto [Images] came, she asked for evidence. Nawaz Sharif came, he asked for evidence. I think Pervez Musharraf [Images] asked for less evidence. Now again, they are asking for evidence.

There is a terrorist in Mumbai, captured and arrested. How much more evidence do you want? If what he is saying is not evidence, then how can you get more evidence?

This government is in its 11th hour. Now they will bluff the people to protect their votes. There is no time left for them. The agony of departure will be hard from this government.

On the reaction in the West

The US and Britain have a vested interest in telling India to look within. Why? When Americans die then they can send their air force 7,000 miles and bomb every country to smithereens. But when Indians die, they tell us no, no, you must be patient. You must act like a swami and a yogi. Why? Is an American life more precious than an Indian life? Why should we keep listening to them? But we have a government that keeps listening to them all the time. We don't get tough.

The last time we got tough was after the attack on Parliament. We took some tough actions under Operation Parakram and then there was a certain lull. Three years ago, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was able to tell President George W Bush [Images] that there are no terrorists amongst Indian Muslims. That means that lull continued.

Pakistan must be made to realise that it will have to pay a heavy price. Not necessarily through war, but a heavy price will have to be paid in loss in trade, in cancellation of orders and other engagements. They should pay a heavy price in terms of people to people relations. I am not saying you can freeze a relationship to death, but the message must go out that if there is a crime there will be a penalty. You just can't get away with it.

Let the Pakistan government cooperate with us. But look at how the Pakistan government has buckled down and we are sitting here whimpering.

They want to send some lowly officers to India. For what? Even Pakistan is treating the Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi government with total contempt. They know how weak it is.

Delink Hindu-Muslim relations and Pakistan

Look, you must not confuse the Pakistan issue with the Indian Muslims issue. Their so-called alienation or their economic deprivation is not linked to the issue of Pakistan.

Indian Muslims have nothing to do with Pakistan. They have absolutely no sympathy for Pakistan. They know that Pakistan was the biggest mistake committed in the history of Indian Muslims. They know it. You can ask anyone in Baroda, Bihar or Mumbai. They know how they are suffering the backlash of all the consequences of cross-border terrorism.

Today, they fear retribution from the government, they fear retribution from popular disenchantment and anger. They feel helpless. They feel afraid.

We must understand finally that it is not so much the 'local people', it is the local underworld that is involved in anti-India activities. In 1993, who were involved in terrorism? The underworld. Why have you not done anything about it? The State turns a blind eye to the police and corruption. I don't know how many readers smoke hashish and other stuff, but I am accusing them of cross-border terrorism. Drugs come to India from Afghanistan via Karachi.

What we can do as individuals

If whoever is responsible for protecting the nation fails, then he or she should not be allowed to continue in power. That is the toughest and sharpest message we can give. You can tell that you may be a soft State, but we are a hard people and we are hard voters.

We are not going to forgive you for your lies and deception and for your waffling. How many blasts do we need to understand that? When Jaipur [Images], Ahmedabad [Images], Mumbai and Delhi [Images] happened no one who was genuinely guilty was caught.

We have to understand now that corruption has eaten away vitals of this nation. It is the biggest danger to the security of India. It is not just the case of some spectrum being sold to someone by some minister in. Everyone who is corrupt get out!

It Is a failure all around. We have to be extremely practical and pragmatic. There is great deal to be depressed about as an Indian. Frankly speaking, I feel very angry and upset. I am never upset by the behaviour of our enemies. I am only upset by the betrayal of those I trust.

M J Akbar, editor-in-chief, Covert magazine, spoke to Sheela Bhatt

http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/dec/02mumterror-pakistan-will-have-to-pay-a-heavy-price.htm

Special Menu for International Students

2008-11-21T08:15:00.000-08:00

SNUCO has developed lunch meals (comprised of vegetables, fish) during the weekends(Saturday and Sunday only) for those who don’t eat pork or beef. In order to have special meals students must apply and order the menu. All meals must be ordered by Wednesday 4:00 p.m. of the week you want to have special menu via email (ok3061@snu.ac.kr). The special menu is going to be provided at the dormitory cafeteria in the 919 building. For more detailed information please see the notice below.

-Notice-

1. Service Period: Nov 22 2008(Sat) ~Dec 21 2008(Sun)

Every Saturdays and Sunday lunch (No service for dinner)

* During the winter vacation SNUCO is planning to arrange two different type of menu

2. Cafeteria: Building 919 Dormitory Cafeteria

3. Serving Time: 12:30~1:00 p.m.(Please come during the serving time. You may not able to have special meal if you come other than serving time.)

4. Procedures to order the special menu:

Orders must be placed by every Wednesday before 4p.m. via email to ok3061@snu.ac.kr

5. Price: 2500 KRW

6. Special Menu: - Grilled Fish

- Bi Bim Bab

- Kimchi stew with canned tuna

- Mixed mushroom hot pot

*Served according to fixed schedule. Please find attached file of order sheet to see the schedule

※ The food preparation will be measured by the amount of the orders that have been filed by students will be subjected to amount of food preparing, so please come and eat your meal once you ordered. Your future order will not be taken into account if you miss your ordered meals.

Order Form Click here

On College-Entrance Exam Day, All of South Korea Is Put to the Test - Noisy Flights Can't Land; Offices Open Late To Avoid Traffic; Mothers Pray a Lot

2008-11-12T08:58:00.000-08:00

SEOUL -- One foggy morning last November, officer Kang Jin-jin heard the distress call on his police radio: An 18-year-old girl about to take the national college-entrance exam had left her admission ticket at home.

