18-Aug-2021: Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal participates in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Culture Ministers’ meeting hosted by Tajikistan
Minister of State for Culture, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal participated in the SCO Culture Ministers Meeting on 18 August, 2021 hosted by Tajikistan during their ongoing Chairmanship of SCO in 2021.
Discussion was held on the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, prospects for cooperation in the field of culture within the SCO, including in the post-pandemic period and importance of cultural cooperation within the SCO, which has enormous potential for strengthening inter-state understanding.
The Minister of State for Culture addressed participants of the meeting and presented India’s perspective on cultural cooperation within SCO. He mentioned India’s association with SCO as Member State and commitment towards mutual support and cooperation in the field of culture. He cited India’s initiatives of online exhibition on ‘Shared Buddhist Heritage’ and translation of Indian Classics in official languages of SCO (Russian and Chinese) accomplished on the sidelines of SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting, 2020 hosted by India.
He also shared the celebrations of 75 years of India’s Independence as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ with his counterparts and envisioned India’s journey ahead to completing Centenary of Independence in 2047. He expressed his belief towards enhanced cooperation with SCO member states based on shared values.
He appreciated the efforts of Tajikistan for their proposals for Agreements on cultural cooperation in the field of Protection of Cultural Heritage and the Vocational Education in Culture and Arts.
In the meeting, the Ministers of Culture of SCO Member States discussed and agreed upon the draft Agreements on cultural cooperation in the field of Protection of Cultural Heritage and the Vocational Education in Culture and Arts.
At the end of the meeting, the Regulations on Gala Concert of the Arts Festival of SCO Member States was agreed upon and signed by all Heads of Delegations of SCO Member States.
Thereafter the Protocol was agreed upon and signed by all the Heads of Delegations of the Member States of SCO.
The Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) is an intergovernmental organization founded in Shanghai on 15 June 2001. The SCO currently comprises eight Member States (China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan), four Observer States (Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia).
10-Sep-2020: Union Minister of State (I//C) for Culture and Tourism Shri Prahlad Singh Patel virtually participates in the 17th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Culture Ministers’ Meeting today
Union Minister of State (I//C) for Culture and Tourism Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, participated in the 17th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Culture Ministers’ Meeting held on September 10, 2020.
Discussion was held on the role and place of culture during the global epidemiological crisis and on the prospects for developing multilateral cultural cooperation within the SCO. The Minister of State for Culture addressed participants of the meeting and presented India’s perspective to strengthen the cultural cooperation within SCO by using digital technology as an effective medium for dissemination and awakening with regard to customs, culture and traditions in the prevailing conditions.
In his statement, the Indian Culture Minister said that at the time of such a disease, when we are all struggling with this grave condition, our meeting at the same time also shows the aim of our sacred intentions.
The Culture Minister said that one of the important aspects that unites and connects Shanghai Cooperation Organization countries to each other is shared heritage of Buddhist philosophy and art. To promote the mutual bonding, the National Museum of India is in process of organizing the first SCO Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage this year. The Exhibition marks India’s Chairpersonship of Council of Heads of Government this year. The exhibition will be held in digital format due to prevailing pandemic situation. I look forward to a very good exhibition on an issue which binds the region with millennia old historic linkage, the Culture Minister said.
Shri Patel also informed that Sahitya Akademi is translating ten Indian literary works into the SCO languages Russian and Chinese with the objective of sharing Indian literature with our fellow nations of SCO. These translations would be released during the upcoming Council of Heads of Government Meeting to be hosted by India in 2020. He also said that National Gallery of Modern Arts intends to hold collaborative programmes on reciprocal basis such as collection based virtual exhibitions, online art workshops and dialogues with museum professionals and artists to discuss ways that our partnership can grow stronger and discuss on a way forward for the future and the role of the museum/institutions.
Union Culture Minister said that the year 2021 is the 20th Anniversary year of the founding of this Organization and India supports the proposal of declaring 2021 the Year of Culture of the SCO to celebrate the occasion. The ICCR is willing to be part of 2021 Year of SCO culture through organizing festivals/ performance of Indian culture, Conference & Seminars and sponsor Indian speakers as part of the celebration in the Member states of SCO. We would be happy to organize a Film Festival to commemorate the occasion, he added.
In his address, Shri Patel also emphasised the need to share the initiatives which we all are taking in our respective nations in the field of culture with each other to further enhance our bonding, and also to spread the message of hope and unity in the prevailing situation. This could be through exchange of e-journals, e-periodicals, e-books on theatre and its allied arts, and other literature and knowledge programs within the cultural institutions of SCO Nations.
At the end of the meeting Protocol of the 17th Meeting of the SCO Ministers of Culture was agreed upon and signed by all the representatives of Member States.
