Fiesta De Quinceanera

  

Some months back I watched an interesting program called "Fiesta Quinceanera" on PBS channel. Fiesta De Quinceanera is a celebration of a girl's 15th birthday and her stepping into adulthood. There is music, food and dancing which revolve around a theme at a party. And so naturally the dress of the girl has to be very special and match the theme of her coming of age party. It is celebrated in Mexico as well as Latin communities in America and elsewhere. This event has social and religious significance. 

It was really wonderful to see the heartwarming story of this darling mother who went to lengths to make that event truly special and memorable for her daughter. How a mother celebrates her love for her daughter through this significant occasion is so endearing. Mothers in all cultures are forever so generous and giving. Mothers in any culture would do anything and make great sacrifices to see smiles on the faces of their children. The warmth and affection pouring out of every action of her mother in preparation for the lovely event touched my heart deeply and reminded me of my mother and you would certainly be reminded of the special ways your mother touches your heart too.     

A closure to childhood and welcoming adulthood is what Quinceanera symbolizes.  In sorrows and joys God is there for us and this girl's mother specially tries to restore her daughter's faith in that. I was smiling through the entire program as the interactions between the mother and daughter were so special. Their interactions were even a bit bitter at times but mostly sweet and loving each other all the way in their own way. She wants the party for her daughter that she never had. Mothers want all that they have and all that they could not have for their daughters. In this sense the mothers in all cultures are alike.

The tale of each girl covered in this program was so interesting. Another stitches the dress for her grand daughter. It goes to show that one could make any moment special even without any means. Another family is shown preparing and taking dance lessons together for this special occasion where the girl wants a fusion of both cultures as the theme of her party so as to celebrate where she came from and where she belongs now. Truly family is everything as they would do anything to make your moments special and to capture that smile on your face! 

I think in a way a mother has no nationality or religion as she identifies and recognizes herself only through her children. I feel a mother translates her existence through her children. All the mothers around the world are the same...

This program also reminded me that life is a "fiesta" even in moments of fear and uncertainty. Some of the families don't know when they will see their families because of the situations they are in and yet they put their challenges and complexities of life aside to make that particular moment special for their daughters by pouring their hearts and investing so much in the preparations for that big day. We have so many desires and dreams which can go unfulfilled but the key to make life beautiful is to celebrate moments like this.

Teachings of a Balinese Prince

 Experiences not only shapes one's life but the lives of others as well when stories are shared in person or on social media platforms. Online story telling platforms offer a personal way to share one's experiences and knowledge with a larger audience. I always love to be a story teller or a story listener in such online story learnings !

As mentioned earlier, the talks and lectures of Prince Tjok Dje Kerthyasa are very inspiring and captivating. I like hearing about his experiences and stories about his life as they are inspiring, motivating and renew my belief in what I thought is lost to many. I watched "Living Tri Hata Karna- Part 1".

It is nice to see someone valuing his family and traditions so much. I am profoundly philosophical and traditional. Everyone must inspire the next generation to carry age old customs and traditions forward. According to me, traditional values and modernity can go hand in hand. It is all about creating the right balance as the Balinese royal family is doing .Life is about maintaining balance and we believe that too in my culture. It is essential to preserve that balance in life.

I can relate so well to his cultural experiences and beliefs be it regarding Vedic traditions, Hindu customs or yoga. "Pranayama" is obviously well known to Indians. My father knows yoga and has often told me to follow it . My family too uses homeopathy and herbal medicines. Homeopathy and healing remedies have a place in both cultures. I feel that in a way our countries and cultures are deeply connected though some may not entirely agree which makes it really interesting to note the different translations of Hinduism. However I think we are the same basically...

I have to say that his way of presenting his culture, thoughts and ideas through his personal experiences and example is wonderful. Listening to his lectures gives a sense of peace and tranquility at a time when we are trying to reconnect with ourselves in the times of challenges during the world health crisis. As mentioned earlier , I am glad to have been introduced to his discussions as I believe in the way of life that he talks about and agree that we must be deeply connected to Nature. 