Mr. Kang dashed off to the girl's apartment, got the ticket from her father, and raced across town on his motorcycle, arriving at the school just in time for the test.

View Slideshow

Oh Sang-min for The Wall Street Journal

A mother prays to bring good luck to her child who'll take the college entrance exam Thursday.

"I had to ignore traffic signs and turn on the siren," he said. "It was a bit risky, but I tried my best."

Mr. Kang's heroic effort is hardly an isolated one. On the day each November that high-school seniors take the college-entrance test -- Nov. 13, this year -- South Korea is a changed country.

Many offices and the stock market open at 10 a.m., an hour later than usual, to keep the roads free for students on their way to the test. All other students get the day off to keep schools quiet for the test takers. And while students are taking the listening portions of the tests, planes can't land or take off at the nation's airports. Aircraft arriving from other countries are ordered to circle at altitudes above 10,000 feet.

Indeed, the college-entrance exam is a national obsession. More than 80% of South Korea's high-school seniors go on to college, and the test heavily influences which institution of higher learning they will be able to attend and -- after that -- their career track to jobs with big companies and the government.

Thursday, about 590,000 students will take the nine-hour test, which consists mostly of multiple-choice questions. Around 6 p.m., when the test is over, evening newspapers publish the questions and answers. Students who fare poorly can try again next year.

Businesses have sprung up to advise parents on how to help children prepare for the big day. Newspapers and TV shows broadcast tips on study habits and foods that supposedly increase concentration and boost memory. Some popular dietary habits are based more on superstition than nutrition. For instance: Avoid slimy seaweed soup. It may let success slip away.

In September, a Buddhist temple here in Seoul held a four-part seminar for parents of test takers, including a session by a priest who offered tips on concentration. Some temples -- and Christian churches -- invited parents to daily prayer sessions beginning in August, 100 days before the test. Parents who participate buy a special prayer book on which they glue a photo of their young scholar.

If all this sounds excessive, some college and government officials agree that it is. This year, the government gave money to 40 universities to hire admissions officers whose role more closely resembles those in Western countries, where standardized test scores are just one of many considerations in college-admissions decisions. "I think focusing too much on the one-day test should be changed," says Yu Myung-cheol, vice president for admissions at Kyungpook National University in Daegu.

But the introduction of the admissions officers, essays and other criteria to the college-entrance process brings subjectivity to a system that many Koreans consider objective and fair. South Korea strives to maintain equality throughout the educational system. Admission to private elementary schools, for instance, is determined by lottery.

"To many South Koreans, the admission tests are something that should always remain fair because education is the last fortress through which everyone, regardless of their current status, can ascend to a higher social status," said Choi Set-byol, a sociology professor at Ewha Womans University.

Indeed, South Korea's Education Ministry goes to extraordinary lengths to keep the national entrance test fair. Every year, it chooses about 400 teachers and professors to prepare and review questions, and it sequesters them all for weeks in a resort surrounded by police. Cellphones and Internet contact aren't allowed. What phone calls that are allowed are monitored. The brain trust can't leave until after the test is finished.

With the test preparers' sacrifice held out as an example, other South Koreans are quick to do their part to make sure the test goes smoothly.

Korea Electric Power Corp., the national utility, places about 4,000 crew members on standby for power emergencies. It checks every power line that goes to the roughly 1,000 test centers, and it dispatches at least one engineer to monitor each of these lines that day.

"We've got to do it because the people expect us to," says Yim Joo-hyuck, chief of the utility's distribution administration department. "It would be embarrassing if students blame us for failing their tests with power shortage."

KIM NAM-SEON

As exam day nears, nervous students say they are concentrating on just getting it over with. Kim Nam-mee, a high-school student in southern Seoul, spends her waking hours studying but is also making an effort to get seven hours of sleep. "What I need right now isn't so much studying but to maintain my best condition," says Ms. Kim. "I just think I should do my best at this test and get admitted," she adds. Ms. Kim's mother, meanwhile, shuttles her from home to cram-school, wears headphones when she watches TV so as to cut down on the noise, and prays at a Catholic church.

Other parents go even further. On a recent chilly Saturday evening, Kim Nam-seon joined more than 1,000 parents in an airy southern Seoul temple for an intense overnight praying session. Her mission was to bow 3,000 times, kneeling down with her forehead touching a red cushion on the ground to bring luck to her son, who attends a technical high school.

"I feel a little pain in my right knee now, but I think I'll finish it," said Ms. Kim, taking a break after the first 1,500 bows.

A few hours later, Ms. Kim emerged from her prayer session, her face covered with sweat from all the kneeling and bowing. "Personally, I don't think going to college is the ultimate goal of one's life," she said. "But it's hard to change social perceptions."

Write to SungHa Park at sungha.park@wsj.com

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122644964013219173.html#articleTabs=article

This Week in SNU (Nov.10~14)

2008-11-10T23:21:00.000-08:00

◤Events

» SNU & Tokyo University of the Arts Wind Ensemble Joint Concert

- Time: Nov.15 (Sat), 2:30 p.m.

- Venue: Seoul Art Center Concert Hall

- Inquires: 880-7961

- Fee: For the SNU faculties and staffs, ticket receipt is available on

the day of the concert at Faculties and Staff ticket box for free.

For the SNU students, 50% discount ticket provided with the presentation of student ID card.

* Concert brochure attached

◤ Conferences & Lectures

» The First International Conference for Seoul Techno Holdings, Inc.