18-May-2018: India participates in the Cultural Ministers’ Meet for first time as full time member
The Minister of State for Culture, Dr Mahesh Sharma led the Indian delegation to the 15th Meeting of the Cultural Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) Member States held in Sanya, Hainan province, on 16th and 17th May, 2018. India participated for the first time at the Meeting of Cultural Ministers of the SCO.
Speaking at the meet, Minister of State for Culture, Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that India has a long history of cultural exchanges with China and other SCO member states. Joining the SCO has provided a new platform, greater space and opportunities for exchanges and cooperation, the Culture Minister added.
Dr. Mahesh Sharma highlighted the role of culture in bringing the people together. It is a binding force in the development of peaceful coexistence for humanity, the Minister explained. He further added that it will be a win-win situation for China and India - both of which have a rich and diversified culture - to further explore and develop wider cultural exchanges and cooperation that could include tourism, education, science, archaeology, music, drama and even yoga.
Key discussions of the SCO meeting focused on achieving more in-depth and creative multilateral cultural cooperation and promoting regional cultural cooperation and mutual understanding of the people.
All participants agreed that cultural cooperation between SCO member states made remarkable progress in the past year, and reports presented at the meeting about diversified exchanges and cooperation clearly showed that bilateral and multilateral cooperation is growing deeper and wider.
The two-day meeting concluded with the issuance of the 2018-20 Executive Plan. The representatives also joined in a news release welcoming India and Pakistan into the SCO and encouraging more direct contacts and practical exchanges of cultural organizations within SCO member states, as well as joint creation of cultural products and works.
India became full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on 9th June, 2017 during the SCO Heads of State Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. At this Summit, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi had stated that from the regional and global perspective, Shanghai Cooperation Organization is one of the main pillars of peace and security.
India has been participating in Cultural initiatives undertaken by SCO like nominating World Heritage sites for the SCO-UNESCO exhibition proposed to be held in Paris in September, 2018 and signing of MoU between SCO and UNESCO.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an eight-member multilateral organization, established on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai, China by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Pakistan also became the full member of SCO along with India, taking its membership to 8.After the expansion of membership, SCO represents approximately 42% of the world’s population, 20% of its GDP and 22% of the landmass.
The main objectives of the SCO are to strengthen relations among member states; promote cooperation in various fields like political affairs, economics, and education, culture, tourism, environment protection etc. and promote regional peace , security, and stability among others.
16-May-2018: India to attend the SCO Culture Ministers’ meet for the first time
The Minister of State for Culture (I/c) and Minister of state for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma will be attending Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Cultural Ministers Meeting at Sanya in China on 17th of May, 2018. It is the first time that India would be attending the SCO Culture Ministers’ Meeting. The meeting will showcase India’s initiatives to actively pursue cultural cooperation with other countries including SCO countries. It will also help to promote cultural relations and people to people contacts with the individual members of this organization through cultural exchange programmes.
India became full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on 9th June, 2017 during the SCO Heads of State Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. It was further activated with the establishment of the SCO Division in MEA and appointment of National Coordinator and Permanent Representative to SCO. It is pertinent to mention that after the expansion of membership from 5 states to 8 states, SCO represents approximately 42% of the world’s population, 20% of its GDP and 22% of the landmass.
11-Dec-2020: PM addresses International Bharathi Festival 2020
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed International Bharathi Festival 2020 through video conferencing and paid tributes to the Bharathiyar on his Jayanti. The festival is being organised by Vanavil Cultural Centre to celebrate the 138th birth anniversary of Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi. The Prime Minister Congratulated the Scholar Shri Seeni Viswanathan, for receiving the Bharathi Award for this year who was presented the award during the event.
The Prime Minister said describing Subramanya Bharathi is very difficult. Bharathiyar cannot be linked to any single profession or dimension. He was a poet, writer, editor, journalist, social reformer, freedom fighter, humanist and much more, Shri Modi said.
The Prime Minister remarked that one can only marvel at the body of work of the great poet, his poems, his philosophy and his life. Shri Modi recalled the Mahakavi’s close link with Varanasi. Praising Bharathi, the Prime Minister said in a short life of 39 years he wrote so much, did so much and excelled in so much. His writings are a guiding light to us towards a glorious future.
The Prime Minister remarked that there is much that our youth today can learn from Subramania Bharathi. Most importantly to be courageous. Fear was unknown to Subramania Bharathi. Quoting Bharathi “Fear I have not, fear I have not, Even if all the world opposes me” the Prime Minister said that he sees this spirit in Young India today when they are at the forefront of innovation and excellence. He added India's start-up space is filled with fearless youth who are giving something new to humanity. Such a 'can do' spirit will bring wonder for our nation and our planet, he added.
