SANKOFA: Going Back and Reminiscing on a Legacy Worth Remembering

 

Most people out there might consider reminiscing over the past as a baseless activity, while for some it might be a favorite pastime. Does your past hold anything for your present and future? If we could go back and change some things from our past will that make us better individuals? Is it even worth studying history even though it's all said and done a long while back? Let us explore some of these questions using AICUF's annual theme. 

We at AICUF are highly elated to unveil the annual theme for this academic year (2024-25). Keep reading for more insights into the annual theme. 

The philosophy of Sankofa originates from the Twi language of Ghana. The literal meaning of Sankofa is ‘To go back and get it’. It is often associated with the proverb, ’Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi," which translates to: "It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten." The symbol for Sankofa holds even a greater value. Sankofa is represented by the Bono Adinkra symbol which is either a heart-shaped design or in most cases a bird moving forward with its head turned backward with an egg in its mouth. Sankofa's symbol is emblematic of its concept. The bird that is depicted moving forward represents entering into new horizons marked by the inauguration of something brand new. The bird with its head turned backward symbolizes looking back upon one's past and the egg symbolizes the legacy which it carries forward. To put together all of the symbolism, the bird represents moving forward and carrying the past legacy in the present. 

Why is Sankofa significant in contemporary times? What values does it hold for us? Why was it selected to be the annual theme? 

The mosaic of our shared and collective experiences is all pre-determined by our respective past. The food recipes that our elders bring to the table are the same ones that our forefathers carried forward to them. The festivals and events that we observe are not the firsts in our community but rather, a repetition of the ones followed by our ancestors. The fashion trends we follow are new and creative but they have an incorporated element of traditional flair to them. The language we speak, although completely different from what our forebears would've known, came into its existence because of their need to communicate. Centuries ago nothing was known to mankind. The idea of locating someone's location through GPS, having access to the internet where two people who live on two different sides of the globe could virtually communicate with each other, reaching the stars, and exploring the universe, would just have been fancy ideas. These wishful ideas are now mankind's reality. 

Everything had to happen at a predetermined time, place, and manner for mankind to arrive in the most advanced era of technology. We built upon the foundation of what our ancestors left for us. If we could go back in time and alter even the slightest of details, the utter conclusion would have been completely wiped off from the face of humanity. Every minute and minuscule detail around us are result of our past. And so it becomes important for us to not only look forward to what's in store for us but also how far we have come and what has led us here. 

We at AICUF have achieved a very important milestone. We have now successfully completed 100 years of AICUF. Celebrating a milestone as gigantic as this is definitely the highlight of all the lives associated with AICUF. As we step out into another successful century of AICUF it becomes crucial for us to acknowledge and recognize all the lives associated with the organization. The contribution of all the volunteers who helped spread kindness and social justice. All the people's lives were touched and reformed by the hard work and dedication of the volunteers. We couldn't have made it to the 100th year of AICUF without the unparalleled support of all of our well-wishers. 

Sankofa for us is realizing how our predecessors paved us a way to walk on and inspire others to walk on it with us. As we celebrate a century of helping others, inspiring others, and uplifting others Sankofa becomes the core of us. An interwoven tapestry of fighting for social justice, striving for personal development, and seeking spiritual enlightenment is what we at AICUF stand for. 

We at AICUF are highly elated to announce our annual theme for this academic year (2024-25) 'Sankofa', the art of going back and remembering that which has been forgotten. 

- Rohaan Panjwani

Head, Editorial Committee 2024-25