writer: Sandeep Annepu
Credible challenges of Incredible India in making up to UNESCO world heritage sites list : A UNESCO world heritage site can be a forest, mountain, lake, dessert, monument, building, complex, or city that is on the list maintained UNESCO. These heritage sites would be considered as international importance and also funded in certain conditions. Of the 27 World Heritage sites in India, 5 are natural and 22 are cultural. The cultural properties range from the early cave paintings in Bimbedka, Madhya Pradesh to the 19th century Nilgiri Mountain Railways in Tamil Nadu; from Mughal architecture in Delhi and Agra to the ancient capital of Vijayanagara in Hampi, Karnataka. Although being one of the most ancient urban civilizations, India does not have one city on the World Heritage List. Other heritage types missing are, for example, ‘cultural landscapes’, ‘cultural routes’ (silk route, salt route, etc.), industrial monuments, and many other categories. India has a big tentative list struggling to get listed in the UNESCO heritage sites. India is also facing many challenges in managing the existing world heritage sites in India. World heritage sites are prestigious and attract a large number of national and international visitors. Being great assets they are also very much venerable. But these are not properly managed and organized. Their standards couldn’t meet the international clientele. Some of the reasons may be – - Lack of a proper national policy that regulates the management of heritage sites. - Lack of availability of the professionals to assist the government to formulate the regulatory measures. - Lack of clear boundaries (core and buffer zones) and well defined statements of significance in many Sites. - Challenges in providing visitor facilities. - Lack of a separate body which exclusively deals with the conservation and management of the heritage sites. Golconda is one among the tentative list. Even though it could satisfy the eligibility criteria for the heritage site it is denied for one reason – encroachments which is one of the major problem for many other sites. Finally it has been decided not to remove encroachments but to involve those people in tourism oriented tasks at Golcoda which is very impractical. One more problem for these sites is multiplicity of the organizations working for the development of the site which in turn results in confusion and delay the developmental activities. Lack of enthusiasm among both governmental and non governmental organizations getting our sites listed in the world heritage sites. Lack of political will is there but it is not the major problem as it can be brought to government notice through right channel. Renovations held at the sites with out proper knowledge also hamper the authenticity of the sites. In this aspect the collaboration of the Hyderabad government with Iran in renovations of the monuments can be appreciated. Thanks to the UNESCO-led Indian Heritage Cities Network founded in September 2006.Through this Network UNESCO shares its longstanding experience in historic city management, brokers city-to-city partnerships between Indian and European cities, and facilitates the exchange of good practice and solution exchange between Indian cities. The Network also serves as a platform for linking Indian cities wanting to make heritage conservation a positive part of their development. Indian city members of this Network benefit from technical support through decentralized cooperation schemes between Indian and international partner cities from Europe, Latin America and other Asian countries which are brokered by UNESCO.
The Curse of Mother Nature
Children are we of Mother Nature which bears the heaviness of all human sins as the tree bears the heaviness of all fruits. Unlike the tree drops ripen fruits nature tolerates all its sinner kids. But scholars used to warn us against Mother Nature’s curse which was neglected by all of us. Finally the time has come and Mother Nature cursed all the humans.
It rained heavily to fill all the dried lakes and ponds. Snowfall increased in mountains and temperature decreased in the valleys. The crotons grew very huge and creepers spread all over the houses. Tamed animals forgot their lessons and escaped from the cages. Birds became faster than bullets and tusks became harder than diamonds. Plants and animals became resistant to synthetic enzymes. No more hybrids and no more cloning as the DNA structure became mysterious. New sprouts germinated all over the wooden furniture. Cells changed their structures and fission and fusion became unmanageable. Elements of the nature got freedom from human control. Plastics dissolved in the water and melted in air. New viruses were killed and extinct animals were reproduced. Cities looked like forests and forests looked denser. Metals changed their nature and became unidentified. Dams couldn’t hold waters and generate power. Rivers became harsh and oceans became ferocious. Sounds of the Nature became clearer and man made artificial sounds became inaudible. Rocks became harder and barks became stronger. Machines stop working due to lack of power generation. All the new experiments failed and old ones of no use. All the knowledge gained became incorrect and all the achievements were lost. Human life was in complete mess.
