The Kashi Sansad Sanskritik Mahotsav (KSSM), which will run for more than three weeks (from September 1 to 24), had a grand start here on Friday when it was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ravindra Jaiswal at Sant Atulanand Convent School. Mayor Ashok Tiwari, District Magistrate (DM) S Rajalingam and Chief Development Officer (CDO) Himanshu Nagpal and other public representatives and officers were also present. The programme started with lighting of the lamp and Saraswati Vandana. Along with this, the programme was also formally started at other selected 61 places in the district.
Addressing the people on the occasion, Ravindra Jaiswal praised the district administration for efforts being made to promote the cultural heritage of Kashi through this cultural festival which is being organised on a large scale. He said that Kashi is the city of Padma awardees as several famous artists have brought glory not only to the city and state but also to the country, dominating at international stages. Taking inspiration from this competition, the people and youth will make attempts to achieve new heights in their cultural genres, he added. The DM, while addressing the function, said that this important festival is being organised with the inspiration of the Prime Minister. “The cultural importance of Kashi is known all over the world. The main objective of this programme is to introduce people to the rich cultural tradition of Kashi, spread its publicity as well as identify new talents and provide them a platform,” he said, adding that till now more than 51,000 people have registered themselves to participate in the competitions. Apart from giving detailed information about this competition, he also informed about the upcoming Kashi Sansad Khel Mahotsav, Kashi Sansad Gyan Mahotsav' and Kashi Sansad Tourist Guide Competition to be organised on the same lines. More than 1,00,000 people appealed to participate. During the programme, certificates were also given to all the participants by the Minister Ravindra Jaiswal, Mayor Ashok Tiwari and DM. On the occasion, school director Rahul Singh, other public representatives, officials, children from various schools and a large number of participants were present.
STUDY: In a groundbreaking study, fresh insights have emerged about the genetic history of the major ethnic groups in Sri Lanka, the Sinhalese and the Tamils. In this study, a team of international scientists co-led by Prof Gyaneshwer Chaubey of BHU, Dr Niraj Rai BSIP, Lucknow and Dr R Ranasinghe of IBMBB, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, have analysed the DNA data from Sinhalese and Tamil populations of Sri Lanka. This study shed light on their genetic affinity and historical origins.