Spirituality has great significance in my life too. Having lived in Japan for six years as a child in Tokyo and then later as a teacher in a village in Mie-ken, I visited numerous Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples which inspired me to research on the similarities between Shintoism , Buddhism and Hinduism. In both Hinduism and Shintoism, natural elements are worshipped. We revere and acknowledge elements of nature. Fire, Earth & Water have representations. India and Bali both have sacred plants and trees and one of them being the Banyan tree. He compared that to Shintoism in this way that Shintoism also has sacred trees .

 So many of our beliefs and words in our languages are connected or linked. In the beginning of the talk, as a part of his greeting and later in his blessing or prayer in the end. some of the words were the same as Hindi words like "Ohm" and "Shanti".  .

 In India too chanting mantras and purification of homes with holy water or incense is part of everyday life in many households. We even sometimes use salt and light oil lamps made with clay to spread positive energy in our homes. We also have such purification rituals or purification ceremonies. Water purifying ceremony have relevance in some Asian cultures. He beautifully put it that you become one with element of water.

 Like Bali, in India too we  pray and ask for forgiveness for building anything on a land and seek permission from the divine to construct something on it. This Hindi ritual is called "Bhumipujan" and it involves a ceremony for laying the foundation. Before entering a house for the first time, we have the "Grihapravesh" ceremony where we worship to receive the blessings for positivity and good fortune in the house. So I could understand how in Bali too they give offerings to earth and natural elements. Offerings for prayers are often in the form of fruits and flowers in both countries at Hindu temples. Moreover like Bali and India, Japan honours their ancestors too through their own festival of "Obon". 

He talked about how with the sacred bells & mantras during ceremonies we harmonize ourselves with nature and divine. In India it is the same as well and you will find bells at the entrance of Hindu temples. 

It was also mentioned that different dimensions of nature and beings in other realms are acknowledged in Bali. Again I could comprehend that specially because of my personal experience too as a child. And so I wear a "tabeez/tawiz" or "kavach" as we refer to in India which is a kind of sacred symbol locket containing some verses or mantras from the holy book and amulet that protect from evil spirits and mishaps. In Japan they have something similar called " Omamori" which provide protection and blessings too.

 Omamoris are good luck charms that are often sold at Buddhist and Shinto shrines. They are prayers on a small piece of wood, paper or cloth that are then wrapped in small brocade bags. They have omamoris for everything and they are so colourful as well as attractive ! It is interesting how different cultures can have similar beliefs but in different forms. It is amazing as to how our grandmothers too thought alike as mine would advise me not to do certain things at dusk as well. Like we were told not to do stitching at that time or not allowed to lie down during that time. 

We too have an ancient Hindu calendar that the pundits refer to particularly when searching for auspicious dates for a special occasion. There are different days assigned to different Gods in Hindusim in India too. We too have certain days assigned for certain things or certain prayers.  

Tjok Gde mentioned that life is not necessarily about achieving a goal.  I am known to believe that since I follow the Buddhist saying that "enjoy the journey instead of waiting for the destination". Many of his sayings naturally reminded me of the teachings of Bhagwad Gita too .

 He says that it is important to be creators to save the earth and live in harmony with nature. That is absolutely required ! It is important to give back to the earth and I feel that appreciation would definitely be mirrored. So respect nature and respect earth !

Valuable Teachings of a Balinese Prince

 

It is always so wonderful to meet people from different cultural backgrounds and cultural identities since one learns so much more through such interactions. Such interactions enhance one's interpretation of other cultures and fills in the blanks for those parts of other cultures that are invisible or unknown to you. In the present times of the pandemic, there may not be all that many opportunities entirely to be as socially active as before or attend cultural and social interaction events for that matter. But needless to say that one could still have access to knowledge and learning of new cultures through books, television and online resources. Everyday I take the time to watch programs, shows or documentaries on You Tube or TV about various cultural traditions and ceremonies.  I thoroughly enjoy watching such programs specially on KQED,,PBS and NHK here in America. 

On one such day, while watching one cultural wedding ceremony after the other on You Tube did I come across an interview with the Balinese Prince Tjok Gde Kerthyasa in the "Get Lost Education" video. I am so glad that I was introduced to his talks through You Tube. The talk was very interesting and naturally captured my attention completely particularly because I was able to relate to it so much.

