21st May is the World Day for Cultural Diversity. The United Nations established this day to enhance our understanding and acceptance of different cultures. Besides the cultural differences that exist between people, there are also variations in the way societies organise themselves, and in their shared conception of morality. Bridging the gap between cultures for peace and development will be vital for the long-term survival of humanity. Unesco in its Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity asserted - cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind, as biodiversity is for nature
Young Tibetan Buddhist monks are seen at their school inside Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh, India. Their religion is in exile, a homeland reduced to a place on the map after China conquered Tibet. Many Tibetan families in India send at least one child to a monastery to learn about their own culture, language and religion.