Sonia Naidu

I’m applying for Head of Cultural Events for Telugu Society because my Telugu identity is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I feel it’s often underrepresented at university. Growing up, Telugu culture has always been such a vibrant and meaningful part of my life, from language and music to festivals, food, and family traditions. I would love the opportunity to help showcase and celebrate that on campus. I think there’s so much beauty in our culture that deserves to be shared more widely, not just within our own community but with the broader student body as well. Having previously helped organise events like Culture Day at school, I’ve seen how powerful cultural celebration can be in creating pride, unity, and curiosity among others. As Head of Cultural Events, I’d want to organise events that feel authentic and inclusive, whether that’s celebrating festivals like Sankranti or Ugadi, hosting traditional performances, or incorporating modern Telugu music and dance. I’d also love to collaborate with other cultural societies to create joint events that highlight both our uniqueness and our shared experiences. For me, this role is about strengthening our community, giving Telugu students a stronger sense of belonging, and ensuring our culture is visible, celebrated, and appreciated within the wider university space. Being part of Telugu Society as a first-year rep, I’ve genuinely loved getting involved and seeing the impact the society has on students.