BRAC University organizes ‘Yorokobi Utshob’

A two-day “Yorokobi Utshob” was organized by eight clubs of BRAC University, the Asia Association of Education & Exchange (AAEE) and the Office of Co-Curricular Activities (OCA) on BRAC university premises from 23 November, 2022. “Yorokobi” is a Japanese word meaning joy while “Utshob” is a Bangla word meaning festival. The “joy festival” sought to break stigma and stereotypes, celebrate the exchange of Japanese and Bangladeshi cultures and spread joy and love amongst students.

The clubs -- BRAC University Natural Sciences Club, International Association of Business Communicators, BRAC University Debate Club, BRAC University Film Club, BRAC University Community Service Club, BRAC University Communication & Language Club, BRAC University Monon, and Art and Photography Society – BRAC University -- were designated with organizing different aspects of the event.

The first day featured guest speakers AAEE President Professor Akinori Seki from Tokyo Keizai University, Professor Glen Martin from Radford University, also President of the World Constitution and Parliament Association, Dr. David Dowland, Registrar of BRAC University, Professor AFM Yusuf Haider, Chairperson of the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at BRAC University, and Professor Mahboob Hossain of the microbiology program.

Two Japanese students, Sawane Kato, a graduate from Sophia University, and Chisato Mochizuki, a graduate from Tsukuba University, flew over from Japan to represent their culture. The cultural program was vibrant with folk songs and dances. A fair was also

organized promoting vendors selling traditional items of Japan and Bangladesh such as food, jewelry, books, magazines, traditional dresses, board games and toys.