 Both as an Indian and an individual I could really connect with his thoughts and beliefs at all levels. As evident from my blog, I also give importance to cultures and spirituality. Thereafter I watched another of his talks and I will be writing more articles on him based on my interpretations of his talks. Not only do I believe in homeopathy, naturopathy and herbal medicines but like him I also have experience of a teacher and an ex-Hotelier. So naturally many of my experiences have been somewhat similar. Hinduism is our common connection too. And like he said India too celebrates natural therapy.  

I too have experienced a few months at a school where the classroom environment may be described as somewhat similar to that of Green School and I shall be talking about that another time. The Green School environment in Bali also somewhat reminds me of the "Gurukuls" in ancient India. Perhaps we too can find the lost education of the Gurukul system or restore some parts of it in it's truest form to prepare the students for real life and keep them connected with their traditions.         

Hearing the conversation with the Prince of Bali on " Get Lost Education" left quite a lasting impression on me and I thought I must write about it and introduce others who have not had the opportunity as yet to listen to his talks. He talks very well and his talks give a much needed direction and purpose in these times to achieve that balance in life and to live in unison with nature. He has his own website which basically means healing waters or healing with water since he uses holy spring water to make medicine. The website is-

 www.tirtausada.com  (healing waters) Holy water spring to make medicines

Tjok De Kerthyasa belongs to two different cultures and in my opinion that is the reason he attaches a profound meaning to cultures as such and appears to have a keen interest in drawing similarities between different cultures. He has a deep appreciation and understanding of other cultures and it is visible that he enjoys sharing his knowledge with people through his talks. I love doing that as well as a cross-cultural consultant and teacher.  I like sharing ideas and knowledge with people through my blog. I may not be from two different cultures but I come from a family that has a place for different religions. So I have always been more tolerant of other religions and cultures. Being brought up in two different religions teaches me to be very culturally sensitive. As always I manage to find some connections or similarities amidst differences of cultures and differences of religions. As a cross- cultural consultant, I find it delightful to bring people together despite their differences and bridge the distance between them. And if at all possible , there is nothing better than aligning people through their traditional or cultural connection with nature and shared interests too.      

 I feel that Prince Tjok Gde has found deep contentment and peace in living his traditions which is deeply rooted in history. I am rather envious of that because he has been fortunate enough to follow the life path that he believes in and that too in one of the countries he is connected with by birth. Many times many of us get far away from the traditional path we desire and go on a path life chooses for us in faraway countries. As much as we may be closely tied with our traditions and beliefs, we get lost in a completely different world being away from our countries in an attempt to adapt well to our new surroundings. But sooner or later it is so important to keep in touch with yourself through your age old traditions. Through his talks somehow I could renew my relationship with me and reconnect with the much loved traditions of my country too.   

He came across as a very down to earth person and somebody who is sensitive to everybody and everything around him.  His mentioning about the traumatic effect of his immigration experience in his childhood days as well as an impression left by a Harry Potter movie to prompt him to take up naturopathy makes it so relatable to any common person. I feel that being fortunate enough to experience and be a part of two different cultures has instilled in him more acceptance, sensitivity and appreciations of other cultures. I think that people with two cultural identities tend to take the best of both the cultures forward to carry forward a much more positive approach to the way of life. The holistic approach and deep acquaintance with nature is so refreshing to see in a person of his stature. He mentions Ayurveda and organic farming which too interest me a lot as that has been a part of my life . Ayurveda has it's roots in India and till date we follow that. Having worked in the Hotel Industry in Napa, I was more closely introduced to the "farm to table" ingredients in cooking by the famous chefs. 

In India too we follow homeopathy and use herbal medicines which may take time to cure but actually cure effectively. Body healing techniques through breathing methods is a part of my culture too through yoga. My mother and grandmothers have great knowledge of nutritional foods and that too that hold compatibility with different seasons. That's why I find it so important to find herbal cures in my kitchen and in certain foods. And so I find it all the more fascinating to follow his lectures. I have faith in natural medicine though there comes a time when one has to take stronger medicines in one's consultation with a Dr. specially relating to surgery or a life threatening disease. Basically it's a call for the need of the hour. But still I still rely on alternative treatment side by side particularly because it has no side effects and I openly discuss it with my American Dr. But at the end of the day it comes down to our individual experiences and perceptions as he conveys. 

