A Colorful Tapestry of Cultural Celebrations: Holi, Mann Ki Baat, and First of May in Denmark

Happy first of May, everyone!

India has long since become a nation with a special place in my heart.

Within the past 10 days, we've had multiple celebrations - both Indian and Danish - and this article is in honour of them to acknowledge the inspiration I draw from diverse peoples and cultures.

The Indian spring festival Holi, the livestreaming of the 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat, and the Danish celebration of the first of May also known as International Workers' Day.

Our adventure begins Sunday, 23rd of April, with HSS Denmark’s hosting of Holi at Docken in Copenhagen. I had the privilege of attending the festival with a group of friends, including Gulnaz K. , from a community called Nerd 9ights, Amandeep Midha 's creation.

It was my first time witnessing this colourful celebration of spring, which I'm sure many of you have seen on social media – people with brightly colored powders splashed on their hair, skin, and clothes.

I was touched by the spirit of friendliness and unity during the festival, as exemplified by a young Indian girl who, sneaking up from behind, playfully rubbed yellow paint on my face.

Holi has a unique ability to bridge communities, connecting children, adults, and elders who may be strangers, and experiencing Holi has left me longing for more community-building events in Denmark that foster such a spirit of friendliness and unison.

Moving on to yesterday, Sunday, April 30, I went as a friend of India to the embassy in Copenhagen, along with Amandeep Midha , Dan Taki , Berit, Jacob A.G. Stryhn , and Gunnar Sumberg . We participated in an Indian tradition by adorning our foreheads with red dots!

Together, we watched the 100th episode of "Mann Ki Baat,", literally translating "straight from the heart". It is a popular program hosted by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi .

For old and new monthly talks, see https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/mann-ki-baat/

Narendra Modi also has a Citizen Engagement Platform called MyGov India where he can interact with citizens directly.

Perhaps something for the techies to replicate in Denmark?

During the show, Modi engaged in conversations with various individuals, highlighting inspirational stories that showcased the power of community and determination.

One such story featured a business owner of a lotus fibre textile company, whose international export success could be attributed to the show's approach "from vocal to local to global". Additionally, we learned about a #SelfieWithDaughter campaign, which has significantly improved girls' wellbeing and the gender ratio in pressured areas of India. Lastly, there was the Heal the Himalayas campaign, where dedicated people are removing five tonnes of plastic daily from the mountains and forests.

The cultural exchange and friendship between India and Denmark continue to strengthen, thanks in no small part to the Indian Ambassador in Denmark, Pooja Kapur , who hosted our memorable visit to the embassy.?Thank you, Pooja!

Narendra Modi's encouraging words and positive news updates were so uplifting it made me wish Denmark would adopt a similar practice, sharing good news about our country's progress!

Moving on to Denmark's celebration, today on the first of May we honoured our unions and their collaboration with political parties. As a member of Socialdemokratiet , I attended in person at Arbejdermuseet, and I got to hear Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen talk.

Here, the speakers, including Pernille Rosenkrantz-Theil, Mette Reissmann, Katrine Evelyn Jensen, and Sophie H?storp Andersen, emphasized the importance of the mental well-being of our younger generations; the need to adjust our views on socalled "education snobbery", and the need to invest in our trade educations in order to provide enough skilled workers for the green transition.

My favourite quotation was when Frederiksen said "Imagine if we couldn't construct the windmills because of a shortage of electricians."

I loved that, because I work with students that study to become electricians at NEXT - UDDANNELSE K?BENHAVN . As one of their teachers, I see the challenges facing this education, and I wholeheartedly wish that the current discussions about the need for a 'green transition' will translate into actual action to the benefit of Denmark's educational sector.

While I appreciate attention in speeches, I eagerly await tangible action to follow.

Is it too late for 2023?

For 2024, then!

For now, cheers from Asbj?rn Jensen and I - as it happens, we ran into each other at the meeting and had a chance to snap a selfie in front of the red banners!

I met Asbj?rn at Frederiksberg Toastmasters . Toastmasters is an organisation centered around the art of public speaking and the practice thereof. I'm thankful for the discussions we've had, and I'd certainly recommend the club for both internationals and Danes in Copenhagen.

Here's to embracing cultural diversity and learning from one another!

#CulturalExchange #IndiaDenmarkRelations #MannKiBaat #Holi #FemaleLeadership #greentransition #toastmasters

indiatodaylive.com , News18 India , NDTV , ThePrint