- Event Information: Please see attached invitation

- Date: Nov. 17 (Mon), 13:30

- Place: Mugunghwa Hall (2^nd floor), Hoam Faculty House Convention

Center, Seoul National University

- Participants of International Conference

1) A*star(Exploit Technologies Pte. Ltd)

2) Auckland Uniservices Ltd.

3) Hong Kong University of Science and Technoloty

4) Koyto University

5) SUTI

6) TsingsHua Holdings Co., Ltd.

7) Tokyo University

- Application Information

1) Application Period: Nov. 4 (Tue) ~ Nov. 11 (Tue)

2) Application: Go to (http://snurnd.snu.ac.kr) for pre-register

3) Fee: Free

4) Inquiries: 02-880-2026~8

5) Remarks: There are only limited seats so the application period ends on Nov 11 or when all seats have been reserved

◤Notices

» ISF(International Student Fellowship) Thanksgiving Party

- Host: International Student Fellowship(ISF)

- Supporter: English Ministry at Jeja Church

- Date: November 22, 2008(Sat) 05:00 pm – 08:00 pm

- Venue: 2ndfl., the 2^nd building, Jeja Church

* Please see the attached file for the further information

» Shuttle Bus for College of Engineering

Due to the distance between the engineering colleges buildings (building 301 and 302 to the older Engineering buildings), the school shuttle has been placed on the route for the Older Building complex and New Engineering Building complex.

- Information regarding the Engineering Shuttle Service

Operating period: Nov 3 (Mon) to Dec 12 (Fri), All weekdays

- For more information regarding the shuttle route and times please see

attached file

» 2008 Winter Session Course Registration

- Registration Period:

Nov. 10 (Mon) ~Nov. 11 (Tue), 8:00~18:00

Nov. 12 (Wed) ~ Nov. 14 (Fri), 9:00~18:00

- Registration: Go into this website (http://sugang.snu.ac.kr)

- Re-taking a course: Due to the restrictions in having the permission to retake a course, you are not able to retake any courses taking 2008 Fall Semester.

- Maximum credits allowed to be registered: 6 Credits

- Modification to course registered: Nov. 24 (Mon) ~Nov. 26 (Wed)

- Period of printing payment notice and paying tuition fees:

Dec. 1 (Mon) ~Dec. 5 (Fri)

- Submission of Tuition Fees : Nonghyup, Shinhan and all other Banks

*Commission will be charged If you submit the tuition in any other banks besides Nonghyup and Shinhan.

*If you use a virtual account, all transactions must be completed before 5:00p.m.

* From the Winter Semester of 2008, tuition fee payment is available using internet banking service on your virtual account

* Please check your lecture registration ID and password before the registration period starts to prevent any difficulties from occurring.

If you have forgotten your password please go to http://my.snu.ac.kr (로그인->학사행정->개인정보->기본인적정보) and go to '수강신청암호변경' (Insert a new password if you have forgotten your password)

Zealous ISA@SNU Celebrates Diwali Night Successfully

2008-11-04T07:40:00.000-08:00

"Itne dino se main bhukha tha, ab kuch dhang ka khaana khaya" (read: After so many days I am getting to eat something worthwhile) spoke the jovial face of Rahul Bhondwe, an Indian, at the Diwali Night organized by Indian Student Association at Seoul National University (ISA@SNU) on 28th October 2008.

The colossal success of Diwali Night-2007, Ganesh Utsav-2008 and Gandhi Jayanti-2008 had impregnated every ISA member with immense enthusiasm that celebrating Diwali was inevitable. Diwali Night was attended by around seventy Indians and a few foreigners from Seoul and suburbs, a commendable presence given the fact that it was being celebrated on a weekday, and the theme was 'Home away from Home.' Apt to the theme, this gathering made us celebrate the festival with same fervor as done by folks back home.

Diwali or Deepavali is the festival of lights signifying the victory of good over evil. Legend has it that Lord Rama returned home after spending fourteen years in exile after defeating Ravan. This festival is celebrated by most of the religions in India and in every nook and corner of the country. Diwali is celebrated over a period of five days with each day having certain significance.

Indian student association at Seoul national university members are celebrate their Diwali night on 28 Oct, 2008.

The most significant part of Diwali is the 'Lakshmi Pooja' as on this day, according to a legend, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk. Hindus in every corner of the world worship Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess of money and wealth, for financial well being throughout the year. This period is considered to be very auspicious for purchasing gold.

Such an auspicious day it is that the Bombay Stock exchange (BSE) which had seen gigantic slump in past few days, after the Wall Street debacle, closed with a gain of 500 points. Indeed it brought cheers on to the investors. With so much positivity associated with this festival, how could ISA@SNU stay behind?

The avidity to worship, pray and enjoy the evening emanated from the faces of the guests. The event began with the pooja of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, thereafter an aarti was performed. Any aarti is carried out by all the members of the family, and ISA@SNU being one big family gave an opportunity to everyone present for the same.

After the aarti panchamratam and prasadam were served. Diwali has always been associated with fun and enjoyment, and keeping up to the tradition the game of Bingo (commonly called Housie) was organized. The effortless and impeccable jocularity of Jeetu Pandey, ISA member, aggrandized the fervidity of the festive mood. Boy! This man definitely knows how to entertain the crowd.

The attraction of the prize made even the not-so-enthused folks to participate. Six prizes were at stake, and a few times there was a tie between the winners. The tie-breakers definitely amused the crowd to the fullest extent. After waiting for ages a friend of mine, Syam Mulpuri, finally was able to grab a prize.