I think Tjok Gde could closely observe two cultures very well while growing up and draw his own inferences based on his experiences which fortunately resulted in positive ones. He rightly says that humans have right to take care of their health ! Healing one self is important !  He says that curing is okay but the highest calling is to teach people to heal themselves. Now those are such wise words ! It is really essential to heal from the inside out to cure oneself completely and effectively. He says that nothing is more valuable than health. We can take care of family only if we are healthy. I totally agree to that and always believe Health is Wealth. You can achieve all that you want only if you have good health. He is also right in saying that it is in our power to maintain or destroy our health. My parents advocate that too and with age I have come to realize that. Like him I am a firm believer that our choices have a powerful impact on our lives. According to me, we are what we create of ourselves and we become what we choose to be. So think wisely and choose wisely ! 

Anyone who listens to his talks would be much motivated to explore the world of possibilities he offers through his teachings and ideas that are aligned with Nature which could be adhered to for a happy and healthy life. His messages to the world which are beautiful, meaningful and ever inspiring are as follows in short- 

Important to regain your traditional path if you are lost in two worlds!

Be courageous, move to commitment...then we have consciousness...

Have courage and dare to know.. know by itself. 

Embrace Nature !

[ I write spontaneously as I write from the heart. And it is edited much later as and when I want to add more. Some of his messages might not be written word to word but they convey the same meaning. It is worth listening to his talks. ]  

 

" Omiyage"

 In Japanese culture, "omiyage" holds a lot of importance. One is required as part of social etiquette to bring back gifts for one's friends, family and colleagues from a place that you visited on a personal or work related trip. One generally gets these beautifully wrapped gifts that specially represent the place you visited. For people at work it could be some sweets or other famous food items particularly from the place of visit which have been equisitely packed. In India too we follow thattcustom but more so with friends and family. But in Japan one has to maintain that formality and etiquette of gift giving at work place too. One can find omiyage shops easily at various places in Japan and even at shops in subway stations or airports for last minute gifts shopping. They are already so finely packed that one does not have to bother about gift wrapping.

As a Japan exchange teacher, I always carried back gifts from my country for my friends, neighbours and colleagues so as to make it known to them that I appreciated them and they were in my thoughts on my trip away from them. In fact even when joining work for the first time , I carried small gifts for my bosses and neighbours as part of introducing myself and my country to them. The gifts could be small but what matters is the thought behind it and the warm gesture. I would take Indian handicrafts items , accessories, Indian teas, silk scarves or sweets for people .  I would try to carry back small gifts for all my team teachers in Japan and all my colleagues later in Napa Valley in States though in States it is really not required to do so specially at work. Nevertheless I enjoy giving gifts ! But sometimes because of baggage restrictions on an international trip,  it is advisable to carry something big or collective that everybody could share instead of individual gifts. It could simply be a big box of local sweets or a box of famous tea or something that everyone could share at work. 

Gift giving or gift exchanging is an integral part of Japanese culture. And it is equally important as to how you present those gifts and how you receive them with appreciation. There are a lot of etiquettes involved and I just love that !

On another note it is also important to say that not everyone can acquire the art of gift giving and gift receiving in the most thoughtful way as it is not that simple as one thinks in certain cultures. Many things have to be carefully considered and wisely selected even when buying gifts specially in dealing with certain nationalities particularly in the Diplomatic community. It requires great cultural sensitivity too. For example in certain cultures some numbers and colours are considered inauspicious on certain occassions. So one has to keep all that in mind when picking up gifts or the way you give it. We shall get into that later at another time ! For now just enjoy the pleasure of gift giving and gift receiving ! It is the thoughts behind it that counts after all !              

Japan Exchange Teaching Programme

Japan Exchange Teaching Programme ( JET) 

 Once a JET, a JET forever... We are celebrating 30years of Japan Exchange Teaching Programme.  JETs worldwide are expressing their gratitude on the JET Arigato Campaign Page . I feel deeply honoured to have represented my country as a cultural ambassador on JET. And it is my pleasure and honour to express my gratitude through the JET Arigato Campaign. 

