NAGPUR: Delivering Prof SW Bakhle Memorial Lecture on the occasion of Foundation Day of International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS) Nagpur, noted historian and erudite scholar Dr Sharad Hebalkar hinted upon a lot of similarities between the South American and Indian cultures.
Though India and South America are separated geographically by a distance of 16,000 km as the crow flies, and by 18,000 km by the sea route, there are striking similarities between the two cultures in their attire, hair styles, traditions and archaeological evidences, Dr Hebalkar said with his presentation of photographs taken during his recent visit to six nations of that southern continent.
Vice-Chancellor of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University Dr Vilas Sapkal, ICCS president Virag Pachpore, secretary Vijay Bhagdikar, director Research Dr Vinod Indurkar and vice-president Dr Vinayak Deshpande were also present on the dais.
Giving example of Manaus janjati of South America Dr Hebalkar said there are striking similarities between them and the Khasi janjati of Meghalaya in relation to their dress and dance, mode of worship, deity, housing pattern etc. The Manaus are idol worshippers and worship Sun and the Earth Gods. After studying various janjatis of South America it was found that their concepts relating to cosmology and cosmogony, concepts of God, creation etc. are akin to those of Indians.
These similarities are now archaeologically proved, the scholar said adding that the recent archaeological evidences indicate towards a regular contact between the two peoples by sea route. The Indian sailors sailed over the mighty Pacific and Atlantic and reached South America carrying with them the culture of India. The modern archaeologists attribute these similarities to migration of the Asian Man to South America, he added.
Dr Hebalkar also gave examples of Peru and Bolivia and narrated his experiences of the recent visit he paid to these countries to prove his point forcefully. The presentation showed his tremendous study and authority on the subject.
In his address chief guest of the function Dr Vilas Sapkal suggested that ICCS and Nagpur University can work in collaboration in the field of research in ancient traditions and cultures. He appreciated the work and scholarship and contribution of ICCS in exploring the similarities of cultures of the world.
Dr Sapkal also unveiled the portrait of the late Dr SW Bakhle, the founder president of ICCS, on this occasion.
Earlier, president of ICCS Virag Pachpore gave introductory remarks about the activities and presented an overview of the ICCS. Vice president Dr Vinayak deshpande spoke about Dr SW Bakhle and his contribution in establishing ICCS. He described Dr Bakhle as an authority on Philosphy. Dr Leela Deshpande also shared her memories about Dr Bakhle.
Entries invited for Bharat Vikas Parishad Utkrishtata Samman
BHARAT Vikas Parishad has invited entries for the annual Utkrishtata Samman to be given to an individual or organisation for outstanding services in the field of village development. The last date of receiving the nominations is May 30. The Award selection committee is headed by former Chief Justice of Supreme Court Shri RC Lahoti. The other luminaries in the Committee include former Governor Shri Rama Jois and former Governor Shri Jagmohan. The award consists of a sum of Rs one lakh, a citation and a memento. Established in 1963, the Bharat Vikas Parishad has over 1000 branches with a family membership of 43000 all over the country (FOC)
