Students and staff at Sweetwater Elementary School recently took part in two events that 
blended culture, curiosity, and connection as part of a special Cultural Exchange Program with The Ridge School in Kurnool, India.
The program was spearheaded by SWES teacher Rahmath Sultana, who is in her third year at the school as part of a cultural exchange program that connects educators across countries to promote learning.
"To educate is to enlighten, but to exchange culture is to elevate both hearts and minds,” Sultana said. “It shows us how beautifully different, yet deeply united we are."
The first event, a virtual cultural exchange between students at SWES and The Ridge School, opened with warm words of welcome from SWES Principal Tanish Springer, ILT Olivia Theodore and dedicated fourth-grade teachers Niamba Johnson, Angela Benton, Terri Harris and Chondra Fennel.
It featured a traditional shloka, a spiritual verse often recited at the start of important occasions in India, symbolizing peace and positive beginnings. Students from India shared a moral fable with the SWES students using a slideshow, followed by an engaging overview of their cultural traditions.
In return, fourth-grade students from SWES presented about colonial history and the development of the United States.
The event concluded with a Q&A session where students from both countries asked insightful questions and learned from one another.
“The experience left our students thrilled,” Sultana said. “It was a powerful blend of culture, curiosity, and connection.”
The second event took place during the first week of September, and it was designed especially for Sweetwater teachers and staff.
Sultana presented a slideshow that highlighted India’s vibrant cultural landscape, its festivals, cuisine, languages, education and history.
She said the group explored iconic sites like the Taj Mahal, and marveled at architectural wonders like the Tanjore Temple, which she said was remarkably built from a single stone and features intricate carvings that have stood the test of time.
SWES staff also enjoyed a tasting of Indian snacks, from savory samosas and kachoris to the sweet indulgence of gulab jamun and a variety of Indian trail mixes.
“The flavors truly won everyone over,” Sultana said. “Despite the spice, the unique tastes were a hit!”
Teachers were excited, asked thoughtful questions, and expressed genuine appreciation for the cultural insights.
“Even the students got a taste of Indian snacks, and their smiles said it all,” she said.