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| Students exchanging knowledge of their respective countries during virtual meeting |
Ludhiana, April 24, 2021 (News Team): Cultural exchange programmes hold meaning and depth as they help in understanding, respecting and valuing different cultural set ups across the globe. It helps us break down the barriers of differences and distances when we unite to nurture the best in us. Language, clothing, values and opinions do not stand in the way of mutual respect. Its an anchor of the relationship between and amongst our respective ethnic groups.
One of such programmes hosted by AFS Global took place on 23rd April,2020. Sat Paul Mittal School, Ludhiana, united with Instituto Pierre De Coubertin, Oaxaca, Mexico to break down the existing boundaries with the aid of Sustainable Development Goals. Beginning from 7 p.m. the students exchanged knowledge of their respective countries, religion and the nation’s contributions in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. ‘Sustainable development’ is the idea that the human societies must live and meet their needs without compromising the ability of future generation. The 3 principles of sustainable development are environmental, economic and social sustainability. The Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The SDGs were set in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by the year 2030.
Sitting thousands of miles away, the virtual meeting seemed to have shortened this length. The invocation, presented in the classical dance form of Kathak by Satyan Tammana Kothari, served to depict India’s religious beliefs. Diya Sinhla presented SDG 1- No poverty, stating that India has achieved to uplift 271 million out of multidimensional poverty in a decade. Next up, Siya Keher presenting SDG 2 -Zero Hunger, highlighted the fact that 97.6% beneficiaries have been covered in 2018. SDG 3, good health and wellbeing, presented by Pushti, conveyed that India has made considerable efforts in reducing under five mortality rate. Manher Kaur presenting SDG 4, put spotlight on India's responsibility of 21 percent of the world's achievement gap for the quality education goal. Punya Khurana, while talking about SDG 5, put forward that despite being oppressed, women broke out to achieve gender equality in various fields. Aarushi Sethi presented that India contributed in making 700 open-defecation free districts in line with SDG 6. Nimrat presented the fact that 95 per cent of Indian population now has access to electricity. Saisha Jain presented SDG 8- Decent Work and Economic Growth and mentioned India's achievement of imparting skills to 4.54 urban poor. Tahira Grewal called attention to India offering collateral free loans worth 40 billion USD to MSMEs while advancing on SDG 9- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. As an advancement in accordance with SDG 10, reduced inequality, Indian women now occupy 45 per cent of Panchayat Raj seats. Jasria, while talking about SDG 11 -Sustainable Cities and Communities, called attention to the Rajiv Awas Yojna. Yaadvi Karir, speaking on SDG 12 of Responsible consumption and production, brought to notice of audience India's ratification of the historical Paris agreement in 2016.In line with SDG 13- responsible consumption and production, India has reduced GDP emissions by 12 per cent from 2005 to 2010. To save life in ocean, There has been a great increase in study of Oceans. India has launched Project Elephant and Project Tiger to comply with SDG 15- Life on Land. A considerable achievement in SDG 16 is the milestone of 40 per cent increase in birth registrations size 2015. India complying with SDG 17 of Partnerships for the Goals, lagging a bit behind, has made small achievements. Following the briefing of the Nation’s achievements in the various SDGs, the quiz was an interesting activity which broke the monotony and engaged the students from the other school as well.
The successful meeting was not just a cultural exchange, it also proved that united, we can do wonders.