The School of Tribal Culture, Philosophy and Eco-spiritualism, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University a Virtual Cultural Exchange Programme with Loreto High School, Limuru, Kenya, in celebration of the ethos of the upcoming Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on 15th November 2022.
Cultural exchanges provide an opportunity to explore other cultures, traditions, customs, beliefs, societies, languages, and much more. It broadens one’s horizon and increases the tendency of acceptance. The Government of India has declared that the 15th of November will be celebrated annually as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (Tribal Pride Day) to celebrate the legacy and contribution of India’s diverse indigenous communities, while recognizing, reviving and celebrating their unique languages, cultures, knowledge systems, ideas, and innovations.
The virtual cultural exchange programme with Loreto High School, Limuru-Kenya, provided students of both India and Kenya an opportunity to briefly explore parts of each other’s cultures, traditions, languages.
In his welcome address, KISS-DU Vice Chancellor Professor Deepak Kumar Behera talked about the importance and relevance of conducting a cultural exchange programme by showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the indigenous people. He also enlightened about the exposure it provides for the students of both the countries.
Throughout the course of the two-hour programme, the students of both countries showcased tribal dance forms, songs and artefacts, thereby broadening their horizons and building the spirit of tolerance through exposure to a different global community. Students also shared tales of their unsung tribal heroes, and along the course of the event, discovered similarities and unity in our beautiful diversity.
Registrar, KISS Deemed to be University, Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, in his closing remarks, said, the Founder of KISS has built this wonderful institute to provide education free to all tribal students. He also talked about the importance of dialogue exchange and sharing of knowledge between the students of both the countries, and spoke of the wonderful synergy that KISS has been building over the years, with Kenya, while also expressing his hope that the bond forged between both the schools at this virtual event, could be taken forward into a blossoming future partnership between KISS and Loreto High School, Limuru.