Humans are the supreme beings on the earth. We can’t accept any failure. So, we started experimenting from the beginning again. All the nations forgot their rivalry and united to work together. This time humans avoided the mistakes that were committed earlier. Now we understood our limitations and accepted the superiority of the Mother Nature. We reproduced and redeveloped everything that we lost keeping in mind the principles of Mother Nature. We became more responsible and insightful.
Finally we developed a new word of joy and happiness. The new world is abundant in clean air and pure water. A world for which war is a history and disaster is a mystery. A world which is free from pollution, diseases, poverty, calamities both natural and man made. The new world became home for healthy men and beautiful women.
It is said that even the curse of the mother turns into a blessing. So, this curse of the Mother Nature showered blessings on the human race.
Fashion and tradition Tradition is the life style of the people of a particular place at a particular period of time. It can’t be constant in any case. People need change which is unavoidable and that is fashion. In the name of fashion the tradition can’t be forgotten because it is the identity. Fashion means new style and that is not merely copying other tradition but creating it in our own. The influence of fashion is not only effecting Indian tradition but also western countries like England which has a rich tradition. This is mainly due to the changing life style. There is no need for a particular day for wearing traditional outfit. Thanks to Indian history and mythologies which gave us many festivals and days of national importance like independence and republic day. Institutions can make mandatory to wear traditional output on these days. Even though tradition couldn’t be followed it can be preserved in this way. Even fashions shows can be used as a tool to popularize traditional wear by bring out new designs and styles. Thanks to fashion shows like ‘Lakme fashion week’ which is a best example which encourages traditional wear.
Classical Arts still Popular? Classical art is a part of our culture. Today classical art is loosing its popularity. People are being attracted towards the western culture and their arts. We are just copying theirs and call it as modernization and development where as foreigners are interested in Indian classical arts, they are coming to learn and research on ours. Modernization means improving and developing our arts but not simply copying others. Indian classical arts have a long history. The main reason why it is loosing popularity is classical arts are very difficult and it can be enjoyed only if it is understood and it can be understood only if it is taught. Today it is very difficult to find a good classical art teacher because of lack of good recognition and encouragement. Earlier artists have enjoyed a high position in the society. More classical art exhibitions and programs have to be conducted to encourage and recognize classical art and artists.. BandhsBandh is a form of protest during which a group of people or a party declares a strike and the strike is expected to be voluntary. But today people are forced to participate in bandhs. Bandhs were a powerful weapon to show protest against something wrong, but now it has become a tool in the hands of political parties to satisfy their selfish needs. The Supreme Court has banned bandhs in 1998, but the politicians who should be implementing law and order, disobey it. Postponement of the intermediate exams is one of the many problems caused due to bandhs. Common people have to face many problems as their everyday lives are disturbed. Higher security in important cities ensures that the risks are highly reduced as compared to sub-urban areas where people have to face many problems. During bandhs the party workers or organizers forcibly interrupt the classes which is an insult to the teachers and the education system. This imparts a very negative effect on the students. Institutions should be very strict in this aspect; classes shouldn’t be discontinued or closed for the fear of bandhs. This can be done only with the support of the students. There are many better ways than bandh to show protest or to spread a message. This evil practice has to be fought together. Oscar and Indian Films India stands first in terms of the number of films produced per year. But in terms of quality they lag behind. The motive of filmmaking should be to bring out new and innovative concepts but not to repeat same what generations have made. In the case of India very few filmmakers come out with this motive and most of those are not recognized because we need the same old masala. Due to lack of efficient selection comity, many good regional films are being ignored. Children and Indian cinema While some films are very good and inspiring for adults, the same films may be harmful for children. . It is a surprise to see people visiting cinemas which are rated “A” by CBFC, along with kids. This rating is given to a movie which contains extreme violance, sexuality, frightened