Created: 2025.12.10. 16:17
Once again this year, international students of Széchenyi István University prepared for the festive season together at the event titled “The Role of Light in World Religions”, where representatives of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism presented the symbolism of light within their own traditions. A special feature of this year’s event was that Judaism was included with an independent presentation for the first time, further enriching the possibilities for intercultural dialogue.
One of the key values of the international student community of more than a thousand members from around ninety countries at Széchenyi István University is cultural diversity, which is supported by the institution’s International Directorate and its Mobility and Scholarship Centre through regular community-building and intercultural programmes. As the winter holidays approached, they organised an event titled “The Role of Light in World Religions”, which, in addition to sharing knowledge, aimed to strengthen understanding and acceptance.
The programme presented the symbolism of light in the five major world religions – Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism – complemented by international students’ own presentations about their cultures and religious traditions. The segment on Christianity highlighted the significance of Advent in Hungary, emphasising the themes of anticipation, peace and spiritual preparation. The speaker on Buddhism described light as a symbol of enlightenment and inner peace, while the presentation on Hinduism focused on the message of Diwali, where the flame represents the victory of good over darkness. In the lecture on Islam, light appeared as a metaphor for divine guidance and knowledge, helping believers navigate their everyday lives. The topic of Judaism was presented by Sylvia Páliné Nyiri, the main organiser of the event, who explained the thousand-year-old history and customs of Hanukkah, which place faith, religious freedom and remembrance at the centre.
Sylvia Páliné Nyiri, the main organiser of the event, presented the thousand-year-old history and customs of Hanukkah (Photo: Balázs Miklós)
The students’ presentations further enriched the programme. “It was a very special experience to present the symbolism of light in Christianity. I felt great joy sharing my faith, while also learning about Hungarian Advent and Christmas traditions and the rich festive cultures of other religions. I believe that building bridges between cultures and religions helps us better understand one another and brings us closer together,” said Sociology undergraduate student Imani Gaspard from Saint Lucia.
The symbolism of light in five world religions came to life with the contributions of the students (Photo: Balázs Miklós)
Ghofrane Baazaoui, a Vehicle Engineering undergraduate student from Tunisia, presented Islamic traditions. “I really enjoyed sharing what light means in different religions. It was both interesting and touching to see how many common points our traditions have. Decorating gingerbread at the end of the evening was a cheerful and creative closing activity. I felt that everyone was open and genuinely curious,” she said.
Decorating gingerbread together provided a creative end to the evening (Photo: Balázs Miklós)
“I am convinced that strong and inclusive international communities are shaped through shared positive experiences, and events like this demonstrate how education, culture and community engagement can connect to the values of peace, human rights and global citizenship. Students not only gain knowledge, but also experience the importance of tolerance, mutual respect and cooperation, contributing to the building of a more accepting and peaceful world,” emphasised Sylvia Páliné Nyiri. “It was also a special pleasure to receive the Advent wreath made by an Ethiopian student, symbolising the growing power of light and hope. After the presentations, the event turned into a creative workshop where participants decorated Christmas gingerbread together. Such shared activities and experiences show that these initiatives break down barriers, build bridges and promote a culture of peace.”
The Advent wreath made by the Ethiopian student symbolised the growing power of light and hope (Photo: Balázs Miklós)
The programme continued on 3 December with a visit to the Győr Child Protection Centre, where international students spoke to the children about their Christmas and winter festive traditions, and made gingerbread together. This meeting was connected to the UN Human Rights Day on 10 December, which draws attention to the importance of the right to education. With this, the University contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of quality education, equality and the strengthening of international partnerships.
Group photo of the presenters (left to right): Keerthana Krishnamurthy (India), Khanh Dang Le Diem (Vietnam), Netsanet Gebrhanaa (Ethiopia), Bertalan Pinczés (Hungary), Imani Gaspard (Saint Lucia), Sylvia Páliné Nyiri (event organiser), and Ghofrane Baazaoui (Tunisia) (Photo: Balázs Miklós)
