November 24-29, 2013
Guwahati and Shillong India
Seminar on Cultural Heritage and Peace Education
The UNESCO Club Vienna was represented by Robert Pobitschka, President.
In recognition of lifelong dedicated services of Mrs.SushmaArora, Vice President, L. K. Singhania Education Centre, GotanDistt. Nagaur (Rajasthan) for promoting Peace Education and UNESCO activities in her institution, Confederation of UNESCO Clubs and Associations of India (CUCAI), New Delhi honoured her with “Excellence in Peace Education Award“ on 25th November 2013 during International Seminar on “Cultural Heritage and Peace Education” in Guwahati by Assam Chief Minister Mr.TarunGogoi.
News report Guwahati, November 25: The UNESCO Clubs and Associations India organised an international seminar on cultural heritage and peace education at the Assam Administrative Staff College, Khanapara.
The theme of the seminar was to bring forward the rich cultural heritage and diversity of Assam. A discussion on the issue of Majuli’s nomination as a world heritage site also took place.
Assam Chief Minister TarunGogoi also appealed to UNESCO to consider its decision before coming to a conclusion on the nomination procedures.
Speaking on the occasion, D Bhatnagar, director of UNESCO, Asia Pacific, said, “Assam is rich in cultural diversity and heritage. The State has established its own identity before the world for being a leading producer of world famous tea and other resources. It is a matter of pride for UNESCO to explore the rich heritage and biodiversity of this land.”
C Iowa, director and representative of UNESCO for India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh and Nepal, said, “Assam is particularly very rich in its traditions. It has been at the threshold of changing times but deeply rooted in traditions. To bring sustainable peace in the region, education and cultural dialogues will be the major tools.”
Chief Minister Gogoi, while commenting on the UNESCO’s mission of peace development, said, “For sustainable development of the region, peace is a major factor. Cultural diversity is often taken as a reason for discourse. But the major reason for discourse is greed. Education and inter–cultural dialogues are the tools of the modern society.”
On the issue of world cultural heritage site status to Majuli demand, the Chief Minister said, “Majuli has always been the centre point of religion and culture. It has immense contribution in the building of the State. Not just geographical but Majuli is also famous for its rich tradition and culture. I would appeal to the UNESCO to take things into consideration and nominate Majuli as UNESCO world heritage site.”
MadhuraDutta, programme officer for culture, UNESCO, Asia Pacific, said, “We are considering Majuli as we have already received nominations from across the State and the country.”
TNT News, Shillong: The Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Meghalaya, Dr R C Laloo graced the Valedictory function of the International Seminar on Cultural Heritage and Peace Education as Chief Guest today at the State Convention Centre, Shillong.
The programme was organized by the Confederation of UNESCO Clubs and Association of India (CUCAI) in collaboration with Government of Meghalaya.In his speech, Dr. R C Laloo observed that the seminar must be fruitful and meaningful to the participants and hoped that the exchange of culture and traditions during the sessions as well as the sightseeing programme have enriched their knowledge about the culture and traditions of the state.
He said that he was curious about the peace education which he believes is for the students and the students are considered to be peaceful. But looking at the present context of the world situation peace is very important and Peace Education is necessary for all nations in order to create a sense of responsibility among people, Dr.Laloo added.
He further appreciated the activities of the organization and acknowledged to set up the centre and associations in the state so that people get opportunity to experience and share more closely the activities and responsibilities of the organization.
UNESCO, Country Director, New Delhi, Mr.Shigaru Aoyagi expressed his immense gratitude for the hospitality that they received from the government of Meghalaya. The visits to the Sacred Gove, Mawphlang, Waterfalls at Cherrapunjee and Nartiang has enlightened the participants about the rich cultural traditions of the state, he stated.
Mr. Aoyagi also mentioned about the conservation of these rich culture, traditions and nature into sustainable form of development and the role of peace education to bring back peace and security to the people of Meghalaya. Moreover, he observed that sense of responsibility and mutual understandings are some factors which can instil peace and harmony among the people.