As a first-time attendee of the festival, Shomira Sanyal, 19, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi in India says that she was thoroughly spoiled in attending the Jaipur Literature Festival, Asia’s largest and the world’s biggest free lit-fest. The city of Jaipur recently saw literature enthusiasts from all corners of the world coming to attend …

“Festival offers the high-lit of the literary season!” Read More »

Norfolk Islanders are refusing to change their national anthem in what Jake Elson, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, describes as a clash between official rules and cultural tradition. It’s another saga of Norfolk Island’s long and often tumultuous history. Recently the Australian-appointed administrator, Mr. Gary Hardgrave, wrote to the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly requesting it …

"Anthem dispute signals troubles in paradise" Read More »

The popularity of Indian television and fashion is having an impact on Bangladesh’s language, film industry and even cultural celebrations, writes Abdullah Al Hasan, 23, a Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, who argues that response is in the hands of Bangladesh’s consumers. Globalization has opened many ways to explore extraneous cultures, and gives Bangladesh an amazing …

"Does Indian culture pose a threat to Bangladesh?" Read More »

Exploring little-known historic spots becomes an opportunity to learn about culture and let the imagination soar, writes Latoyaa Roberts, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobago. A drive around Tobago, located in the Caribbean, produces several stops at historical sites that have often vanished from our memories. These derelicts are of historical and cultural importance …

"Hidden gems – the sugar mill derelicts in Tobago" Read More »

Looking past the stereotypes of a culture can reveal the benefits of traditional ways, writes Zainab Shamim Potrick, 22, a Correspondent from Karachi in Pakistan. I belong to a very simple religion. I can hardly find things like mores, traditions or culture in my religion. On the other hand my identity, my country Pakistan, exists …

"The power of culture to create a better future" Read More »

Festivals celebrate culture and affirm national identity, writes Atikul Islam, 24, a Correspondent from Bogra in Bangladesh as he describes the events that mark Bangla New Year. Pahela Baishakh is the first day of the Bangla New Year and the first day of Bangla’s new month, Baishakh. Pahela Baishakh is celebrated more or less all …

“Festival reflects Bangladeshi traditional culture” Read More »

Indulging in a five-day festival gave Madusha Erandi, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Sri Lanka, new understanding and appreciation of a neighbouring culture. A five-day long event gave me an immense amount of experience and knowledge about Indian society and culture. It happened when I participated in the South Asian Universities Festival, or SAUFEST, as …

"University festival highlights South Asian cultures" Read More »

Alvin Ma, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from  Canada, was in Paris to take part in an academic conference, but he took the opportunity to look beyond the ‘ivory tower’ with observations about language and life in city of the Eiffel Tower. “Oui, moi j’ai tombé, j’ai tombé la chemise.” Translated literally, this line from the chart-topping French …

“Eiffel Tower is not ivory: travel experiences” Read More »

Being unexpectedly cut off from the internet and Wi-Fi access is frustrating, but as Harmanan Singh, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Mumbai in India writes,there are lessons to be learned when one ventures offline. Charles Darwin was an English naturalist who first introduced the theory of evolution of man. From the early cavemen to the …

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The entertainment business is creating new career options for young people, writes Moses Mokoanene, 25, a Correspondent from Lethakeng in Botswana, who describes the life of a DJ. Being a disc jockey is a growing talent every youth wants, and be one male or female, it does suit all. In Letlhakeng, I managed to meet …

“DJ talent is growing strong in Letlhakeng” Read More »