by Arvind Minj
NASHIK-MAHARASHTRA, NOVEMBER 22, 2014: 'Every person belongs to a particular culture with its own speciality and uniqueness.' Appreciating this rich variety, the community of Divyadaan 
Salesian Institute of Philosophy organized a cultural evening on November 19, 2014. The event served to give exposure to the very many cultures that constituted and enriched the community of Divyadaan.
In his introductory words Fr. Felix Fernandes, the Principal, acknowledged the multi-cultural aspect of the institute. He stressed upon the need to be open to and appreciate the cultures of other persons around us. The event helped to bring to light the fact that culture played a very vital role in human life. With a fusion of dance, song and power-point presentations, the students exhibited the varied cultures they share in: Konkani, Khasi, Marathi, Gujarati, Koli, Oraon, Tamil and Bhil. Timely explanations enabled the audience to look deep into the symbolic meaning behind each cultural representation. 
During the programme, quoting Fr Ashley Miranda, Cleric Romanus Barwa rightly said "Culture plays a very important role in human life. You listen to one's culture and you respect him, you laugh at his culture and you cause him grief, you celebrate his culture with him and you become his brother, you take away his culture and you reduce him to a nobody, you change his culture and you change him forever."
The event provided fresh impetus to love and respect each other's cultural wealth. More importantly, it was a moment to consider one's own cultural identity and to be proud of it.