Bengaluru, India: May 17, 2025: ISME (International School of Management Excellence), Bangalore, hosted its annual International Day on May 16th, 2025, at Navatara, ISME campus, featuring a keynote address by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of India, H.E. Mikhail M. Kasko.
In his thought-provoking address, Ambassador Kasko underscored the vital role that culture plays in shaping diplomacy and global cooperation. Reflecting on over two decades of diplomatic experience, he remarked: “Culture is a universal language one that transcends borders, politics, and history. In diplomacy, it plays a vital role in building mutual trust and understanding, opening the door to stronger economic, educational, and political cooperation. When we invest in cultural exchange, especially among young people, we are investing in a more peaceful, connected, and collaborative global future.”
The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Alexander Zhyтko, First Secretary at the Embassy of Belarus and Mr. Justin You Sunghoon from South Korean Embassy.
ISME’s International Day, themed “Celebrating the Tapestry of Cultures,” provided a vibrant backdrop for cross-cultural dialogue. The event featured vibrant cultural performances and interactive sessions that encouraged dialogue between students and international guests. Highlights included a lively dance and fashion show by students from Côte d’Ivoire, with participation from Cameroon, Kenya, Mali, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Gabon, reflecting ISME’s diverse and growing global community.
“This gathering marks the realization of a vision we set in motion over a year ago—to create a platform that brings together cultures and perspectives from across the world. As the Ambassador rightly said, we haven’t done enough to promote our soft power, and cultural exchange is the first step in building trust, which is the foundation for diplomacy, education, and business. Every country has something to offer and something to learn, and our students must look beyond the traditional West to emerging opportunities in regions like Eastern Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. At ISME, we are committed to nurturing globally aware citizens who engage with the world in its entirety not just a few nations, but many,” — Dr. Nitin Garg, Director, ISME Bangalore
Beyond the cultural celebrations, the event facilitated meaningful engagement between students, faculty, and international guests, reinforcing ISME’s commitment to developing global leaders who are culturally aware and diplomatically agile. By hosting thought leaders like Ambassador Kasko and creating space for cultural exchange, ISME continues to prepare students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world where empathy, collaboration, and global awareness are key.