A two-fold event organised by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence, 'Maitri' and 'Ramaneeyam – The Beauty of Expressions' at the House of Lords, UK, recently coincided with the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development declared by the United Nations.
The first event 'Maitri' was organised under the aegis of former Energy and Climate Change Minister Baroness Sandy Verma and parliamentary host Lord Kuldeep Sahota, during which High Commissioner of Uganda Mrs Nimisha Madhvani, High Commissioner of Malawi Dr Thomas Bisika, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Mrs Saroja Sirisena, Ambassador and former Foreign Secretary of Nepal Mr Gyan Chandra Acharya shared their thoughts on cultural diversity as a vital part of sustainable development.
The countries also have essential historical, economic, and trade ties with India, among others, and serve as stellar examples of having benefited from the diversity of both indigenous and migrant populations.
The Consul of Suriname, Dr Amwedhkar Jethu, sent his message and best wishes. Music and Dance presentations such as Bantu song & instrumental, Sakela, Nyishi, Rabum Kriddabhiniham and Indian classical dance were presented. Sushil Rapatwar, Dr Marek Arszulowicz and Rajanikanth Pasupuleti highlighted Cultural Humility, Competence & Productivity and the Landscape of Diversity, respectively.
"The 'Maitri' event heightened awareness about the rich tapestry of arts and cultural diversity that spans across the globe. Tireless efforts of the organisers are to be appreciated. Through engaging in meaningful conversations, we can build bridges of friendship and understanding was the clear message through this initiative attended by multiple Diplomats," said Rajanikanth Pasupuleti, President of the Aylesbury Telugu Community (UKATC).
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On the second day of the event, organised in association with the APPG on Modern Languages titled 'Ramaneeyam- The Beauty of Expression', 18 Indian languages were presented. Parliamentary host, Baroness Garden of Frognal, spoke on the significance of languages and commended the organisers for conceiving meaningful content.
Poems, mostly self-authored, were presented by the diaspora members living in the UK, not only writers but also doctors, Councillors, university educators, members of the British armed forces, Chartered Accountants, Artists, and IT professionals- all gathered for the love of their mother tongue.
Prof. Terry Lamb (Professor of Languages at the University of Westminster) and Philip Harding-Esch, Chartered Institute of Linguists, also attended the event.
"I found the multilingual event really quite special and powerful,as I think witnessing these readings, together they made up such a strong message completely in keeping with aims of the United Nations Cultural Diversity Day," said Philip Harding-Esch, Secretariat- APPG Modern Languages.
Dr Nandita Sahu, Attache (Hindi & Culture) at the High Commission of India, rendered concluding remarks.
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Vinjamuri spoke on endangered languages and highlighted the Tai Khamti language of Arunachal Pradesh which is on the verge of decline. Rare scripts such as Sharda, Takri and Mithilakshar were also highlighted.
"Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence aims to generate a greater understanding of the heritage and culture of India and to research, project & promote the arts and linguistic diversity of India to wider audiences in the UK and Europe," informs the Founder & Director of the Centre, Ragasudha Vinjamuri.
Vinjamuri, an award-winning dancer and Associate Lecturer at the University of Sunderland, was conferred with British Citizen Award in 2021 for her contributions to art and culture in the UK, and her name entered into the Limca Book of World Records in 2018 in the Performing Arts chapter.
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World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is marked annually on May 21, first declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002 recognising the need to “enhance the potential of culture as a means of achieving prosperity, sustainable development and global peaceful coexistence”.