Széchenyi István University hosts a vibrant international student community of nearly 1,000 individuals from around 80 countries. In preparation for the holiday season, the institution organized a gathering titled "Light in World Religions," which proved to be a resounding success among participants.

With a student community of approximately 14,500 individuals from diverse corners of the world, Széchenyi István University offers a truly international environment for both personal and academic growth. The Centre for International Programmes and Alumni plays a key role in fostering peaceful cultural coexistence by regularly organizing community-building and intercultural events for students.

This year, the Centre hosted a cultural and creative workshop, "Light in World Religions," aimed at promoting understanding, acceptance, and awareness. The event also commemorated International Human Solidarity Day on December 20.

The workshop brought together international students from various backgrounds, including Soukthavone Khiengsombath (Laos), Dema Ahmad (Syria), Omakwu Ikwue Omakwu (Nigeria), Anousa Khamphannorath (Laos), Aqib Shahzad (Pakistan), Nurullah Bektas (Turkey), Rnin Riziq Salah (Jordan), Abishae Noel (Pakistan), Khadiga Al-Nagar (Yemen), and event organizer Sylvia Páliné Nyíri (Photo: András Adorján)

According to Sylvia Páliné Nyíri, the event's organizer from the Centre for International Programmes and Alumni, nearly 50 attendees participated in the lectures, underscoring its popularity. "We believe it’s important for international students to learn about Hungarian traditions, including Advent and Christmas customs. This event allowed participants to explore the role of light across different world religions and cultures," she noted. "Such initiatives not only strengthen community bonds but also contribute to creating a more peaceful world, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals," she added.

The programme included presentations on diverse traditions. Anna Bogyó, an International Relations student, introduced attendees to Chinese culture, Taoism, and the Lunar New Year. Garima Verma, a Master’s student in Business Informatics, highlighted Hinduism’s connection to the symbol of light. Two Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holders, former student Dema Ahmad and Khadiga Alnagar from Yemen, spoke to the participants about the Islamic religion, and the evening was rounded off by a presentation by Sylvia Páliné Nyíri. "I gave a presentation on the role of light in Christianity, highlighting the importance of the Christmas period, the meaning of Advent expectation, the message of the wreath and candles, and the festive customs of the Hungarians," said the main organiser.

"I was delighted to participate in this event, which was really about connection and understanding. I learned a lot about different perspectives and was proud to share details of my own religion with others. During the programme, instead of being informed by rumours or stereotypes, we heard information directly from each other, which helped a lot in bringing our community together," said Rnin Riziq Salah, a Stipendium Hungaricum scholar from Jordan. The young student, who is studying for a PhD in Civil Engineering, adding: "Events like this show that religions are about values, people and peace, and this is what brings us together rather than separates us."

Abishae Noel from Pakistan, who is studying in Győr with the support of the Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People, said: "The presentations showed us how light symbolises hope, guidance and comfort in different cultures and religions. We connected easily along the common symbol." The Supply Chain Management student revealed that the evening ended with gingerbread decorating, which gave the programme a real festive feel. He underlined, "Initiatives like this are essential to promote harmony and inclusion because they help bridge gaps between different cultures, celebrate diversity and foster mutual understanding."