The AICUF Story!

Have you ever felt that you were the only one who was sticking out like a sore thumb in a crowd? Heard your parents yell at you in a different language that isn't the same as the language spoken in a country where you stay? Or eaten your grandma's best recipe and realized you don't know how it's pronounced?  Welcome to some of the side-effects of immigration and loss of heritage and how we can overcome them!   For immigrants, preserving their heritage becomes an important task to maintain when distanced away from your homeland. Some may or may not be open to adapting to another culture. Whatever the case, there is no denying the changes that occur in their culture, even though they may not realize it.    Refugees and minor communities often face difficulties in all four corners; not just preserving their heritage but also simply leading their lives peacefully. Problems arise when the host country is not willing to accept their culture which often leads to subse...

Every day is a celebration, but maybe it's okay to celebrate new and different purposes every day. Let us give you a few ideas for this December! 1st December: The Hornbill Festival     Image Source: The Hindu   Held annually in Kohima, Nagaland, from December 1st to 10th, it is a grand celebration of the state's rich cultural heritage and traditions. Known as the “Festival of Festivals,” it was established in 2000 by Nagaland Tourism in collaboration with the Government of Nagaland and the Central Government. It aims to showcase the cultural diversity of the Naga people and other northeastern states of India. The festival features a wide array of events, including traditional Naga tribal art, dance performances, local handicrafts and food festivals highlighting the authentic local cuisines. Renowned local and national artists perform at cultural shows and music festivals held in this festival, making 2nd December: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery   On ...

You’ll be interested to know that I work with you. You often hear about me from your dear ones, I go ear-to-ear; sometimes, if a person is passionate about helping others, they will tell you about me; sometimes, you pay to get me; and very rarely, if I feel too bad for you, I simply show up to be your friend. Depends on the kind of suffering you’ve been through, I suppose—karma, as you say. I’m not bragging but my job is the most important in this world, and the hardest, too. In simpler words, let me explain the ground reality of the work I’ve been tasked with. I remove chewing gums from walls. People have a nasty habit of sticking their own dirt on a property that was never theirs to ruin in the first place.  Why should you know about me?That's a fair question. If you must know my sob story: I’m dying. People are killing me and my profession—they are choosing to live in filth because if they allow me to do my job, they would have to be better people too. You would have...

  “Put a finger down if all you’re excited about during festivals is getting ready.” Of course, every day is an occasion to get ready. However, the fragrance in the air is a little different during the festive seasons. One cannot deny that true joy comes when the city glitters with lights. Diyas glowing on window panes to the dazzling lights adorning the street. Perhaps the approaching wedding season makes the family churn with enthusiasm. You may whip up your lehengas and twirl in them daily. But their shine is exceptional in such celebratory moods. If you are someone who reserves the more admirable outfits for special days, these festivals become all the more necessary to document. Also, who doesn’t like to jazz up a bit? We all have an inner Bollywood diva waiting to unravel. Even a dramatic maang teeka or a cute dupatta draped gracefully is enough to awaken the Bole Churiya girl within me. All in all, the winters in India could never leave a speck of dullness. There’s always ...