Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence, an arts charity based in London, brought the essence of United Nations’ World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development alive at the House of Lords complex in the UK Parliament.
Observed annually on May 21, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development celebrates not only the richness of the world's cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
In the UK Parliament last week, it took the form of ‘Sauharda – Building Bonds for Sustainable Development’ – hosted by Baroness Sandy Verma, President of the India All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and Chancellor for Roehampton University. The role of culture and art in fostering mutual understanding, the spirit of harmony and raising awareness was highlighted on the occasion attended by diplomats representing Chile, Belize and Japan.
Aiming to build valuable people-to-people connect as a shared goal, the program included showcasing of diverse cultural expressions, traditions and Indian art forms including Mohiniattam by Manju Sunil, Karagattam by Soundarya Gokulnath, Jhijhiya by Lakshmi Aveen, and Goan Dekhni by Dr Bernadette Pereira and team. Daniel Perez Munster of the Chilean Navy and Aghata Perez Astorga presented Cueca – the traditional dance of Chile. Young performers presented invocatory dance and Ragasudha Vinjamuri presented Bharatanatyam on Earth Anthem, written by former Ambassador of India to Madagascar Abhay Kumar.
Baroness Verma emphasised the importance of understanding the cultural diversity and its role in fostering peace as she commended the vital work Sanskruti Centre does in bringing countries and communities together for an increased understanding and appreciation of diversity.
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Her Excellency Therese Rath, High Commissioner of Belize, said: “Belize ranks 25th in the Happiness Index out of 140. It is the kaleidoscope of skin colours adding to the cosmopolitan nature of the country.”
Her Excellency Professor Ximena Fuentes, Ambassador of Chile and former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, shared: “Today is a cheerful and important occasion to present the multicultural society of Chile, along with fascinating facts that are lesser known about us.
“Contrary to popular belief, it is actually Chile that has the oldest mummies in the world found in the Atacama desert. The thinnest and longest country with Andes mountains, Patagonian Fjords, indigenous populations and several nationalities make it very diverse and special.”
Dr Rosalin Patasani Mishra, who flew in from India, spoke on Odisha’s centuries-old sacred tradition of Mahari – a dying art form and stressed on the need to preserve arts.
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“The evening stands as a testament to how art and culture unite humanity beyond borders, fostering peace and harmony,” she said.
Dr Srinivas Yanamandra, Research Fellow at the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, gave a closing note highlighting language, mannerisms, refined speech and responses as integral part of culture.
