FORMATION of cultural commonwealth is the need of the hour. To achieve this, the missing links amongst the ancient cultures all over the world needs to be identified and strengthened. Institutions like International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS) should take up and accomplish this stupendous task, opined noted thinker, scholar and Sahsarkaryavah of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Shri Suresh Soni.
Shri Soni was addressing the gathering of academicians, research scholars and social activists on the occasion of the Foundation Day of ICCS at its newly constructed office in Nagpur on Nrisimha Jayanti i.e. May 26, 2010. Former Nagpur MP and Managing Editor of The Hitavada, Shri Banwarilal Purohit presided over the function while noted philanthropist and Chairman of NECO Group of Industries Shri Basant Lal Shaw was present as Guest of Honour on the occasion. Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti Vandaniya Pramilatai Medhe blessed the occasion by her special presence.
In his address as chief guest, Shri Suresh Soni said that the formation of such cultural commonwealth was necessary to save the world from all the impending disasters. The ICCS should take initiative to form such cultural commonwealth, he stressed in his scholarly address. He said that the ICCS must conduct research and study in ancient cultures all over the globe and promote an activism to establish global peace, brotherhood and environment protection.
Taking a brief review of the global scenario Shri Soni said that the international vision discussed by the countries in 1992 at the famous Rio conference was based on global peace, sustainable development and protection of environment. But today after almost two decades the dream visualised by these countries has been converted into global terrorism, global recession and global warming.
This happened because the ancient cultures, traditions, value systems, thinking and vision have been lost. It has been replaced by mindless industrialisation, degradation of environment and breaking of families. The world has high hopes from India because it is the only country in the world where the value system, traditions and culture of the yore are still alive. “This is an opportunity for ICCS to promote the ancient culture and value system to save the planet earth”, Shri Soni emphasised.
Shri Basantlal Shaw, speaking as guest of honor, narrated his experiences of his recent visits to Japan, Egypt and Thailand. He said that every human being on the earth has an inborn instinct and thrust to acquire virtues and peace. In some countries the people are still preserving their ancient cultures and traditions. These ancient cultures and traditions have a definite linkage with the Indian culture.
He blamed the British for destroying and distorting the rich cultural heritage of India and also for creating confusion among the educated Indians about their culture and traditions. He appealed to the ICCS to strive to remove this confusion and also establish links with the ancient cultures and traditions all over the globe. He gave a number of examples in support of his statement that many a Hindu traditions are still in vogue in countries like Japan, Thailand and other Asian countries.
In his presidential address, former MP Shri Banwarilal Purohit said that Indian cultural is the richest culture in the world. There is no comparison of Indian culture with any other culture in the world. The cultures and civilisations based on the religion are still continuing and ICCS should work for maintaining the rich cultural heritage of the country, Shri Purohit stressed giving a number of illustrations to drive the point home.
Outstanding talented personalities of Nagpur were felicitated for their achievements in various fields. They included Shri N W alias Nanasaheb Gokhle, who would be completing his century on June 3, 2010; Dr Ismail Kellellu, Head of the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Arcaheology, Nagpur University, and Ku. Shrinkhala Kangale, the only ST candidate to have cleared the IAS examination from Nagpur. They were honoured with a memento and a floral bouquet by the dignitaries.
A brochure of ICCS was also released on the occasion. Earlier, ICCS President Virag Pachpore gave a power point the presentation explaining the idea of ICCS and introduced the new members of the executive team. The new team includes Dr V S Deshpande (Vice-President), Vijay Bhagdikar (Secretary), Dr (Mrs) Shailaja Deshpande (Jt Secy), Vinay Bakhle (Treasurer), Dr Vinod Indurkar (Director-Research), Dr Leena Gahane, Shrikant Gadge, P M Deshpande, Prof A W Vyawahare, Dr Mrinalini Bande, Dr D M Saraf, and Mohan Gokhle (all members).
Secretary of ICCS Shri Vijay Bhagdikar proposed vote of thanks while Chitrarekha Kuffalikar conducted the proceedings of the function. The programme was attended by large number of ICCS members and other scholars from Nagpur.