Diwali Night in an alien land and no Indian food, how could this happen? ISA@SNU in collaboration with Namaste Restaurant, Dongmyo, organized for a sumptuous Indian dinner. I guess every Indian out there would have echoed the sentiments of Rahul Bhondwe.

The volunteers made an extra effort to see that no guest leaves without having the dinner. A few foreigners and Koreans couldn't stop praising about the food and so did many Indians. In fact most of them were amazed and invigorated to see a handful of volunteers managing immaculately.

There was more waiting to entertain the guests. A game of musical chair was organized after the dinner and even the stomach-full of food couldn't deter the guests and ISA members to indulge themselves in the game. Peppy dance numbers from Bollywood and enthused crowd, what more could you ask for? Everyone was enjoying the flow of music and was dancing while playing the game.

Finally after lot of free falls and a bit of friendly tiffs between the players, the winner managed to grab the prize. More than the music it was the sheer enthusiasm shown by crowd that kept entertaining everyone. How could one not fire crackers on Diwali? Finally the entire crowd moved to the amphitheatre near the SNU dormitories and burst a bunch of crackers.

So much for being conscious, we took care to not to make any loud sound while bursting the crackers, back home firing crackers with loud noise is a must for Diwali. Finally the event came to an end and the guests bid goodbye to the volunteers. They thanked the ISA@SNU for indeed making them feel 'Home away from Home.'

ISA@SNU is thankful to the all volunteers and the guests who made this Diwali Night a memorable one. Even a working weekday could not deter the guests to show up for the event. Without the enthused guests and ever charged up ISA@SNU volunteers, it would not have been possible to organize such an event. ISA@SNU hopes to make every festival memorable for Indians in Korea.

Abhishek D Joshi
Indian Student Association
Seoul National University

Diwali Blast 2008

2008-10-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

Highlights of the event:

Pooja and aarti

Games

Dance

Indian dinner

Fireworks

Venue: Kwanaksa Event Hall, Bld. No.910, SNU.

Date: October 28, 2008, Tuesday evening!

Timings: 18:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs.

Please ensure that you are in the venue on time. Time is at premium and it would be possible to have maximum fun only if you participate right from the beginning. Remember, it is 18:00 hrs on Tuesday (October 28, 2008) evening!

Contribution (compulsory ): 10,000 KRW per head for adults and children above 10yrs. Others go free.

If you are planning on attending please confirm your participation by depositing your contribution latest by 18:00 h, October 25, 2008 (Saturday!!!) to the following bank account:

Nonghyup Bank: 079-02-895497

Please confirm your participation by depositing your contribution by the specified time. We have to count you for ordering food and we need to pay a lump sum for that. We are afraid that it would not be possible to arrange food for you until and unless you confirm your participation. Kindly bear with us, and please do not put us and yourself in an embarrassing situation.

Guests: You are encouraged to invite your friends to participate in the Diwali celebration. However, you have to confirm the number of your guests simply by paying 10,000 KRW per head latest by 18:00 h October 25, 2008 (Saturday!!!).

Questions: Please feel free to contact- Shyam (010-9906-1974)/ Suresh (010-2050-4821)/ Sumit (01057510623)

How to reach:

Take Bus No. 2(green bus) from Nakseongdae Station (Line no.2) Exit no. 4, get off in front of Kwanaksa Football ground. Kwanaksa Event Hall Bld. No. 910 is next to Football ground.

College of Music Opera, by Guiseppe Verdi

2008-10-17T08:14:00.001-07:00

OCT 15, 2008~OCT 18, 2008

The Seoul National University, College of Music is happy to present Rigoletto, an opera by Guiseppe Verdi, for the 25th Biannual Opera Concert.
○ Date : Wednesday, October 15th ~ Saturday, October 18th
○ Time: 7:30 in the evening
(There will be an additional performance at 3:00 PM on Saturday)
○ Location: Seoul National University Culture Center (Building 73)
This is a free performance and we invite all interested student and faculty members to come and enjoy the cultural opportunity. The hall is expected to get crowded around the start of the opear, so please arrive early to avoid the inconvenience.

I have seen it! and can say its brilliant. All the music lovers do go for it!
-Satyanshu

In the News Again!

2008-10-09T05:05:00.000-07:00

Continuing in its quest for showcasing Indian tradition and customs in Korea, ISA@SNU together with Indian Embassy celebrated the 139th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of Indian nation and known more popularly as Bapu. The UN celebrates this day as international day of Non-Violence in recognition of Mahatma's belief in ahimsa and his demonstration of how it could be used as a genuine tool for political struggle. Mahatma Gandhi was at the forefront of Indian struggle for independence and his thoughts and ideals continue to be a source of inspiration for people around the world.

The program began with a video documentary showcasing Bapu's thoughts and there relevance in modern society. This introduction was followed by a slew of cultural programs which enthralled the audience. Notable among the performances were a spellbinding rendition of a yoga dance performed by Ms. Choi Jeong Heon, a young Korean student from Pusan and the song ‘Sare jahan se acha' sung by the members of ISA.

We were honored to have the prescence of Indian Ambassador to Republic of Korea Mr. S.R.Tayal, who along with Mr. Lee Byun Chul, Founder and President of Indo-Korean Foundation, were the keynote speakers at the function. Apparently in his first public address, Mr. Tayal described the role played by Gandhi in inspiring freedom movement of India. He also recalled how Bapu's ideology and principle inspired the great leaders across the globe and influenced the social movements in countries under colonialism. He emphasized that in today's world where terrorism and violence has permeated almost every corner of the world, Mahtma's ideals are even more relevant than ever before.

