During the ‘Lok Manthan’ programme underway at Khegaon on Thursday, experts emphasised on indigenous culture and how people from different sections of society could come together and spread consciousness our traditional practices.
Scholars and artists also portrayed the chronological developments in Indian history and the changes in Indian perspective of the world and vice-versa in different periods.
The event, which was inaugurated by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday, has speakers, thinkers and artists from all over the country who are discussing on the theme ‘Bharat Bodh Jan Gana Mana’.
Speaking to media persons Prafull Ketkar, editor of Organiser stated that tendency to look at our indigenous practices as backward must go as the outlook was creating many a problems for us.
He pointed out that during his speech the VP too has stressed on mother, motherland and mother tongue.
He said in line with the thought prevailing at Lok Manthan a discussion was held on tradition of tribals in Bastar including their methods of worshipping the nature.
The sessions on the theme Samajavlokan saw Shankar Sharan of NCERT discussing how society has changed since ancient times. Speaking on the occasion former CM Arjun Munda said that tribal have very strong culture even though they are economically weak. He said at present the society was divided into rural and urban sectors with the former being primarily based on agriculture.
“The tribals are educated about the do’s and don’ts in their houses,” he said.
Later in the day the participants also held interaction on World view of India since the ancient times. Based on write up of foreign visitors to India the speakers said that the country was highly respected by people in different parts of the world. Their concept, however, changed after establishment of British Empire in India and they began to think India as a backward country.
Dr Aniruben Ganguly stated that India never look at the world as ‘I and they’ adding that the country had a civilizational worldview. However confusion crept in after colonization by the British and people started looking inwards.
A dance combining the vedic features to the modern day Ganesha dance was also presented in the programme.