Written by: Rtr. Zainy Hassan Ziya

The International Service Avenue of the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of our initiative, Global Chapters ’24. This ambitious project was conducted in three distinct phases, each contributing uniquely to fostering cross-border friendships and deepening cultural understanding. The overarching goal was to celebrate diversity, promote peaceful coexistence, and strengthen international camaraderie.

Phase 1: Bhāsā Bridge
The first phase of the project, titled “Bhāsā Bridge,” served as a platform for a rich and interactive language exchange program. Conducted virtually via Google Meet, this phase facilitated an exploration of regional languages, fostering mutual understanding among participants. The languages featured included Sinhala, Kannada, Nepali, and Hindi. Members from the Rotaract Club of Swoyambhu Nepal, Rotaract Club of Bangalore, Rotaract Club of Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya, and the Interact Club of Maharaja Agarsain Public School collaborated to make this phase a remarkable success. Through insightful presentations, participants shared knowledge about the nuances, origins, and linguistic beauty of their respective languages, creating a bridge of communication that transcended geographical barriers.

Phase 2: Cross-Cultural Conversations
The second phase, “Cross-Cultural Conversations,” highlighted the rich cultural diversity of the participating clubs. This phase also leveraged the Google Meet platform to ensure widespread participation and inclusivity. Through engaging presentations and discussions, each club showcased the unique aspects of their regional cultures, including traditions, festivals, and societal norms. Additionally, this phase featured vibrant entertainment segments, where fellow Rotaractors performed art forms, especially songs that reflected their cultural identity. These performances added an enriching and entertaining dimension to the initiative, fostering an appreciation of the diversity that defines the global Rotaract community.

Phase 3: Publication of “Aether”
The third and final phase culminated in the creation and publication of “Aether,” a poetry book that serves as a testament to the creative spirit of the participating clubs. Submissions were invited from Rotaractors across all collaborating clubs, allowing for a vibrant collection of poetry in multiple languages. The anthology not only celebrates linguistic and literary diversity but also symbolizes the unity and shared aspirations of young leaders across borders. The compilation of “Aether” was a labor of love, reflecting the collective efforts and shared commitment of all contributors.

In conclusion, Global Chapters ’24 was a resounding success, embodying the core values of the Rotaract movement: friendship, cultural exchange, and global understanding. By embracing the themes of diversity and peaceful coexistence, this project exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration and dialogue. The International Service Avenue of the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participating clubs for their unwavering support and enthusiastic contributions. Together, we have not only built bridges across borders but have also laid the foundation for enduring friendships and mutual respect that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.

Graphic Design by: Rtr. Ifrah Riyas