Cultural Crossroads!

The South Asian Experience!

Since receiving the acceptance letter in December, my excitement for the Youth Forum Leadership Summit 2024 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, has been building. Hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, this summit brought together 100 young leaders aged 18-25 from Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. It marked a convergence of diverse minds committed to shaping a brighter future. While I expected engaging sessions, panels, and discussions on various global topics (which I will certainly write about), what truly caught me off guard was the profound cross-cultural exposure and its profound impact on my perspectives.

The journey to Colombo began with a minor setback - my flight was cancelled, leading to a longer journey with an unexpected layover. However, any initial inconvenience dissipated upon arrival, replaced by the warm embrace of enthusiastic Sri Lankan participants. As we shared stories, bonded over our respective cultures and cuisines, and discovered common aspirations, a sense of camaraderie enveloped us. The discussions on culinary traditions, for instance, evoked memories of my encounters with South Indian cuisine in Hyderabad, further highlighting how culture served as both a bridge and an icebreaker, uniting us in shared experiences and understanding.

The Cultural Night on Day 2 served as a vibrant celebration of diversity and unity, marking a pivotal moment in our bonds as participants from various backgrounds showcased their cultural heritage. As part of the Indian contingent, I stepped onto the stage to represent Uttarakhand.

The resounding cheer that welcomed the beginning of my performance remains etched in my memory, symbolising the supportive, energetic, and inclusive atmosphere that defined the entire experience.

It was heartening to witness people coming together, transcending language barriers and cultural differences, to dance and sing in unison on a Pahadi song! Despite my lack of preparation and lingering stage fright, the overwhelming support from the audience propelled me forward.

Stepping onto the stage, the realization struck me that nearly a decade had elapsed since my last performance. However, on that unforgettable night, I not only exceeded my expectations but also underwent a profound personal transformation.

In a pivotal session on Day 3, Patrick McNamara, Executive Director at the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, orchestrated a compelling discourse on navigating Cultural Crossroads for Impact. With his profound expertise, he delved into the intricate dynamics of cultural intersections and their potential to catalyze meaningful change. McNamara urged us, the participants, to introspect on our individual interpretations of culture, fostering a deeper appreciation for its multifaceted nature. We were prompted to reflect not only on our own cultural heritage but also on the aspects we value in other cultures.

McNamara's exploration of South Asia as a cultural crossroad sparked lively discussions about the region's diverse tapestry of traditions, languages, and customs. Drawing from his extensive experiences, he shed light on South Asia's role as a melting pot of cultural influences. His insights emphasized the crucial role of cultural intelligence, highlighting its equal, if not greater, significance compared to other forms of intelligence. Inspired by his session, we were encouraged to embrace our cultural identities as sources of strength, enabling us to navigate today's interconnected world with empathy and resilience.

Having personally experienced the summit, McNamara's question about fostering greater acceptance of cultures resonated deeply with me. It echoed the cultural exchanges and interactions that defined those transformative four days. My recent posts, like "Grey Matters," further explore navigating today's discourse and acknowledge the inherent biases and stereotypes we all carry. However, it also emphasizes the importance of openness to engaging in conversations and immersing ourselves in each other's cultures as essential steps toward fostering understanding and acceptance.

Observing our songs and dances, I noted remarkable similarities and the influence of social media transcended every boundary, making these cultural expressions global. It underscored the notion that, despite our differences, we are fundamentally alike. The man-made boundaries and distinctions we create only tell a fraction of the story. The climactic moment for me arrived as everyone, regardless of their background, joined in jumping and dancing to our collective performance of "IndiaWale"! This unexpected unity showcased the unique power of youthful energy – a spirit that seeks celebration and enjoyment rather than emphasising our differences.

Cultural Night

Looking back on the event, I can now chuckle at the flaws in my performance. Yet, the sheer joy it brought me serves as a poignant reminder of the summit's profound impact. In the closing moments, Susan, one of the organisers, overcome with emotion, tearfully expressed how our display of camaraderie had restored her faith in youth. I share her sentiments wholeheartedly. It reaffirmed my belief in the capacity of young people to enact positive change through acts of kindness and collaboration, filling me with a renewed sense of hope and joy for the future.

The pervasive sense of belonging and the profound appreciation for diverse cultures that permeated every aspect of the event was truly remarkable. It fostered an environment where individuals could come together, celebrate their uniqueness, and forge lasting connections.

This spirit of connection extended far beyond the formal sessions the following days. Late nights were filled with shared laughter, impromptu outings in search of souvenirs at local markets, and moments of cultural exchange. Sitting in a room with Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Nepalis we conversed in Hindi and vibed to Bollywood songs while my Chennai counterparts talked to the Sri Lankans in Tamil. A comedy of errors ensued when in rhythm they started speaking in Tamil with us to realise the mistake and translate it later. Whether sharing jokes, learning about each other's countries, or dancing and singing together, it forged a bond that surpassed my expectations. The bonds formed among us international participants were truly special, transcending every man-made boundary. They were forged on a foundation of mutual respect and a shared aspiration for a better and more accepting world.

A heartfelt tribute to the Indian Contingent too: From acquaintances to a virtual meeting from 5 different locations all across just a week before our long-awaited gathering. A little over a week ago, we finally converged in a hotel, setting the stage for five nights brimming with profound moments. From our initial gathering on the 10th floor, where none of us wanted the night to end despite our fatigue, to our late-night debriefs over dinner and rehearsals for the cultural night, each moment was treasured. Whether sharing laughter until tears streamed down our faces, or delving into our personal lives, challenges, aspirations, and dreams, we shared it all. Special mention to the incomparable American Centre Coordinator, Chhaya Sharma who joined us in our shenanigans and lent motivation and words of wisdom to us.

I carry with me a profound sense of hope and purpose, knowing that our paths have crossed for a reason. This experience served as a reaffirmation of my faith in humanity especially the younger demographic, highlighting our collective potential to effect meaningful change when we come together, especially in South Asia.

Reflecting on the time invested and the connections forged, I find myself profoundly grateful for the impactful journey this experience has been. My gratitude extends to every individual whose path intertwined with mine, as I recognise that I am a total of these meaningful interactions. I extend my thanks to the faculties and my college for granting me this invaluable opportunity.

As I stand on the threshold of my teenage years, this summit has become a source of immense fulfilment. Over four enriching days, we embodied the essence of true cultural diversity. The collective cultural journey we embarked on at the Youth Forum Leadership Summit 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary. I am profoundly thankful for the chance to contribute and be a part of this transformative experience.

Until we meet again, may we continue to carry forward the spirit of collaboration, compassion, and determination instilled in us during this transformative experience.