Banag-banag
Incorporated
23rd Anniversary
Unity in Diversity:
Celebrating International Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism is the ideal of a harmonious co-existence of different
cultural, ethnic, national or indigenous groups within a complex
society. Simply put, it is about “unity in diversity” in a setting of
cultural variety. Multiculturalism is a principle and a practice for
engaging diversity as different yet equal.
This year Banag-banag chose the theme “Unity in
Diversity: Celebrating International Multiculturalism”. The theme
requires of us to re-think the whole planet earth, and mankind’s place
and role in it. For is it not that mankind, notwithstanding its
inhabiting different countries and belonging to diverse cultures, is but
living in one common planetary home. Humanity belongs to one family, the
family of man, and despite differences of looks, skin colour and world
views, nothing can take away the fact that we have common needs, wants
and aspirations – which is to live in peace, to grow, to apply our
God-given talents and to be happy. The human race may be likened to the
“waves of one sea”, the branches and “leaves of one tree” and
varicoloured “flowers of one garden” in need of unity in diversity!
Multiculturalism requires more than just toleration
of our
co-existence within a society. It demands a genuine appreciation
of the unique features and contributions of each of the world’s cultural
heritage. It is to regard all ethnic and cultural groups as equal in
rights and opportunities in the matrix of respect. The theme, thus, is
for all of us. Under the dominating principle of international
multiculturalism, we are, to paraphrase the poem Desiderata, all
children of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars - we have
a right to be here – in our own different, vibrant and unique way.
Unity in Diversity: Celebrating International Multiculturalism Preview
Advertisers I The Making I Banag-Banag Hymn I Photo Gallery I Souvenir program I Fashion Parade
