Sharing common interests

Symbiosis Institute of Business Management hosted a cultural event called Utopia on its campus recently bringing around 200 international students from across the City on a common platform. Students from countries like Japan, China, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan came together to interact with fellow students as well as their Indian counterparts.  

The event began with a keynote address by Syed Shahid Mahdi, V-P, Indian Council for Cultural Relations. He stressed on the importance of interaction between people from distinct cultures and background.

“India has not only supported different cultures but has also nourished the same,” he said. He also reiterated the verse ‘Vasudeva Kutumbakam’, which means the whole world is a single family. Jonathan David Yach, CEO Mantri Mall, spoke about Bangalore’s multi-cultural environment, and shared his vast range of fulfilling experiences in the City over the years.  

This was followed by a presentation by a representative of the Federation of International Student Associations, who explained the need of setting up such an organisation. There was a lengthy discussion on this because in the last decade, there has been a massive increase in the number of foreign nationals coming to Bangalore to study.

The other topics discussed included setting up of organisations like Indian Council for Cultural Relations and Federation of International Student Associations to make it easy for foreign nationals to adapt to an alien environment.

In a socially relevant move, the Social Responsibility Committee of the college had organised a blood donation camp.  This was given support by not only the students of Symbiosis but many foreign nationals who donated blood.This was followed by another SRC initiative, wherein saplings were planted in the name of each of the visiting countries by their respective representative.

But it was not just about serious issues. The day also included an extravaganza with various participants from all the countries showcasing their culture through dance and music.

The cultural programme was thoroughly enjoyed by the students.  In addition, the students from Afghanistan presented a fashion show displaying the traditional wear of the country and received huge applause. They even won the first prize. ‘Utopia’ turned out to be not only a cultural mix but also an enlightening event for the students.