On Thursday, 25th of August 2016 Om Shanti UTS in support of White Ribbon Australia will be launching Project: White Rakhi. The event (open to the public) will be held at the iconic Central Park, Broadway,Chippendale, 2008 from 5:30pm – 7pm.
Project: White Rakhi takes the traditional custom of ‘ Raksha Bandan’ or Rakhri and applies the strong message of White Ribbon so as to reaffirm the vows taken by brothers unto their sisters during this period.
“The values of Rakhi such as protection, strength and respect are similar and line up with White Ribbon values which are to end men’s violence against women and girls, promote gender equality, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity. Many will be taking the WR oath as well said White Ribbon Ambassador and PWR Organiser Akshay Raj.
International Student Leader, Manmeet Singh added “ It is our hope that through this event a link to the values of Australian Culture in regards to gender equality and informing participants of Domestic Violence can be reached via the traditional custom of Rakhi that is familiar to a lot of our students.”
Om Shanti UTS President Mital Patel has welcomed the event, “ Many students irrespective of where they come from often leave behind their families and friends to pursue their studies here in Sydney. However this shouldn’t mean that they should leave behind their traditions or customs. More often than not students create a new(campus) family and affectionately refer to each other as brother and sister. It’s about reaffirming the bond, values and celebrating diversity”.
The event will have Rakhis, Tali’s( Ceremonial Ornaments), Traditional Indian Sweets as well as White Ribbon Merchandise for sale with donations going to White Ribbon Australia.Other dignitaries to attend include representatives from UTS Ethnocultural Collective, Indian Consul General’s Office , White Ribbon Australia as well as other Student Organisations.
Registration can be done via www.facebook.com/events/143357362772213/
