“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities”- Stephen R. Covey

The conference room of the University of Technology, Mauritius (UTM) buzzled with energy on Friday, 31st January 2025. The air, filled with an aroma of exotic spices and the vibrant sounds of diverse musical traditions, played host to a remarkable Cultural Exchange Day organised by the students of cohort BTHM/22B/FT from the School of Sustainable Development and Tourism (SSDT). As part of their “Conference and Event Management” module, the students organised this remarkable event.
The Tourism and Hospitality Management students proudly represented their diverse backgrounds, showcasing traditional clothing, into the heart of each culture represented. The students, themselves dressed in their traditional attire, added to the visual spectacle, embodied the spirit of the exchange. The event welcomed both students and UTM staff, to celebrate the diversity of cultures.
No cultural exchange is complete without a culinary journey. A tantalizing array of dishes showcased the event’s impressive culinary diversity. UTM student Andrianandraina Princie, from Madagascar, introduced the audience to “Ranovola”, a popular beverage in her home country made from burnt rice. According to Sharon Zadai, a Zimbabwean student at UTM, the event provided an opportunity to share Zimbabwe’s culinary traditions. She also emphasized the event’s eco-friendly nature, noting the exclusive use of biodegradable materials.
This was not only an event; it was a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of shared camaraderie, celebrating both richness of individual cultures and the beautiful campus life at UTM. It was a day where differences were celebrated, similarities were discovered, and friendships were forged across cultural boundaries.