The Pakistani student community at Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) captured attention and appreciation during the university’s 11th International Culture Exhibition and Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education Campus Open Day, held on June 14. Representing Pakistan among 39 countries, the students curated a cultural experience that combined traditional cuisine, visual art, music, and storytelling, making their booth one of the most visited at the festival.
Visitors to the Pakistani booth were immediately drawn to the authentic culinary offerings. A massive pot of biryani, rich with spices and aroma, was emptied within minutes. The food lineup also included chicken karahai, colorful mutanjan rice, creamy kheer, seviyan, chapati, and pakora, all prepared to reflect the diversity and depth of Pakistani cuisine. Guests repeatedly returned for second helpings, sharing their appreciation and curiosity with the student hosts.
The cultural exhibit extended far beyond food. Attendees were taken on a visual tour of Pakistan’s heritage through detailed displays of iconic landmarks. Posters and models showcased structures like the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, and the Tomb of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, sparking conversations among the international crowd. Traditional Pakistani truck art and Urdu calligraphy added vivid color and character to the booth, while Multani folk performances introduced visitors to regional musical rhythms and movements.
Mashood, one of the organizers and a student at NUIST, expressed pride in the response the booth received. He emphasized the intention behind the presentation, which was to provide a glimpse into Pakistan’s identity beyond stereotypes. “This is more than just a booth – it’s a window into our beautiful country,” he said, noting the enthusiasm of visitors who engaged with every element of the exhibit.
Waqas, a first-year student still settling into university life in China, found the event personally fulfilling. He shared how meaningful it was to see peers from different nationalities enjoying Pakistani food and taking genuine interest in the cultural stories presented. “Seeing Chinese and international students enjoy our food and ask thoughtful questions makes me proud to represent Pakistan here,” he said, expressing excitement for future events.
The larger festival featured diverse cultural contributions from students representing China, Mozambique, Morocco, Russia, and Uzbekistan. Each country presented a unique facet of its heritage, but Pakistan’s blend of culinary appeal and artistic presentation made a lasting impression on attendees and faculty members alike. With food as a universal connector and visual storytelling bringing context, the Pakistani students at NUIST delivered a powerful message of cultural pride and hospitality, further enhancing people-to-people connections in an academic setting that thrives on global cooperation.