Mr. Lee Byung Chul, in his short speech, affirmed Gandhi as his Ideal and appealed to everyone to follow his ideals in life. He recalled Gandhian Influence in the history of Korea through revolutions like ‘Village Swaraj.' In his dream project of establishing World Peace College and Peace village he wishes to follow the Gandhian philosophy of Ahimsa and world peace. "Gandhi was born in India, but his teachings are for whole of the mankind" he added.

The chief attraction of the evening was the mesmerizing ‘Sitar' performance by Ustad Usman Khan and his team. Mr. Gaekwad Pramod Prabhakar on ‘shehnai' and Mr. Prakash Kandasamy on ‘Tabla' were soul stealing. Their performances gave a glimpse of the richness imbibed in classical Indian music. The gathered Indian and foreign audience were simply stunned by the finesse of the artists. For a moment their music transformed the entire atmosphere into a realm of fantasy and musical ecstasy. Their music resonated in the hearts of everybody present there and we are sure it will keep reverberating in times to come. The program provided a wonderful window for foreign audience to view the melody of Indian traditional musical instruments like ‘shehnai’ and 'sitar.'

The gathering was then treated to traditional Indian snacks like 'samosa' and ‘pakoda' after the conclusion of the cultural programs. The aim was to enrich the taste buds of both Indians and foreigners after enriching their hearts and minds with the cultural programs. The joy and satisfaction on the people's faces made us realize that we had succeeded in our aim.

The evening concluded with the screening of ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai' a very popular bollywood movie showcasing how Mahatma's principles could be used to solve the simple problems of life.

To conclude we can say that ISA@SNU with the help of Indian embassy was able to provide a glimpse of both Gandhian thought and Indian culture to both Indians and foreigners in both enjoyable and thought provoking manner. As always we are thankful to our honorable guests and audience for helping us in staging such a memorable event. We hope to have their company and support in our future endeavors too.

Report by- Sumit Srivastava

ISA@SNU celebrated Gandhi Jayanti in Korea

2008-10-05T23:46:00.000-07:00

Deep prajwalan By Hon'l Ambassador of India Mr. S.R.Tayal
Muanpuii and Satyanshu hosting the show
ISA volunteers recieving Ambassador at the gate
ISA volunteers posing for the camera
Celebrating 139th Birth Anniversary of the MAHATMA
Korean Performer Choi Jeong Heon performing on the event
Korean Performer Choi Jeong Heon performing on the event
Welcome note by ISA@SNU convenor, Rohidas Arote
Lee Byung Chul, Founder of Indo-Korea Foundation speaking on the occasion.
Mr.S.R.Tayal, Hon'l Ambassador of India, speaking on the occasion
Ustad Usman Khan's live sitar performance mesmerized everyone.
Mr. Prakash Kandasamy on tabla
Group Song "Sare Jahan Se Accha" by ISA@SNU members
Guests enjoying the show

Celebrating 139th Birth Anniversary of The Mahatma

2008-09-29T07:51:00.001-07:00

By this time you must have heard about the upcoming celebration at Seoul National University on the occasion of the 139th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This is a special initiative from the Embassy of India to introduce the newly appointed Ambassador, Mr. S.R.Tayal to the all the Indians residing in Korea, and likewise the event is duly supported by the Embassy of India.

And voila! Sitar Maestro Ustad Usman Khan accompanied by Gaekwad Pramod Prabhakar (Shehnai) and Prakash Kandasamy (tabla), who are now touring Korea, will be performing live on this occasion. There will be many more colorful cultural performances to follow; including the screening of "Lagey Raho Munna Bhai" that will enlighten us, once more, with principles of Mahatma in a common man's (Tapori) language.

Light refreshments will also be served to all attendees. Please consider this email as my personal invitation to you.

What: 139th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

Where: 101 NICEM Auditorium, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Bld. no. 201, Seoul National University.

When: Saturday, October 4th 2008 from 2 pm Onwards.

With increasing number of Indian residents, especially students and professionals in Republic of Korea, the Indian Embassy in Seoul has strongly felt that it should have more direct interaction with Indians residing in Korea.

In order to accommodate this concern and to commemorate the 139^th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi the Indian Embassy in Seoul will be organizing a cultural event on Saturday, the 4^th October, 2008 at 1400 hrs at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Auditorium, Building No. 201, Seoul National University.

In a brief and solemn function, the newly appointed Ambassador of India to Republic of Korea, Mr. S. R. Tayal will address the Indian community in Korea. The program will feature a few cultural performances, followed by screening of movies based on Gandhian principles.

Light Refreshments will be served. All are cordially invited.

*please refer to the map attached for directions.

Seoul International Students Sports Competition

2008-09-25T00:22:00.000-07:00

Seoul Metropolitan Government in coordination with Seoul Global Center is organizing a sports event for International students in Seoul.

This event is expected to be attended by around 500 International students from 20 countries and 15 universities.

The events for Men are:-

Basket ball,Volley ball and Soccer

Events for Women are:-

Dodge ball, Basket ball and Volley ball

There are several other fun games and talent shows to follow after.

WHEN: September 27^th(Sat), 2008, 10:00-18:00

WHERE: Kwangnaru Hangang Park

ISA@SNU members have been specially invited for the event.