Great sentiment was attached to my selection as JET because it meant a lifetime achievement for me to go back and renew my four years of childhood roots in Japan resulting in a lifelong attachment to the Japanese people and their culture. 

JET gave me a newfound identity, fame and recognition in Japan as well as in the Japanese community back home. I am what I am in my life today because of JET. 

Being assigned to Ise was an added reward. In my own time I could go there and be in communion with the holy, serene and beautiful surroundings of the Grand Ise-shrine.

JET gave me an opportunity to teach as well as enjoy cultural interactions which was a very rewarding experience. It gave me a chance to represent my country in a way that I had always wanted as well as bridge the psychological and cultural differences between people by introducing them to the similarities of their cultures.

 Arigatou gozaimashita JET ! Kokoro kara kansha shite orimasu.

 SIMRIT KAPILA ( INDIA) Misino Mura, Ise-Shi 2001-2003

ALT Junior High School/ELM. School & Board of Education Officehttps://twitter.com/arigatojet/status/758253210435850240

Cultural Sensitivity/ Cultural Awareness & Religious Tolerance

Cultural awareness and Cultural sensitivity between different faiths is important. Lack of understanding and lack of respect for each other's faiths and cultures can cause tensions and riots. Major cause is intolerance...There is no sense in education if we can't teach our children to be culturally and religiously tolerant. It is alright to co-exist with differences in faith and religion.The rising racial attacks everywhere calls for concern and it stems purely out of lack tolerance and biased attitude.Lack of mutual respect of each other's way of life and thought process divides people.

Perhaps lack of employment is the source of it too as people tend to get exploited then as they lose focus and direction in life. Ideal mind is a Devil's workshop as the saying goes...The deprivation of proper knowledge also may be the root cause. Some people fear what they do not understand and they attack it to feel less intimidated... I feel there should be Cultural Acceptance and people should not react harshly to Cultural Differences and Cultural Shocks. According to me, if your good values and education are strong, you cannot really deviate from it and you will not cause harm to others and will not attack each other in the name of hatred and religious intolerance. There are ways to deal with differences by getting to know each other to enhance your knowledge.  This is a never ending discussion but all I can say like always is that it is up to us what we teach our children as responsible adults.

The teachers have to take  responsibility in creating cultural awareness and respect for differences in faiths amongst children and parents have to support teachers. Whatever the students are taught at schools will only have deep impact when it is followed at home as well. In Mie as a JET Programme Teacher my task was to create cultural awareness besides teaching English. At times it was challenging but in the end I always managed to awaken cultural sensitivity amongst the community there specially by adapting myself to their culture as well. You have to practice what you preach...I am confident that my students would grow to become responsible and culturally aware adults. I am sure that they will demonstrate cultural sensitivity and empathy and will adapt easily to the differences in people and foreign cultures.

In the International School in Tokyo (JIS and now AJIS) we were taught to be culturally tolerant. If some students were not culturally sensitive, some others including me would try to motivate them to be tolerant. "Empathy" was one of the subjects taught at school then on Saturdays. In India we have a subject called " Moral Science" in Convent Schools which too helps students to take the positive path in life. In fact our mythological stories and epics also stress on good values and morals if understood correctly and interpreted accurately.

As it is, whatever some may think India is basically religiously tolerant as various cultures,traditions and faiths mingle and live together despite their differences. We believe that there is Unity in Diversity. We colour ourselves in each other's sentiments and faiths like our Festival of Colours (Holi) denotes..We celebrate and respect all festivals or take part in each other's festivities. It is alright to follow your Faith with sincerity and completely as long as you respect the Faith of others as well. One has a right to defend and protect oneself and One's identity but it is not required to threaten the faith of others to preserve and promote your faith as that only reveals your own insecurity. The initiation of any kind of hate crimes should not be tolerated anywhere and we should condemn it. We should honour each other's cultures. We may not be able to get the entire world to cure itself from the everlasting illness of religious intolerance and hatred as well as racial discrimination but we could take the first step in making visible attempts to eradicate it...starting from home. We have to bridge the psychological distance between Individuals, Communities and Nations.

