Fusion of food to spread message of oneness

Dubai - A multi-cultural Iftar brings together around 225 people from diverse backgrounds

And once again it was proved Ramadan can spread the message of humanity and coexistence.
A multi-cultural Iftar has brought together around 225 people including parents, teachers, students and their friends from different cultural backgrounds at an event held at Emirates International School Meadows (EISM) last Wednesday.
The event has seen an extravagant fusion of Malaysian, Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian and Arabic cuisines.
The event, as part of emotional education for students was organised by Nisar Ahmed, Head of Islamic Studies at the school under the guidance of Amna Khalaf Al Habtoor, director of EISM.
"We intended to raise an awareness of students about understanding, recognising and respecting each other's cultures and region. It helps in teaching them to mingle and get friendly with everyone on traditional grounds. Ramadan is the best time to spread this strong message of humanity and get them closer," said Ahmed.
For the students of EISM, multicultural Iftar was a great way to bond with friends and family over diversified food cultures and learn about them.
Salma Khan, mother of Ali and Abu Baker, students at EISM, said: "It's all about coming together and experience a relationship which is beyond any religion or nationality. Everyone is getting something or the other from home to make this Iftar momentous. We have biryani, lentil soup, prawn wafers, cup cakes, fattoush, noodles, fruits, pizzas and salads."
Philippa, another mum, shared while adjusting the dishes on the table: "We have around 67 nationalities in the school and obviously people from different faiths and culture. At this special get together all the dishes and preparations are coming from the heart of each one of us. We cooked, baked and prepared to celebrate and become one human race."
Riccardo, Grade seven student, who is originally from Italy enjoyed this candid evening with his friends. He said "This is incredible and I am experiencing this for the first time in my school. Its gives the opportunity to gain knowledge about various traditions and at the same time a way to establish a stronger bond with friends. Also, a chance to indulge in diversified delicacies."
An Indian and a non-Muslim student at EISM, Karan said: "Being a non-Muslim, this programme gave me a better understanding of knowing my friends better. This was the perfect example of multicultural Iftar where I have actually encountered something different."
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Why emotional lessons for students
Steven Hughes, Deputy Principal at EISM highlighted why it's important for students to learn the emotional lessons.
"Children are like clay, they will take the shape the way we mould them. Therefore, being their guidance it becomes our responsibility and duty to inculcate good moral values in their characters. The study should not look as a preaching but practical and that's the reason we came with this idea of multicultural Iftar, which helped in spreading the message of oneness and togetherness."
ankita@khaleejtimes.com

• Ramadan 2021
• Dubai