* ISA members are requested to check their emails for more details.

Essay Contest for University Students

2008-09-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

Click Here for details

ISA@SNU in NEWS

2008-09-12T02:19:00.001-07:00

Screenshots by Satyanshu

Click Here for Complete News by- Sumit Srivastava for ISA@SNU

Report By- Reshma Kamath
Posted by- Satyanshu Srivastava
Click here for complete News

ISA@SNU Diwali Blast - The Seoul Times
Click Here for the full news coverage.

Fireworks in SNU- ISA@SNU Diwali Blast!!- The Korea Times
Click Here for complete News

The Seoul Times- Ganesh Utsav 2007
Click Here for the full news coverage.

Nepal Japan Click for full News

Global Friendship Camp 2008

2008-09-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

OCT 03, 2008~OCT 05, 2008

Girl Scouts Korea, in association with the Ministry for Health, Welfare, and Family Affairs (MIHWAF), is organizing a "Global Friendship Camp 2008" for three days, from Oct. 3rd to Oct. 5th. The camp will bring together foreign and Korean students, allowing them to exchange with each other and form friendly bonds.

If you are interested in this exchange event, read the following camp outline and participate in this event.

Camp Outline

1. Camp Title: "Global Friendship Camp 2008"

2. Theme: "Together We Can Change Our World"

3. Date: Friday, October 3rd ~ Sunday, October 5th, 2008 (3 days)

4. Location: Full Gospel Camp (Gyeonggi province, Paju)

5. Participants:
- A total of 200 students:
i. 100 foreign high school and college students living in Korea.
ii. 100 Korean high school and college students.

6. Participant Qualifications:
- Foreign and domestic students who are interested in cultures foreign to themselves, interested in international relations, and can communicate in English.
- Students (both foreign and domestic) between the ages of 16 ~ 24.

7. Participating Fee:
- For foreign students 10,000 won (additional fees paid for by MIHWAF)
- For Korean students 40,000 won (additional fees paid for by MIHWAF)

8. Sponsor: Ministry for Health, Welfare, and Family Affairs (MIHWAF)

9. Supervision: Girl Scouts Korea

For Inquiries:

Girl Scouts Korea (Bae Jee Young jybae@girlscout.or.kr)

Tel: 02 - 733 -6802

Download Application Form (ISA login requreid)

ISA@SNU members' Blog

2008-09-07T23:15:00.000-07:00

Cultures Mingle as ISA@SNU celebrated Sri Ganesh Utsav 2008

“Ganpati Bappa Morya!” Echoes of this happy cheer resonated in the hearts and minds of all attendees of Ganesh Utsav 2008. On September 7^th, 2008, the Indian Students Association (ISA) recreated the magical splendor of Ganesh Chathurthi (birthday of Lord Ganesh) at the Durae Cultural Center in Seoul National University. Indians and non-Indians from every part of Korea came together to celebrate this auspicious and festive occasion of Ganesh Chathurthi.

As I walked into the Center with my friend, a group of young men took great pride in greeting us with a plate full of colorful flowers and kumkum- a traditional red powder. They applied the kumkum to our foreheads, and gave each of us a fragrant flower. I could instantly sense the enthusiasm and eagerness of the ISA volunteers, whose active participation and involvement continued to amaze me throughout the Utsav.

On entering the auditorium, I was awe-struck by the beautiful altar on which a bronze idol of Lord Ganesha rested. Moreover, the multitude of men and women dressed in colorful and vibrant Indian outfits captivated me. Having lived away from India for over 9 years, feelings of nostalgia consumed me as I stood in front of the altar and prayed to Lord Ganesh.

The Ganesh Pooja (prayer ceremony) started with three Brahman men reciting various Vedic and Sanskrit hymns in salutation of Lord Ganesh. Some of the Sanskrit hymns included reciting the various names of Lord Ganesh pertaining to His innumerable attributes, and trying to invoke universal peace amongst humankind. The three men purified themselves and in turn, showered the idol of Lord Ganesh with milk, honey, rice, water and ghee (clarified butter). They also wrapped a piece of new cloth around the idol. As I listened to the hymns and meditated on the idol of Lord Ganesh, a sense of calmness took over me and I lost myself in the beauty and magnificence of the Lord. Being a strong believer in the power of Om, I felt blessed to be in an atmosphere where the spiritual vibrations of the mantras seemed to resonate in every heart.

A plethora of colorful fruits, sweets, deserts and savories surrounded the altar of Lord Ganesh. These humble offerings have a sacrificial element attached to them as they portray the devotees’ love and respect to the Lord. The volunteers later distributed this prasad, or food blessed by the Lord, amongst all attendees.

One of the offerings was my favorite sweet meat called modak, which is the trademark desert of Ganesh Chathurthi. Modaks are prepared in a variety of ways, but usually comprise of a soft shell-like covering prepared with rice flour filled with jaggery and shredded coconut. Rumor has it that modaks are a must-have desert during the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chathurthi, even if one has to beg, borrow or steal. I was determined to have my fair share of modaks (besides the fact that modaks are a rarity outside India, and that they were an integral part of my childhood memories of Ganesh Chathurthi). So, one can imagine my delight when I was offered a modak by one of the women. As I took a bite, time seemed to halt (and I am not exaggerating). I instantly strolled down memory lane back to when I celebrated Ganesh Chathurthi in India as a little girl. Such was the effect of the Ganesh Utsav 2008! A scrumptious lunch was also provided to all attendees by a local Indian restaurant.

