Cultural diversity is just one of the things that makes the Fayetteville area so unique. We are fortunate in that we share our city with people from all over the globe. With them, they have brought us colorful fashions, interesting languages and delectable cuisines, but how much do we really know about them, and, the countries they’ve left behind?

The Southeastern North Carolina Asian India Association (SENCAIA), the Friends of the Library and the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, together, are giving us a rare opportunity to better understand the past and present struggles, growing pains and relationships that have molded, and continue to shape modern day India.

Anand Giridharadas, columnist for both the New York Times and International Herald Tribune, will speak at the Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center’s Headquarters Library, 300 Maiden Lane, on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m.

Giriharadas, who was born in the United States, will discuss what it’s like to live between two different cultures, and, of his experience returning to his parent’s native land as a young adult.

His topic, “The Age of the Fusionista: Understanding the New Class that is Stitching our World Together” is his interpretation of how ancient customs and changing attitudes are being woven together to create new beliefs in the country of his ancestors. Following his lecture, Gririharadas will host a question and answer session, then he will sign copies of his book, India Calling: An Intimate Portrait of a Nation’s Remaking. If you don’t have a copy, not to worry, copies of the book will be available for purchase on the night of his lecture.

Kellie Tomita, marketing and communications manager for the library, when asked about the importance of understanding other cultures, explained, “As we learn and share our experiences and perspectives, we deepen our acceptance of one another.”

She said that this program is the result of a generous contribution and that the goal of SENCAIA is to promote awareness of the culture and lifestyle of the Indian population.

She added, “Their donation funded, not only the visit from Giriharadas, but also enabled the library to increase its print and digital collections.”

When asked about the term fusionista, Tomita responded, “Fusionista is an intriguing term, isn’t it? How Giriharadas defi nes it is at the heart of this program, which is why we hope those who are curious will join us to fi nd out just what Giriharadas means.”

Reservations are not required for this event, nor is there a charge. For more information about this, or any of the library’s other upcoming programs, visit the website at www.cumberland.lib.nc.us or call 910-483-7727.