Young students need to learn civilization and culture: Ranjan

Imphal: Union minister of state for Education and External Affairs, RK Ranjan Singh said,”The citizens of the country especially youngsters and those from standard 8th to undergraduate need to learn the history of our civilization and culture which they can relate and appreciate.”

Ranjan was speaking as chief guest on Monday during an exhibition on ‘Glory of Medieval India: Manifestation of the Unexplored- Indian Dynasties, 8th-18th Centuries’ held at Lalit Kala Akademi, near Mandi House metro station, New Delhi.

He said India is one of the oldest continuous civilizations of the world and this must be a matter of great pride for any nation. The history of medieval Indian dynasties is a glorious chapter in Indian history. He delighted that the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) has organized this exemplary Exhibition entitled.

“It is a tyranny that when we read about this period of history, we find it usually glorifying invaders like Mughals who were hostile to India culture, and the Indian Dynasties which thrived during that period have not been given due acknowledgement. I am glad that attempts have been made to acquaint the younger generations with the nation’s glorious past and the ICHR has put up a very conscious effort in filling up the gaps and bringing to fore a more holistic picture of our medieval Indian history,” Ranjan said.

These dynasties which ruled India in the medieval period fostered a culture of artistic creativity, intellectual growth, scientific progress, and above all, a spirit of democracy and tolerance of various strands of thought. It was under their rule that the nation made substantial strides in various sciences such as architecture and metallurgy, he added.

The exhibition beautifully highlights architecture, sculptures, paintings, literature marvels and management systems which flourished during this period, he said.

He said many of these have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for having cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance.

“Successful experiments were made in the field of democratic local self-government, and various religious and philosophical schools of thought not merely co-existed peacefully, but were even given patronage and encouragement by these ruling dynasties, highlighting the underlying democratic spirit of India’s civilization,” the minister said.

Organising secretary, Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana, Balmukund Pandey; chairman, ICHR professor Raghuvendra Tanwar; member secretary, ICHR professor Umesh Ashok Kadam; and others were present during the inaugural session.