Different Strokes- WE ARE THE WORLD

FRAGRANCES OF CULTURES

Incenses and Candles have always surrounded me wherever I go. I feel that fragrances must be present in a woman's life in different forms. I have a huge collection of fragrances from various cultures. I have incenses from everywhere from Ladakh to Auroville in India. I also have candles, incense cones and incense sticks from Japan and Thailand as well. I love collecting incenses, incense holders and candle stands from all over the world. Fusion of cultures in fragrances creates beautiful aromas around your daily life…Fragrances soothe and heal the mind.

 No dinner or bath is complete without scented candles, perfumes or naturally fragrant herbal soaps. All time favourites in scented soaps are Yardley’s Rose and Lavender soaps. India's Mysore Sandalwood Soaps are also an all time favourite. Sachets lend fragrance to clothes for a long time as well. I like sandalwood and spiced rose sachets. I particularly enjoy buying sachets. Incenses leave a lasting fragrance in a room…I like Patchouli, Sandalwood and Rose incense sticks.

Scented candles come in all colours, shapes and sizes. They’re easy to carry when one is travelling. Candles can be put in attractive and colourful glass containers or can adorn glass, porcelain, brass or copper candle stands at parties. Honey Suckle, Lavender, Rose, Sandal and Lemon are some of my personal favourites in fragrant candles.

The Art of incense is known to many cultures and in some countries they’re used mostly for religious purposes though now people all around the world appreciate the fragrance of incense in their daily lives as well. Incense is appreciated everywhere and has been used in many cultures since ancient times (India, China, Japan, Persia, Greece and Rome) . Incense is used for religious ceremonies, meditation and aromatherapy.



Charcoal based incense

 The oldest source on incense is the Vedas. Since time immemorial, the Holy Men or Rishis of India had knowledge of the Art of Incense and used them for various religious and healing purposes. Since the time of Ayurveda, fragrances and perfumes had been part of Indian culture while it was still obscure and not known in other cultures. In Ayurveda, incenses were used to aid healing and thus had medicinal properties.



Sandalwood Dhoop in Marble incense holder

Dhoop, Agarbatti (incense sticks) as incenses are referred to in India are handmade and are obtained from nature’s essential oils and prepared from herbs and fragrant woods like sandalwood. India is famous for the most calming Sandalwood incenses which are used a lot in meditation. The most valued Sandalwood comes from Mysore, the State of Karnataka in India. My brother recently gifted me a beautiful white marble lotus shaped incense stand with “Mysore Sandalwood” cones (charcoal based). In India, incenses are used for both religious ceremonies and prayers at home as well as to purify the atmosphere. In ancient India, it was also used when drying one’s hair to leave a soft fragrance in the hair.

Recently I was doing a research on the Art of Incense. As we know, Buddhism originated in India and later when Buddhism spread in China, the Buddhist monks introduced the Art of Incense making to China. There are different forms of incense. For instance “Cored stick incense” (stick incense having a support core of bamboo or sandalwood) is produced in India and China and are sometimes referred to as “joss sticks”. Charcoal incense is also used in India. This type of incense (Dhoop) is mainly used for religious ceremonies and for purification.



A Japanese Incense Stand

 “Solid stick incenses” (without supporting core) are commonly produced in Japan and Tibet though they’re used everywhere. This type of incense can be broken into pieces leaving you to choose the amount of incense you want to burn. I picked up some Tibetan solid stick incenses from Ladakh and they’re so therapeutic and enable one to meditate easily with it’s soothing fragrance.  Incense Cones were developed in Japan. The Art of Incense in Japan is known as ‘Koh-do’ or Kodo.



Our collection of atthars for abroad  

 I like ‘Atthar’ too. Attar or Atthar is the purest form of perfumed oil obtained from various flowers, herbs and spices and does not contain chemicals or alcohol. Attars are natural herbal concentrated perfumes. Attar is derived from a Persian word meaning "to smell sweet". They too come in various fragrances like Rose, “ Raat ki Rani” etc. My grandmother used to add attar to her bath for lasting natural fragrance. It is the perfect essence of flowers for a bath. Atthar is usually dabbed on cotton to apply on pulse points.

I feel that fragrances from all around the world are the perfect gifts for any woman. While in Japan, I would always carry incenses and fragrant herbal soaps for the other foreign teachers as they were greatly appreciated. Sometimes my friends from Scotland would request me to bring different types of incenses. It is nice to spread fragrance in everyone’s life!  Through fragrances I could share the scent of my culture with my friends abroad …Fragrance connects various cultures through history.   



