This week is the India-Pakistan National Week which is set up as a series of activities leading to the wedding of Kama and Sutra.

INSEAD students choose their list of National Week through a voting system. Latin American, Arab Countries, etc... are grouped under the same heading. India is coupled with Pakistan. These weeks are sponsored by major companies originating from these regions and offer an opening to a new culture, an endless source of entertainment, and a revigorating and relaxing atmosphere in the midst of the pressure of studies.

Here is a run down of the activities of the week:

- Like every National Week at INSEAD, the week start with some Amphi Storming on Monday. Basically, dressed up people come up with some creative ideas to present the country or the region. Today, we had a discussion between the parents of the bride to be and a wedding counsellor. I learned from an Indian friend that the dot that Indian ladies wear on their forehead signifies marriage. It is similar in spirit to the wedding ring in Christian cultures. For men, it has the shape of an eye, and it does represent a third eye. It is drawn only when the bearer is engaged in a religious activity.

It is a lot of fun to see people wander around wearing turbans, sarees and white blouses, accompanied by the most elegant set of jewelry and scarves.

- Tonight, we have a BollyWood Move Night, with a fine selection of Indian Movies. With over 800 movies produced per year, India is the biggest cinema country in the world. Showings include Moonsoon Wedding and Kamasutra.

- Tomorrow: South Indian Breakfast! I can't wait...In the evening, there is a Bhangra performance, a traditional North Indian dance from the state of Punjab.

- Wednesday: delicious Indian and Pakistanese dishes will make up lunch, delighting many a palate. Imagine spices, curry, colors: chicken tikka from the North, fried fish from the East, biryani from Pakistan, pakoras from the South, raita from the west.

- Wednesday night: Turban Wearing and Saree Dressing Contest, traditional dances and music...

- Thursday: Indian Dinner. The programme describes it as a "gastronomic journey through the foothills of the Himalayas" with live music. I shall add no further comment.

- Friday: traditional national party dumbed the Bollywood Talent Search! In effect the culminating point of the week with hundreds of students gathering for an Indian themed evening, usually involving a lot of dancing and drinking.