After lunch, all attendees were treated to an array of amazing cultural performances, which included several religious, meditative, and cultural songs and dances. I was glad to have performed an Indian dance on this occasion, but I was more thrilled to present a bouquet of flowers to the honorable ambassador of India to South Korea, Mr. Parthasarthi, on his arrival. It was the Lord’s blessings that ISA gave me this humble opportunity. Also, on behalf of all the performers, I would like to thank ISA for being so considerate and presenting all participants with a beautiful memento of Lord Ganeshs’ framed picture.

Towards the end, all attendees and volunteers participated in a joyous celebration, dancing to the tunes of various Bollywood songs. As an avid dancer, I was glad to participate in this dance-a-thon, which was full of laughter and elation.

As night dawned, the volunteers took the idol of Lord Ganesh for visarjan, or immersion of the idol into a water source. The concept of visarjan symbolizes the unification of the human soul with the divine soul, and a return to one’s true state of purity and freedom. As with all material objects, every aspect of nature dissolves and merges with the Absolute. In my opinion, the visarjan is one of the most beautiful ways to simplify an extremely complex spiritual idea.

In conclusion, I have to congratulate the Indian Students Association of SNU on their commendable and laudable effort. Prior to attending this event, I did not expect to have too many avenues in Korea to express and experience that part of me that associates itself with Indian culture. However, I salute ISAs’ hard work and dedication in putting together such a wonderful Ganesh Utsav, and bringing together Indians and non-Indians alike during the festive and auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chathurthi. It is my sincere hope that ISA will revel in its success of Ganesh Utsav 2008 and perpetuate this tradition of instilling a tiny seed of Indian culture in the hearts and minds of all living in Korea.

Thank you!

By Reshma Kamath

Sri Ganesh Utsav 2008: A home away from home

“Boy, what a gathering it was!” sighed a local, after witnessing the ‘Ganesh Utsav 2008’ celebrated on 7^th September at Seoul National University. Colossal success of ‘Ganesh Utsav 2007’ had enthused every Indian at SNU so much that the eagerness had already imbued in, with a fortnight to go. Lord Ganesha or Ganapati, as he is popularly known is revered by Indians all over, for he is the God of intellect, wisdom and ‘Vighna Vinashaka’ (destroyer of obstacles). No wonder that at the start of every ritual and ceremony he is worshipped, for it is believed that he brings all success. The Ganesha festival is celebrated all over India and by Indians in every corner of the world. The Indian Student Association at SNU (ISA@SNU) is no different, and pervaded with last year’s success, took the initiative of celebrating once again. Help poured in from various Indian communities spread across Korea, who showed up in full strength on this august occasion. Folks not only from Seoul, but from far off places like Busan turned up for the event with full fervor. More than twenty volunteers from ISA@SNU worked relentlessly for over two days, to make this event a grand success. The ebullience was very much visible in their strength and spirit. No one complained for any effort they had to put up with, for the festival. For me it was more of a fun and good chance to meet fellow Indians. It is at these events that every Indian from every corner of SNU turns up. Needless to say, the SNU Student affairs department did play a vital role by encouraging the ISA at every juncture. Rain God doesn’t play the spoilsport, thence they provided us with an auditorium, with all facilities we could ask for.

The festival was inaugurated by the Dean of Student Affairs, SNU. He did highlight the importance of celebrating such festivals which not only brings entire Indian Diaspora under one roof, but also make other cultures know various facets of Indian culture. He said that such events tend to bring Indians and Koreans close as they come to know more about each other’s culture. A memento and bouquet was presented by ISA@SNU to the Dean, in appreciation to their magnanimity for helping us all the way. Pooja began immediately after the Dean’s address and was witnessed not only by Indians and Koreans, but also by different nationalities. The Pooja was accompanied by Vedic hymns and chants. Prasadam was served to everyone, as it is believed that He blesses us through the Prasadam. A sumptuous Indian lunch was in waiting outside, and god it felt great to have Indian food after so long. This auspicious occasion was also marked by the presence of Indian Ambassador, Mr. N. Parthasarthi, who would be finishing his tenure this month end. It also gave us an opportunity to bid farewell to him, for the embassy and the Ambassador have helped us in number of ways. Various programs were performed on this occasion, notably bhajans from ISCKON and various dance performances. It felt as if we are back at home again. It was nice to see so many Indians and different nationalities enjoying every moment and appreciating the Indian culture. Won’t you feel a high after all your efforts have been appreciated, I bet, you would. Before Visarjana (process of immersing the idol), pooja was once again performed and finally the Elephant God was sent-off to his abode.

Truly, it was a great show put up by ISA@SNU and other Indian communities. ISA@SNU is once again proud to announce that the event was a grand success, like last year. We’ve been highly appreciated for the last two Ganesh Utsavs and this has again charged us to celebrate the Ganesh Utsav on much bigger scale next year. ISA@SNU takes this occasion to thank all the volunteers, the entire SNU Department of Student Affairs, Dean of Student Affairs, Indian Embassy, the Indian Ambassador and every Indian who has helped us to make this event a grand success. ISA@SNU would have never achieved this success without them. A big hug to fellow ISA@SNU members, you’ve really made everyone feel ‘at home’.

Abhishek D Joshi

Indian Student Association

Seoul National University

Future Blues...

The ISA has a wonderful past, a vibrant present, but what about the future ???