CROSS-CULTURAL LOVE

LOVE THAT TRANSCENDS CULTURES

'Kites' as we all know is a story of love that goes beyond barriers, boundaries and cultures. This Hindi film defies every rule of a relationship…I particularly liked the movie whatever anyone might say. It represents and exhibits cross-cultural love where language is of no significance. What matters is the language of the hearts that binds two people in the strong bond of true eternal love…

Such a love does not see circumstances, cultures, languages, lifestyles and status…Such a love withstands the trials of life.There is truth in the vows they take…

For me this movie symbolizes the complete merging of souls in the darkness of different identities and circumstances. It is a movie meant for all those who believe and would attempt to believe in the depth of real love. According to me, this movie represents a love that truly transcends cultures…It revives faith in honesty of emotions and the beauty of feelings capable to surpass anything to gain expression…

"In 2003 I'd presented a concept paper to H.E , the Ambassador of Embassy of Japan advocating "NICE". A lot has been done since then in the field of cultural exchange between the two countries but I feel that a lot more still has to be done...Cultural Interaction according to me is an ongoing process where nothing is ever enough...there is no ending as such. My work in this field has been appreciated and recognized by the Embassy & PM Abe's wife in 2007.I would like to share my thoughts..."NICE". My father inspired me in this direction and contributed mostly to the thought process in this paper.  What is mentioned in this paper can be applied to cultural relationships between any other countries as well."

                                                                                     -Simrit    

NICE 

NIPPON - INDIA CULTURAL

EXCHANGE

 

A Japanese Government Cultural Exchange Programme to Build Enlarged Cultural Links

With India

(CONCEPT PAPER)

General Background:

• In the last few years Japan and India have made considerable progress in building strong relationships in the political and economic fields. A lot can be done in the cultural field.

• Cultural exchanges and relations between Japan and India presently seem to rest only on academic exchanges and fine arts.

• As such they do not bridge the “psychological distance” that exists between the Japanese people and the Indian people in terms of a better knowledge about each other’s countries and thereby do not generate comprehensively the full potential of mutual goodwill.

• While Indians are largely aware of Japan’s strengths in every field, the Japanese people at large are not fully aware of India’s emerging potential. In the cultural field, many in Japan are not aware of the Indian ethos, India’s lifestyles and India’s rich cultural heritage.

• India may be blamed for not doing enough in promoting India’s cultural heritage in Japan.

• Japan as the richer nation (US $700 billion foreign exchange reserves as compared to India’s $109 billion) is better placed financially and administratively to take on the noble task of building strong cultural bonds between Japan and India.

• It is with this background that the proposal of “NICE” is advocated. “NICE” is the acronyms suggested for a new programme: “NIPPON-INDIA CULTURAL EXCHANGE”.

AIMS OF “NICE”

• Overall aim: “To Build Strong Cultural Bonds between Japan and India”.

• “NICE” would attempt to comprehensively enlarge cultural exchanges between Japan and India from the traditional diplomatic focus of Japan Foundation and Japan Cultural & Information Centre activities.

• “NICE” would focus on more “people to people” cultural exchange between Japan and India.

SPECIAL FOCUS OF “NICE”

• Promote and organize visits to India by “student groups” from Japanese Junior High and High Schools and vice-versa.

• Promote and organize visits of “teacher groups” from Japanese Junior High and High Schools to visit India and vice-versa.

• To organize “student summer camps” from Japanese educational institutions in India.

• Promote exchanges between IT professionals of younger generation of both countries.

• Organize “DISCOVER JAPAN” audio-visual programmes in Indian educational institutions. Could be enlarged to “DISCOVER INDIA” programmes in Japan under the auspices of “NICE”.

• Organize visits to India by groups from Japanese local government administrative offices as “Discovery of India” (To include Board of Education officials also)

• Organize seminars/workshops in India for research scholars and young professors from Japanese Universities with the main theme being “JAPAN INDIA CULTURAL HERITAGE AND CO-OPERATION” perspectives.

• Organize visits to India of “women groups” from Japanese Women Social Organizations.

