WORLD DAY FOR CULTURAL DIVERSITY

SUCH HISTORICAL DAYS GO UNNOTICED IN THE MODERN TIMES. WHICH IS A MATTER OF GRAVE CONCERN FOR THE MANKIND ON EARTH LOOSING ETHNICITY, CULTURAL VALUES, HUMANISM, AND SOCIAL VALUES OF HUMANITY

- SYED AALIYA

Culture is the life of every society. Culture consists of our languages, customs, festivals, food, music, art, values, and beliefs. Human beings live in varied ways, talk in diverse tongues, and adopt different manners around the globe. These make the world look colourful and gorgeous. To mark the diversity and usher in the culture of respect between cultures, the United Nations chose 21 May as the World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The purpose of this day is not only to have fun celebrating the diversity of cultures but also to learn how essential it is to coexist with respect, peace, and harmony. In today's world, where tensions and fights can so easily arise out of cultural differences, this day is a reminder that diversity is strength, not a weakness.

World Day for Cultural Diversity was first celebrated in 2002, after UNESCO adopted its Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in 2001. The declaration followed the 9/11 attacks in the United States. The objective was to build more cultural empathy and less hate, fear, and division between countries and communities. UNESCO felt that cultural diversity promotion would assist in attaining peace, sustainable development, and inclusive societies.

Cultural diversity is accepting and appreciating the differences among people. It encompasses ethnicity, religion, language, lifestyle, and even thought. Indians, for instance, celebrate Diwali, while Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. In Japan, bowing is used to greet each other, while in most Arab nations, people hug or shake hands as a greeting. These are all different, but each one is special in its own right. Understanding them fosters mutual respect and avoids discrimination. World Day for Cultural Diversity offers an opportunity for people to learn that behind every