ISA showed its efficiency and effectiveness yet again by organizing Sri Ganesh Utsav for 2^nd year consecutively. The mood was happy, programs were nice, yet among the organizers there was a feeling of certain unease. The unease emanated from the fact that the picture for next year is not looking as promising. Without taking names (name calling raises a lot of undesired questions and will be an unnecessary diversion of topic at hand) we can easily realize that most of the current active members of ISA will be gone by this time of next year.

Organizations which do not evolve an effective way of replacing outgoing members (both active and non active) soon becomes dysfunctional. Can we allow this to happen to our ISA? We know that the answer to the above question is no. So the question which stands upon us is very simple: who are the people who will take the charge of ISA from the current leadership. The ISA way of doing thing is to call a general body meeting where this problem can be discussed.

The situation fortunately is not totally hopeless. In this year Ganesh Festival there were a lot of newcomers whose active participation was both necessary and decisive. It is in these people that the future of ISA lies. We need to identify those people who really have a sense of belief, pride and honesty regarding the vision and purpose of this organization

We all have worked very hard during the past years to bring ISA to this level. It will really be very unfortunate if this organization becomes dormant in the near future. We have to see that this end is avoided and that the coming years might see ISA in a much better position. The onus lies on the current leadership to identify and prepare the next generation of ISA executives. The coming Diwali celebrations can be very well organized by the new team. That would also give us the time to find new people for the task.

Wishing for a bright future of ISA

Sumit Srivastava

Master Student Representative, ISA@SNU

Sri Ganesh Utsav 2008

2008-08-24T09:59:00.001-07:00

Moments from Sri Ganesh Utsav 2008

Thank You

Thank you all for making the Sri Ganesh Utsav 2008 celebration a great success. ISA@SNU wants to thank every one who was a part of the event in any way, the participants, volunteers, organizers, and audience. We are also thankful to the honored guests, the Ambassador of India to Korea, Mr. N. Parthasarathi and the Dean of Student Affairs and Welfare, SNU, Professor Jeong Jae Lee for their gracious presence on this auspicious occasion.

We would appreciate if you kindly share the photographs taken during the program. Lets share the glimpses of the magic moments with each other once again.

We would also appreciate your feedback about this event. Tell Us What You Think! Your suggestions and comments, even a one-liner, are very important to ISA@SNU.

Volunteers Required

Dear Folks,

With just a few days to go for Sri Ganesh Utsav 2008, preparations are going on in full swing. Contemplating the fact that you all have already geared up for the fun, we are anything but worried to request you all to RSVP for volunteering, especially on Saturday 6th Sept 2008 and on the event-day. Your support is our greatest strength.So go and reply to korea.isa@gmail.com and register your participation.

Volunteers will be provided Free LUNCH. (Only for ISA@SNU members)

We sincerely request you to drop in your RSVPs by Thursday, September 4, 2008.
Looking forward to seeing you all.

-----------------

Hello Friends,

We are pleased to inform you that the Indian Students Association at Seoul National University (ISA@SNU) we will be hosting Ganesh Utsav 2008 on September 07, 2008 at Durae Auditorium (67-dong), Seoul National University Gwanak campus. The daylong program will be organized by ISA@SNU in association with the Hindu Society of Korea (HSK) and other Indian communities.

We will be obliged by the gracious presence of Hon'ble Ambassador of India to South Korea, Mr. N. Parthasarathi, on this auspicious occasion. He is almost on the verge of completion of his tenure in Korea. It is also a good chance for us to thank this memorable diplomat for everything he did for us during his tenure, and wish him well with his new endeavor and a healthy life.

Along with Puja and Prasadam, there will be some selected cultural performances, which shall portray the real and colorful image of India. Those who are interested in participating in the cultural events can reserve their slots in advance as no performance without prior permission will be allowed.

The Ganesh Utsav 2007 has become a part of History, but it still remains a big challenge to repeat it. While we will try our best reliving those wonderful moments once again, we need all your love and support. We cordially invite all the Indians living in Korea for the celebration.

For more information on the event and cultural program please contact:

Dr. Abhijit Ghosh- 010-6261-1358
Dr. Kumarswamy – 010-8685-0780
Mr. Satyanshu Srivastava-010- 5895-2311

Date & Time:
Sunday, September 7, 2008,
9.00 am onwards

Venue:
Durae Cultural Center,
Building No. 67,
Seoul National University,
Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Korea.

Program Outline:
0930 – 1230 h : Sri Ganesh puja & Vedic hymns etc.
1400 – 1700 h : Cultural Performances
1700 – 1800 h : Evening Arati, Small Procession and GaneshaVisarjan.

How to reach:
Subway

Subway Line No. 2 (Green Line), Seoul National University Station (Exit No. 3)
After exiting through exit no.3, walk towards the Gwanak-gu Office. There you will find regular buses that come to SNU. The public bus stop is in front of the McDonald outlet. Buses (number 5511 and 5513) go straight from the SNU main entrance towards the Administrative Building, and circulate the campus counter-clockwise. Bus no. 5512 turns left immediately after entering through the SNU main gate.

Subway Line No. 2 (Green Line), Shillim Station (Exit No. 3)
After exiting through exit 3, take bus no. 5516/5518, which goes straight from the main entrance towards the Administration Building. Else one can reach the SNU main gate by any means (bus, taxi or privet vehicle).

The Durae Cultural Center is just 2 min. walk from the SNU main Gate towards the Administrative Building. (Refer to the map attached)

Please keep visiting ISA@SNU's webpage for the latest updates.

We bid adieu hoping to celebrate our traditional festival with every Indians out there.