Indian student wears traditional lehenga to graduation in Switzerland, receives global praise

An Indian-origin student, Lakshmi Kumari, recently made headlines when she wore a traditional lehenga to her graduation ceremony at the University of Basel, Switzerland. Despite the chilly, snow-filled weather outside, Kumari chose to celebrate her achievement in a stunning ensemble designed by Anisha Shetty from the website Fabilicious Fashion, ensuring it arrived in time for her special day.

Kumari, who has been studying law in German at the university, shared a picture on Instagram from the ceremony, revealing that it was a freezing minus-degree day but that she couldn’t compromise on wearing the lehenga. The post went viral, with people praising her bold fashion choice and her graceful appearance.

Comments on her post flooded in, with reactions like, "You look amazing babe, pure Bollywood goddess," and "You outshined the entire ceremony with your royal look." Some even complimented her for being a trailblazer, noting that it’s not common to see lehengas in Switzerland, except in Bollywood films.

In a follow-up interview, Kumari revealed that her decision to wear the lehenga was deeply personal. She wanted to celebrate her accomplishments, especially completing her degree in a language that wasn’t native to her. "I told myself, if I could achieve this in a language I'm not fluent in, I deserved something special to celebrate," she said.

Kumari’s professors and classmates were very supportive of her attire, appreciating the cultural significance behind her choice. She also mentioned that while she chose a simpler lehenga for the occasion, it still caught everyone’s eye due to its rarity in the Swiss setting.

This gesture is a reflection of Kumari's pride in her heritage and accomplishments, blending her Indian roots with the global context of her academic success.