• Selection, co-ordination and comprehensive briefing of JETs (Japan Exchange Teachers). JETs can be the best “cultural ambassadors” to forge cultural bonds between Japan and India.

• Organize “Cultural Workshops” on Japan –India cultural topics in various parts of India by participation of Japanese and Indian personalities.

• Organize “Japanese Food Festivals” in major Indian cities.

• Arrange Workshops of Japanese and Indian Scholars to discover convergences in Japanese and Indian culture.

• Bring our periodicals and literature on Japanese and Indian culture for distribution to educational institutions in Japan and India.

EXPLANATORY NOTES

• This short brief is only a “concept paper” outlining the concept in general.

• “NICE” is intended to be a supplement to promotion of Japan-India cultural relations’ activities undertaken by Embassy of Japan and Japan Foundation.

• “NICE” would attempt its focus on the “younger generation” of Japan and India. They are the future of both countries and it is their understanding of each other that would forge and cement Japan-India friendship through the medium of cultural exchanges.

• Therefore educational institutions in Japan and India through exchange of visits by student groups and educational officials would be given special focus.

OVERALL DIRECTION AND CONTROL

• Patron HE, the Ambassador of Japan in India.

• Direction & Control: To be nominated by the Ambassador of Japan in India from within the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

• Financial resources to run NICE may be found from:

1. Japanese Government

2. Japanese Business Houses in India.

DIRECTOR “NICE”

• To be selected by the HE, the Ambassador of Japan in India.

Criteria for Selection:

1. Individual should be fluent in Japanese, English and Hindi.

2. Individual should have adequate exposure to Japanese culture and Indian culture.

3. Background of individual should incorporate personal exposure to Japanese way of life, working of Japanese educational institutions and would have stayed in Japan for appreciable length of time.

4. Individual should be genuinely fond of Japanese culture and its ethos.

5. Preferred age group: 30-40 years to ensure dynamism.

DIFFERENT STROKES -Cultural Identity

We need to get drenched in the waves of change that time has brought and refresh our thinking. On one hand it is important to respect our own community and culture while on the other hand it is equally necessary to be accepting and tolerant of cultures alien to us as well.


At some point it becomes absolutely essential to cross the threshold of our age old beliefs and customs to overcome our limitations in outlook…That’s when one embarks on a real journey to transcend cultures to make a big difference in the world and to bridge the gap between people alien to each other. Cross-cultural interaction is called for in this respect. The more people we meet the more our thinking, reaction and response to them undergo a metamorphosis. Then the dark night of intolerance gives way to a new dawn of acceptance and understanding.


Doubts about each other creep with lack of knowledge of each other which steals our reasoning and ability to think. That’s when we in feel over protective and defensive about our own community and without reason adopt hostile and rigid attitudes towards the opposite. Sooner or later false thinking brings wrong conduct. There is a strong need according to me to go beyond beliefs and norms of our cultures to cross over the barriers of rigidity. On this challenging path of transcending cultures and embracing each other, we have to meet at least half way if not entirely to be on the same wavelength. We must try to accept each other with our differences and different identities.


We in India are blessed with myriad of different rich cultures and over the centuries India has welcomed and assimilated different cultures and religions. Tolerance is therefore a rich historical legacy of the Indian people which enable them to transcend different cultures. In my own personal case, I’m the offspring of two different cultures with my parents being from different religions. Yet this difference in cultures never created doubts and conflicts in my upbringing or identity. With this as part of my upbringing , I found ready acceptance and being accepted during my exposures to Japanese, Spanish, Scottish, American, Afro American and many other cultures. According to me all should focus on strong bonding between various communities and not on the weaknesses and differences that may separate them at times. We all should be willing to learn to appreciate each other.


Therefore I would welcome the widest participation from people all over the world to share their experiences and views as to how cultures can be transcended harmoniously. One needs both the similarities and differences in cultures to retain the true flavour and original identity of each culture. Yet all can still flow with each other and confluence together…


Different strokes by different people from different cultures can help in creating a richer piece of art with richness of cultures from all over the world… One picture is more than a thousand words…We can weave a carpet of mutual understanding through acknowledging each other with our different cultural identities and cultural thoughts.