Punjabi Society: President

Hey, I’m Shweta! I study Population Health sciences with data science. As an individual with Punjabi heritage and having spent a significant amount of time in Punjab, I have a deep connection to my culture. It is with great pride that I seek to serve as the President, with the aim of strengthening our Punjabi community while promoting the preservation of our rich culture.

As a President, my objective will be to organise a diverse range of cultural events that enable individuals from similar backgrounds to connect and foster a sense of cultural belonging within the society. These events will include an array of activities such as

• mixed grills
• club nights
• movie screenings
• chai gatherings
• mehndi and boliyaan social
• games and karaoke nights
• sports events such as football and kabaddi.

Additionally, the society will offer fun and engaging Punjabi lessons, giddha and bhangra classes, ensuring inclusivity and catering to everyone's interests.

I would also like to introduce a flagship venue event for the society to showcase the vibrant Punjabi culture. Being an FYR in my first year I have established positive relationships with members of various cultural committees, so I will be able to organise collaborative events such as cultural fairs, food festivals that foster a diverse community.

I would be grateful for your support in helping me bring these events to fruition. I urge you to cast your vote and help make this year a memorable one for the UCL Punjabi Society

As the FYR with the highest PSOC attendance, this trajectory of dedication would only be continued. Commitment is core to the role and I believe I have illustrated this by engagement in multiple instances including leadership on games night, social media, club events and integration of external members into PSOC events. My leadership competency is further supported by my position as head-girl at 2 different schools illustrating my collaborative skills and ability to handle the balance of uni and leadership commitments.

I have shown exceptional ability to forge connections both internally and external (sponsors/PSOC members from other uni's). I believe this interplay of relations will only grow, underpinned by my recognisable sociability. My personal connections to networks in Punjab, including the PunjabCancerCare organisation and the Pahal in Jalandhar, outline the charitable work I'd like to incorporate into our established event portfolio pioneered this year, along with growing non/clubbing events.

Forging connections and integration are core values of Punjabi culture, embodying what being ‘apne’ means. My development of close relationships with the committee has made me appreciate how the creation of a family environment is key to success. From a personal level, I think it remains clear that as the song we all can't get out of our heads has said: I’ve only found family, not just friends in PSOC. As president this would remain an atmosphere I’d only wish to