Bāndhavya – Connecting Cultures & Celebrating People-to-People Ties

Through sustained engagement with countries across continents, the Centre has created valuable platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exchange, with the objective of fostering meaningful people-to-people connections and strengthening intercultural understanding.

Hosted by Baroness Verma, former Minister of the UK for International Development, and Chancellor of Roehampton University, the event was held at the House of Lords of British Parliament, the programme brought together an eminent gathering of diplomats and dignitaries, including Their Excellencies the High Commissioners of Mauritius Dr Rajeshwar Jeetah, Barbados Mr. Edmund Hinkson S.C. &  the Acting High Commissioner of Seychelles Ms Patsy Moustache, and the Ambassador of Guatemala Ms Carla Rodrigues Marcia, Ambassador of Uruguay Mr. Luis Bermúdez, and Deputy Head of Ethiopian Mission Ambassador Lalisa Brihanu, Associate Prof. Geoff Paul, University of Sunderland in London and British Army Registrar Major Munish Chauhan, alongside representatives from educational institutions, charitable organisations, cultural bodies, artists and community groups.

The insightful remarks and perspectives shared by the diplomatic representatives enriched the discussions and contributed significantly to the success of the event. The coming together of ambassadors, academicians, cultural practitioners and diverse communities reflected the true spirit of international cooperation and mutual understanding.

The event contributed directly to the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration; SDG 4 (Quality Education) by encouraging intercultural learning and awareness; SDG 5 (Gender Equality) through recognition of women’s contributions across cultures; and SDGs 10 and 11 by promoting inclusion, celebrating cultural heritage, and strengthening community identity and cohesion.

Adding vibrancy to the occasion, cultural performances showcasing the rich and diverse traditions of different communities of India were presented, offering guests a vivid celebration of India’s cultural heritage and reinforcing the event’s message of unity in diversity.