Global Illuminations Procession lights up Warwick in its 60th year

“When we were told that we were going to be part of the Global Illuminations Procession, we were really excited. We joined this because it’s a celebration of stories, and at Warwick India Forum we’re all about storytelling. I think this event gives us a rare chance to show our culture through creativity, symbolism, and shared joy, so it’s hard to not want to be a part of something this uplifting.

“And then when we were told that we were to create a prop, the first thing that came into our head was a tiger. Because, yes, the tiger is India’s national animal, but to us, it’s way more than that.”

Navya recalled how members of Warwick India Forum, one of the UK’s largest Indian academic societies, came together back in April and “spent an entire day” creating the huge tiger prop.

“[The tiger] a symbol of courage, resilience, and spirit. And when we thought about what we wanted to share with the Warwick community, it just felt perfect. It’s powerful without being loud, it’s dignified without needing an explanation, and it’s instantly recognisable. Let’s be honest, you wouldn’t forget a giant tiger walking through campus.”

Reflecting on the meaning of the occasion, Navya added: “I think [Global Iluminations] is Warwick’s annual reminder that borders exist on maps and not between people. And for us at Warwick India Forum, it’s actually a chance to celebrate alongside friends from every corner of the world and to shine a little light on the culture that has shaped us, essentially. So it’s colourful, it’s chaotic in the best way possible, and it’s a beautiful reminder that our strength lies in our diversity.”  

Among the many ‘illuminations’ was a deep purple projection of the new Warwick logo cast onto the Arts Centre – a reminder of the transition the University has undergone this year in its attempt to grow its international prestige beneath the banner of ‘Beyond’.

Speaking to The Boar in the warmth of Benugo Bar & Kitchen before the evening’s events, Prof Michael Scott said: “One of Warwick’s values as a university is that we thrive on difference. So it’s not simply saying we’re one community. We are one world. We’re made up of many different strands, and recognising that difference, but then creating the connections across those differences is absolutely fundamental.

“Global Illuminations this year is bigger and better than it’s been before. It started last year, [and so] we learned from that. We’ve improved. We’ve grown. Obviously, as part of the 60th anniversary this year, it’s kind of even bigger.”

Noting the eclectic mix of cultures on show, Prof Scott said that travelling “from Latin America to China, and from India to Ukraine […], allows us to visualise what kind of diverse community we are, celebrate the different cultures that make us, and learn a little bit about one another at the same time”.

Despite SU President Alijah Taha’s telling The Boar of his intention to “go very close to the lights” in the hope of finding some warmth, the biting cold did not stop several Warwick musical and dance ensembles from putting on a show for passing students.

Artistic showcases included classical Indian dance around the Koan, Chinese dragon puppetry in front of Senate House, and even Ukrainian music emanating from the Library bridge. Prof Scott in particular spotlighted the Canley Samba Band, whose drumming would electrify the Procession with a pulsating beat.

The University’s Brass society, a stalwart of Together at Warwick’s festive events who will again entertain students at tonight’s Christmas lights switch-on, concluded with a performance in the Piazza.