21-Feb-2019: Dr Jitendra Singh addresses at the launch of ‘Shisht Bharat Campaign’
The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the elders should set example in their conduct before the younger generation, so that the youth can inherit these values naturally by emulating their elder generations. He was speaking at the launch of ‘Shisht Bharat Abhiyan’ organised by an NGO. The theme of the event was to discuss the importance of moral science education in schools and colleges and to include Moral Science as a subject in the educational curriculum.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the elders need to educate themselves first. Our ancient scriptures describe that it takes three generations for values to change, so consistent efforts are needed to inculcate good values in our coming generations. The younger generation gets lot of exposure to the world. They have the advantage of being more informed and aware due to the communication channels available today. We are learning to adapt to the global culture. India is an evolving democracy and evolution is happening at all levels and we need to learn to adapt to these changes to our best advantage.
Such kind of campaigns help in channelizing the masses in a positive direction. ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ (cleanliness campaign) launched by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has become a people's movement now. The campaign has led to the consciousness among the masses and has an inspiring influence on the citizens of the country. Lakhs of toilets were built within a year of the launch of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The leadership of Prime Minister has led to these behavioural changes in the masses.
During the event, prizes of the essay competition organised on the above topic were also distributed and Panel discussion was also held on the importance of civic sense and moral values.
16-Jan-2019: Sangeet Natak Akademi launches second phase of the Web Campaign ‘SĀNJHI –MUJH MEIN KALĀKĀR’
Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama will launch the second phase of the Web Campaign ‘SĀNJHI –MUJH MEIN KALĀKĀR’ an initiative to document and promote the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and diverse cultural traditions of the country by direct public-participation.
This is a unique talent search where the participant will showcase their talent in the fields of music, dance, drama, puppetry, folk and tribal arts, culinary skills, painting, sculpture etc. The literal meaning of the term SĀNJHI is “to share” and “to partner”, and the cultural traditions of our country has developed and prospered on the notions of harmony.
The second phase of this campaign, SĀNJHI –MUJH MEIN KALĀKĀR, has its main focus area- the folk, traditional, customary, socially events and ritualistic art forms- woven as a cultural fabric around the harvest festival season of January. It is celebrated all across the country, known in various nomenclatures like Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri, Bhogali Bihu, Torgya, Uttarayan, Attukkal Pongal etc.
It intends to bring forth such forms that are aligned with the domains of intangible cultural heritage as per the Convention of Safeguarding the ICH under UNESCO:
· Oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage;
· Performing arts;
· Social practices, rituals and festive events;
· Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe;
· Traditional craftsmanship.
The first phase of this campaign was earlier initiated in the month of November 2018 during the festival season of Diwali. There was mass participation and with great enthusiasm, people uploaded various audios and videos for music, dance, poetry recitation etc. and images for visual art forms like painting, craftwork, terracotta work, rangoli, written poetry, etc. More than 500 entries were received from various regions of the country. A Screening Committee, constituting of various Cultural Bodies and eminent artists availed the opportunity to witness the talent reservoir of the country and considered many as worthy for further promotion and commendation.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) is the nodal agency of the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India to coordinate the matters related to Intangible Cultural Heritage and various UNESCO Conventions addressing Cultural Diversity and promotion and dissemination of multifarious cultural traditions and expressions of the country.
8-Dec-2018: Pakistan plans heritage park for Hindus, Buddhists
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province plans to construct a heritage park in Elum Valley, which carries a historical significance to both the Hindus and the Buddhists, to promote religious tourism.
A fund of ₹5 million has already been allocated by the government to the authorities concerned as an initial grant for preparation of feasibility report of the project. Elum Valley is located between the Swat and Buner districts in the province. Elum Valley has been a site of divinity and pilgrimage for both the Hindu and the Buddhist communities.
According to Hindu belief, Lord Ram spent time meditating there during his 14 years of exile, while Buddhists believe it to be the site where a previous incarnation of Lord Buddha gave up his life. The Elum Valley would be made a safe abode for the followers of Hinduism and Buddhism and as well as for tourists visiting the heritage park.
Under the project, fencing of the entire Elum Valley would be done and a separate track would be constructed in the heritage park.