Hélder Câmara once stated that, “Keep your language. Love its sounds, its modulation, its rhythm. But try to march together with men of different languages, remote from your own, who wish like you for a more just and human world.” These words spread its wings to a wide range including cultural uniqueness and beauty of its diversity.

The cultural diversity has taken a perspective as the common heritage of humanity in modern times. It is of diverse forms across time and space. This diversity is embodied in the uniqueness and plurality of the identities of the groups and societies making up humankind. Culture as a source of exchange, innovation and creativity, cultural diversity is of utmost importance for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. Therefore, it is the common heritage of humanity and should be recognized and affirmed for the benefit of all generations including the present and future. Undoubtedly, the world is increasingly interconnected.

With the intention of sharing, enjoying and respecting cultural diversity, cross-cultural differences and making new friendships among Rotaractors; CULTURA – A cultural extravaganza is a joint initiative organized by the International Service Avenues of the Rotaract Club of University of Sri Jayewardenepura and Rotaract Club of Lala Lajpatrai College- RID 3141 and the Club Service Avenue of RACUSJ. This project focused on global understanding, fellowship and friendship making impacts on local community and environment and to International communities and environment. The project involved the Club Service Avenue from RACUSJ apart from the International Service Avenues from both clubs to carry out the activities in a more effective manner and to develop the mental well-being of club members through a virtual platform during this harsh time in both countries.

This interesting event took place on the 22nd of May at 6 p.m. via Zoom. All enthusiastic participants from the Rotaract Club of Lala Lajpatrai College were warmly welcomed to this fun filled, exciting event. Both clubs conducted the presentations of their proud history, education system, ablaze religious festivals, unique food cultures, clothing, dancing and music and many more interesting items to highlight their identities. An atmosphere of valuing, enjoying and most importantly accepting differences was strongly built and was evident in the eyes of all.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Rtr. Hasini Amanda, Rtr. Shashika Malshan, Rtr. Binara Weerawardhane, Rtr. Pomuditha Katugampala; from RACUSJ and Rtr. Muskaan Sengar, Rtr. Hrishikesh, Rtr. Disha Boricha; from RCLala, extremely talented souls who joined and enlightened an entertainment session with us and in orderly made this event a success.

The goal of International Service Avenue was to build up the global understanding, and to promote cultural diversity thus the club service was there to strengthen the bonds between the two Rotaract clubs which is the truest essence of the whole Rotaract Movement.

Hence, we all are evidence that CULTURA- A cultural extravaganza made a huge impact on the Rotaractors, gifting them with memorable experience whilst furthering their bonds to a much higher phrase.

Written by Rtr. D.W.M. Pali Wisala Dewanarayana