NEW DELHI: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Friday equated study of heritage and history with taking care for future and planning a well thought development strategy for the holistic growth of the society. He said those who take care of the past, the future takes their care and those who forget past come across with unknown and uncalled for hurdles for being unaware of their history, culture and happenings that impacted the progress or otherwise of a civilization.
Addressing the students from all over India at Anveshan-2013 at FICCI Auditorium here, the Chief Minister said that Itihaas makes us fully aware of the ability, performance and omissions of a civilization making us experienced to learn lessons and plan for the present and futuristic needs.
The Conference was organized by ITIHAAS to make students aware of the cultural diversity and rich heritage of India and link them with it in a comprehensive and meaningful manner.
Omar Abdullah said that India possesses unique cultural heritage and described it a young country with old land. He said Indian culture manifests divert and pluralistic ethos and cultural background. “India is abode of great religions and all these have impacted the pluralistic heritage of this countryâ€, he said and referred to the vastness in the history of our historical buildings, religious places and other memorabilia telling the story of the uniqueness and richness of Indian culture and Itihaas.
Omar Abdullah said that coexistence of Mosques, Temples, Dargahs, Caves and other places of worship make India rich in its culture and heritage. He stressed on the need for un-curtaining and exploring the cultural richness of India and showcasing it for all to study. He said students and young India should know what India is all about and what makes it a great country. He advised the students to deeply and interestingly study India’s cultural diversity and its rich heritage.
The Chief Minister while mentioning about the advancement of India in the fields of science and technology and information technology emphasized on making world aware of India’s rich heritage and history. He reiterated on showcasing the great Indian civilization and cultural richness all over the world.
Omar Abdullah said unless young Indian generation is well-versed with their culture, heritage, history and ethos, they would not be able to discover the greatness and richness of their own land. He asked the students to study and observe the monuments, places of worship of different faiths and ancient historic buildings present all over the country minutely and study all about these places. “This would help you to know what India is all about and why it is so great a countryâ€, he added.
“You are never too old to learnâ€, he said and advised the students to learn all about the ancient India, its civilization, its people and their work. He said this would develop confidence in them and add to their knowledge well enough to contribute meaningfully for the country.
The Chief Minister also referred to the richness of Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural ethos and heritage and said that the trait of living in amity and brotherhood and respecting one another’s faith has made this place a miniature India.
A presentation on ITIHAAS was made by Smita Vats, Founder-Director of ITIHAAS while the representatives from India, Bhutan, Maldives & Sri Lanka and UNESCO participated in Anveshan-2013.