HOUSTON: Knowing and understanding different cultures can go a long way to breaking down barriers and dispelling myths about other cultures and beliefs. To have a genuine understanding and mutual respect for others, the Houston Police Department conducts a Diversity Bus Tour for the Cadets of its Academy taking them to different cultural centers of Houston. India House has been a regular host and a popular venue for such diversity tours in the last couple of years.
Last week on Wednesday, April 6, around 70 cadets, accompanied by Houston Police officers including Officer Muzaffar Siddiqi, arrived at India House around 1:30 pm for an introduction to the Indian culture. They were greeted by India House Executive Director Col. Vipin Kumar with a welcoming Namaste. He explained that India is a fascinating land with an absorbing history and cultural diversity. With such a large population, India presents endless varieties of physical features and cultural patterns. Col. Vipin Kumar explained that India is a land of multiple religions and faiths. He showcased a presentation filled with vibrant Indian colors explaining customs, traditions, religious beliefs, festivals and their meanings. He explained how values and traditions are of high esteem among Indians, supporting this with few examples. This gave the Cadets a deeper understanding of Indian culture. He shared many Do’s and Don’ts with the cadets which will come handy to them while dealing with the Indo-American population during the course of their duties in the future.
Saira Jilani, Program Director of Speak Up and Lily Nasar of Interfaith Outreach gave insight to the Islamic ways of everyday life to the audience. They explained Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the majority have nothing to do with the extremely grave events which have come to be associated with their faith.
Cultures influences law, and law influences culture. In the United States migrant came from many different countries. Understanding and respecting diversity brings faith in our legal system. With this brief overview, the cadets left India House filled with an empowered mind!