The Prime Minister said Bharathiyar believed in a healthy mix between the ancient and the modern. He said Bharathi saw wisdom in staying connected with our roots as well as looking towards the future and considered Tamil Language and motherland India as his two eyes. Bharathi sang songs of the greatness of ancient India, the greatness of the Vedas and Upanishads, our culture, tradition and our glorious past. But at the same time, he also warned us that simply living in the past glory is not enough. Shri Modi urged the need to develop a scientific temper, a spirit of inquiry and march towards progress.
The Prime Minister said Mahakavi Bharathiyar's definition of progress had a central role for women. One of the most important visions was that of independent and empowered women. Mahakavi Bharathiyar wrote that women should walk with their head held high, while looking people in the eye. The Prime Minister said the Government is inspired by this vision and is working to ensure women-led empowerment. In every sphere of the Government's working, there has been importance given to the dignity of women. He said today, over 15 crore women entrepreneurs are funded by schemes like MUDRA Yojana. Today, women are becoming part of our armed forces with permanent commissioning. Today, the poorest of the poor women who used to face problems of lack of safe sanitation, are benefited by over 10 crore safe and hygienic toilets. They do not have to face problems any more. “This is the era of New India's Nari Shakti. They are breaking barriers and making an impact. This is New India's tribute to Subramania Bharathi”, Shri Modi said.
The Prime Minister remarked that Mahakavi Bharathiyar understood that any society which is divided will not be able to succeed. At the same time, he wrote about the emptiness of political freedom which does not address the social inequities and does not address social ills. Quoting Bharathi “Now we will make a rule, and enforce it ever, If ever one man faces starvation the world has to atone on pain of destruction” the Prime Minister said his teachings are a strong reminder to us to remain united and committed to the empowerment of every single individual, especially, the poor and marginalised.
The Prime Minister said there is a lot our youth have to learn from Bharathi wished that everyone in our country reads his works and is inspired by him. He praised Vanavil Cultural Center for their wonderful work in spreading the message of Bharathiyar and was confident that this festival will have productive deliberations which will help steer India into a new future.
30-Dec-2019: Promote composite culture: Indian History Congress
The 80th session of the Indian History Congress (IHC) was held at Kannur, Kerala, between 28th and 30th December 2019. It called upon political and administrative authorities to pursue the constitutional duty of promoting composite culture, which is vital to promoting the territorial unity of India.
A resolution passed by the IHC executive committee said politicians should refrain from making inaccurate statements to turn mythology into history or promote rewriting of history to arouse divisive statements, pointing to the constant refrain to change school syllabi.
The committee expressed concern at the maintenance of monuments such as the Red Fort, now being auctioned out to private agencies.
The resolution called for an impartial review of the arrangement by the Central Advisory Board of Archaeology or any other recognised body of experts.
The panel observed that the national education policy had many alarming features needing serious critique. It raised concern over the policy document that called for infusing a heavy dose of Sanskrit in all levels of education, while defining contemporary knowledge and pedagogy that proposes this knowledge as static.
The committee expressed concern at the adverse condition for research in Jammu and Kashmir, owing to the shutdown of the Internet and libraries and non-functioning of education institutions.
25-Feb-2019: 79th Indian History Congress commences in Bhopal
The 79th Indian History Congress (IHC) will be held at Barkatullah University in Bhopal Madhya Pradesh from 26th February 2019.
Earlier the 79th Indian History Congress was supposed to be held at Pune but was canceled citing financial constraints to host the congress.
The Indian History Congress will be held at Madhya Pradesh for the second time. Earlier it was held at 2011. Over 1,000 delegates including prominent historians are expected to participate in the IHC in Bhopal.
Background: In 1935, an All India Congress was organised by the Bharata Itihasa Samshodhaka Mandala (BISM) to celebrate its silver jubilee. The event resulted in the inception of the IHC. It is the largest professional and academic body of Indian historians with over 10,000 members. The primary objective of Indian History Congress is the “promotion and encouragement of the scientific study of Indian history”. The Indian History Congress holds annual sessions on five sections namely:
- Ancient India
- Medieval India
- Modern India
- History of Countries other than India
- Archaeology
Role of IHC:
- To regulate the standard of works of history produced in India.
- To promote impartial and substantive history.
- To commit to a fair and scientific history, devoid of bias and politics.
It passed significant resolutions regarding the protection of monuments of historical importance and the role the government and Archaeological Survey of India should play in their preservation.
In 1946, it petitioned the government to allow researchers access to archives.
It also began to engage with the history taught in schools and colleges and in 1948, it resolved to contribute to the syllabi in universities and colleges across the country.
The Indian History Congress stands for collaboration with historians throughout the world and promotes the study in India of the history of other countries.