On 3 March, Plymouth Business School (PBS) ran a cultural day, which was attended by over three hundred students and staff from across the university. The event was undertaken to showcase what it means to be truly diverse. Being the most culturally diverse school in the university, it was important for the school to make everyone feel included and to break down some of the barriers and awkwardness that comes from differences. Also, being far away from families and loved ones, speaking different languages, having different pronunciations and gestures that separate us, different colour skin tones, our physical looks and dress, the food we eat, the way we pray, the way we live, the values we have and then the myriad aspects not so tangible. It is inevitable that we would create walls and have in-groups and out-groups. So, the cultural day celebration was a way to make everyone feel integrated, for everyone to experience other cultures through their dance, their cultural dishes, their colourful attires, and music – in order to give people a sense of belonging. Most importantly, to ensure people are aware and conscious of the existence of other cultures and understand the strength that lies in our diversity.
The event was organised by PhD students and chaired by Dr Smita Tripathi who delivered a remarkable speech on what it is to be truly diverse. Cultural dishes from Nigeria, Persia, Britain, and China were on the menu, so there was a lot to eat and drink! There was a very vibrant cultural fashion show with forty-three culturally diverse participants who showcased their beautiful cultural dresses with intricate patterns and designs, as well as a Bollywood dance session choreographed by the amazing Suparna – a PhD student from school of education. The combination of all the cultures in one room was just the most satisfying thing to see. We had students from across the university, nearly four-hundred students in all, which made it even more interesting. The event ended with lots of laughter and dancing and a call for more of such in the future, which was the ultimate goal of the organisers.
