Learning more about different communities

VOX POP

However, the huge number of youngsters present at the recent Kannada Sahithya Samelana and the North East Cultural Meet proved that there is more to youngsters than just partying. Not only were they proud to be part of a particular community’s cultural meet but also showed that they are sensitive to the other cultures that exist in the cosmopolitan City of Bangalore.

Youngsters from various communities tell Metrolife that as long as they don’t turn political in nature or disturb one’s daily lifestyle, such meets are a great platform to learn about another culture. There are also those who feel one must not just wait for such meets to take place but go out there and spread the word of brotherhood.

Amith
Student

“Having come far away from home, I understand the sentiments of people who organise such meets and programmes that celebrate their culture and ethnicity. Not only do they bring people together, but also help people from the same community network and bond.
I would love to go for the community meets of different cultures just to experience and learn more about their way of life and be part of the celebrations. As a youngster, I support such programmes as long as they aren’t political or biased.” 

Priyanka Jain
Student

“I personally wouldn’t go out of my way to be a part of any community meet or function because most of them tend to have a political angle to them and disturb the everyday lifestyle. That does not mean I am not sensitive towards other cultures. In fact, I come from a family of two different cultures and most of my time, goes in visiting my own community functions. But I do make sure I hang out with friends who come from various cultures and in the process, learn more about their communities.”

Eben
Student

“Community gatherings and meets are great ideas. They provide a perfect platform to people to come together and learn about the rich culture of each other.

They are also a good way to make new friends. I feel such meets are important as they make one more broad-minded.

Getting a chance to see a cultural gathering is something I would be interested in. Unfortunately, most of my interactions happen at college events as academic works take away most of my time and I get no time to attend cultural meets.”

Megali
Student

“I have been brought up in many different cities and exposed to many cultures, in the process. This has not only helped me become more open-minded but also sensitive to other cultures. Bangalore, being a cosmopolitan place, has always welcomed the different community-based events and it’s a great thing as I would love to be a part of the cultural celebrations of any community as long as there is no political motive or influence behind these activities.”

Paromita
Student

“Being a Bengali, I have taken many of my friends to the pandals during the Durga Puja and at the same time, they have taken me to their cultural meets. I recently went to the ‘Hampi Utsav’ and took part in the dance festival there and loved every bit of it. Not only did I get to take part in it but also enjoyed the rich cultural history the place had to offer. Indian culture is so rich and diverse and at the same time, one can find many common links between the different cultures.”