My glorious cultural odyssey at the ISFiT’19

“Nothing is gonna change if I will stay at home… but if I would, I might regret that I`ve missed something quite important”

Because the experience was amazing and unforgettable, I thought of how I can contribute after joining this program. Publishing a blog related to ISFiT experience would become a tip to next-generation participant get all out of the program.

I enjoy meeting people, learning about their culture and embracing the cultural differences which our multicultural world offers. Wherefore, one long due item on my bucket list was to be a part of an International Student Festival, where I can fulfil my dream of learning amazing things about myself and the world around.

It was no less than a dream-come-true moment when I was selected to participate and represent India at the ISFiT 2019 in Trondheim, Norway from 7th to 17th February.  ISFiT or the International student`s festival is the world’s largest thematic student festival and has been held every other year since 1990. The festival is created by more than 400 students in Trondheim and brings together 500 students from over 100 countries. Its mission is to create dialogue and friendship across cultural boundaries in a festival consisting of debates, workshops, and cultural performances. Each festival has a theme that becomes the starting point for debates, cultural events, workshops and everything else that happens during ISFiT. This year, the theme of the festival was “migration”. In a world that is more international than ever, it is pertinent that the youth of today discuss migration, the challenges it presents for their communities, and how we can move towards sustainable solutions for a more peaceful future.My complete stint at the fest was an exciting and thrilling experience, one that I will never forget! I participated in several discussion on a variety of topics like racism, poverty, migration, global citizenship, etc. Participants from different geographies provided suggestions to combat these global issues and how we can contribute towards breaking stereotypes which strongly manifested back in our own countries.

This festival also saw eminent panelists like Gro Harlem Brundtland, Norway’s first female Prime Minister;  Tawakkol Karman, Noble Peace Prize-2011 Winner; Kirthi Jayakumar, women’s rights advocate; former President of Kiribati, the representative of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and many more sharing their thoughts over how we can make this world a better place to live.
In a workshop where participants can select a topic of their interest from arts to the social movement, I chose Global citizens along with 30 other participants, and we went on to become one big global family, who shared diverse culture yet similar passion. Of the many workshops that we partook in our stint, I would like to specially talk about the “Walk of Peace”. It was spectacular to see more than 500 people, from diverse nationalities and backgrounds, walk through the city of Trondheim with burning torches in their hands, showing the importance and respect to Peace and peacemakers. I am glad to be a part of this marvellous act of harmony and solidarity.My journey at ISFiT was short yet fulfilling. I am glad to have had met so many creative and passionate people all at one place. It is amazing how we shared love, camaraderie, and bonding all along. There was something to learn from each one of them. They have helped me open up, keeping all the negativities that block my way, at bay. It was certainly a life-changing moment for me and I would strongly encourage each one of you to be a part of the next ISFiT and experience the energy and euphoria of the event for yourself.

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