For many students who travel abroad, the challenge isn’t just adapting to a new academic environment, but also staying connected to the culture they have left behind. For Gcina Prince Mkhaliphi, a mature student from Eswatini and his fellow compatriots in India, that challenge became a powerful opportunity to build a thriving community.
Mkhaliphi, a final-year Master of Engineering student at Gujarat Technological University, recently spearheaded a student-led celebration of Eswatini’s Independence Day in India.
This was not just a party; it was a deliberate act of unity. “As Swati students in India, we realised that while we are here primarily for our studies, what truly unites us is our culture, language and traditions,” Mkhaliphi explains. The celebration, held at Gujarat University, brought together nearly 250 people, including 85 Eswatini students from various institutions across the country, as well as faculty and local Indian friends.
Celebration of heritage and education
The event was a vibrant display of Eswatini culture. Students proudly wore their traditional attire, captivating the audience with a rich array of performances, including ingadla, ummiso, sibhaca, and umgubho dances. The day’s highlight, however, was a special lecture by Mkhaliphi himself. He provided a compelling overview of Eswatini’s history, tracing its lineage of kings and queens, the pivotal role of King Sobhuza II, and the recent transition from Swaziland to the Kingdom of Eswatini.
This educational segment was a hit, particularly for those unfamiliar with the nation’s story.
For Mkhaliphi and his peers, the celebration was a much-needed chance to speak their native SiSwati. “For many of us, living in an environment where English is the main language of communication, this was deeply fulfilling,” he shares.
This simple act of conversing in their mother tongue created a sense of comfort and joy that transcended the physical distance from home.
Building bridges and upholding values
The celebration did more than just offer a taste of home. It carried a profound message for the Eswatini student community abroad: Remain rooted in your background while staying focused on your purpose.
Mkhaliphi encouraged his peers to uphold the values of respect and humility, while adapting to a new culture.
The event also served as a reminder to prioritise their studies and support one another as a tight-knit community.
With the success of this year’s event, the students have already decided to make it an annual tradition, with a budget allocated for future celebrations.
It’s a message of hope and unity for those who are away from home, as well as for aspiring students back in Eswatini. “India is a beautiful country that warmly welcomes international students,” Mkhaliphi says, encouraging parents to send students with their traditional attire to join future cultural activities. For Mkhaliphi and his fellow students, they are not just pursuing an education; they are carrying their flag and culture higher, one celebration at a time.
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