{"id":9272,"date":"2025-12-12T14:24:53","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T14:24:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alumni.sze.hu\/en\/?p=9272"},"modified":"2025-12-12T14:24:53","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T14:24:53","slug":"the-role-of-light-in-world-religions-sze-students-gather-for-a-festive-programme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alumni.sze.hu\/en\/the-role-of-light-in-world-religions-sze-students-gather-for-a-festive-programme\/","title":{"rendered":"The Role of Light in World Religions: SZE Students Gather for a Festive Programme"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Created: 2025.12.10. 16:17<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once again this year, international students of Sz\u00e9chenyi Istv\u00e1n University prepared for the festive season together at the event titled \u201cThe Role of Light in World Religions\u201d<\/em>, where representatives of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism presented the symbolism of light within their own traditions. A special feature of this year\u2019s event was that Judaism was included with an independent presentation for the first time, further enriching the possibilities for intercultural dialogue.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the key values of the international student community of more than a thousand members from around ninety countries at Sz\u00e9chenyi Istv\u00e1n University is cultural diversity, which is supported by the institution\u2019s 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 \u201cThe Role of Light in World Religions\u201d<\/em>, which, in addition to sharing knowledge, aimed to strengthen understanding and acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The programme presented the symbolism of light in the five major world religions \u2013 Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism \u2013 complemented by international students\u2019 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 P\u00e1lin\u00e9 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Sylvia P\u00e1lin\u00e9 Nyiri, the main organiser of the event, presented the thousand-year-old history and customs of Hanukkah (Photo: Bal\u00e1zs Mikl\u00f3s)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The students\u2019 presentations further enriched the programme. \u201cIt 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,\u201d<\/em> said Sociology undergraduate student Imani Gaspard from Saint Lucia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The symbolism of light in five world religions came to life with the contributions of the students (Photo: Bal\u00e1zs Mikl\u00f3s)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ghofrane Baazaoui, a Vehicle Engineering undergraduate student from Tunisia, presented Islamic traditions. \u201cI 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,\u201d<\/em> she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Decorating gingerbread together provided a creative end to the evening (Photo: Bal\u00e1zs Mikl\u00f3s)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d<\/em> emphasised Sylvia P\u00e1lin\u00e9 Nyiri. \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The Advent wreath made by the Ethiopian student symbolised the growing power of light and hope (Photo: Bal\u00e1zs Mikl\u00f3s)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Sylvia](\"https:\/\/admissions.sze.hu\/images\/News\/2025_12\/feny_unnepe\/K%C3%A9p1.webp\" "\\"Sylvia")
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Decorating](\"https:\/\/admissions.sze.hu\/images\/News\/2025_12\/feny_unnepe\/K%C3%A9p3.webp\" "\\"Decorating")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/admissions.sze.hu\/images\/News\/2025_12\/feny_unnepe\/K%C3%A9p4.webp\" "\\"The")
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