images and language. In India people are least bothered or are unaware of CBFC ratings. I have personally heard a kid asking his father "Daddy, what is that uncle doing?” during a particularly unsavory scene in one of these films. The violence in the films may also create a bad influence on the children. These films develop unnecessary doubts and irrational thoughts in their delicate minds. The parents can’t be blamed totally. Children films are not given much importance in the present Indian film industry due to the misconception that children’s films are not profitable. Even though good children’s films are being made, these are only bound to multiplexes. People in small towns and villages miss them. When it comes to Hollywood, children’s films are creating records in terms of revenue generation. They are competing with big stars’ films. Last year animated movie Happy Feet generated more revenue than the James Bond movie Casino Royale. Efforts are being made to reduce the sex and violence in the Hollywood films to attract more child viewers. But the Indian film industry is different. Except few animated movies like Hanuman, there are not enough animated movies. It is not due to lack of good technicians. The special effects for the Oscar winning film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is done by a team of Indians. Showing violence and sex is considered fashionable and a revenue generating factor which a prominent film personality also told in his interview. Cinema is one of the major entertainments for Indian families. They have no other choice except watching these films along with their kids. Children film festivals like International Children's Film Festival, held in Hyderabad is best opportunity for children to watch inspiring films from different countries. Schools have to take initiative to take their children to these festivals. Government has to provide facilities for the interested schools from rural areas to visit these festivals.
Today’s kids and their role models Today’s kids are under pressure to perform well in schools. Parents tell their kids that their role models should be friends or relatives who got good ranks in exams or who are earning a lot in abroad and not Viswanathan Anand, P.T.Usha or about Abdul Kalam That’s the reason why our country is far behind in areas like scientific research, sports, and moral values. Parents and teachers should see that the role models of children should be philosophers, scientists and social reformers and not the film stars who behave like rowdies and our cricketers for whom only money matters and nothing else.First day first show magic Today filmmakers give a lot of publicity before the release of their films to increase the expectations so as to maximise collections in the first few weeks and to avoid the loss due to the piracy. Fans feel proud to watch first day first show of their favorite hero’s film and they go to any extent to do so. It is known that many a times people loose their lives in the attempt to get tickets for the release day. This magic even encourages the black market. This can be controlled to some extent by showings these stars’ films in more theaters for first few weeks.Influence of cartoon character on kidsChildren like and understand cartoon characters because they reflect their ideas and dreams. Many children who don’t like leafy vegetables started eating spinach, influenced by popeye character. They cultivate braveness and helping nature from the super hero characters and moral values from cartoons like panchatantra. The animated films like “Hanuman” help children to understand mythology in a better way. There are some cases in which children are injured while imitating the cartoon characters. The parents should be careful in this aspect and also see that kids are not addicted to cartoon Rising suicide cases in HyderabadMajority of people committing suicide are teenagers. In Hyderabad dueto growing competition in both educational and working places the stress is more on the young people. There are also other reasons such as physical or emotional agony, mental illness, adverse environment, unsuccessful in love and studies. In some cases it is also due to incorrect and irrational philosophical belief. Medicine treats suicide as mental health issue. Whenever suicidal gestures and attempts are observed, medical attention should be sought immediately. But even today people neglect this due to lack of awareness and belief in superstitions. Pets are man’s best friend. Pets are kept for companionship and considered as man’s most loyal friend.There are many cases where pets rescued their masters, as they sense danger prior to man. Keeping pets has been shown to help relieve stress, for example walking a dog can provide with good exercise and social interaction. Now pets are also being trained to help physically handicapped. But some people use pets only to satisfy their needs such as security and to symbolize their status which is to be severely condemned youngsters and right to vote
Today’s youngsters know more about American politics than Indian. This is mainly because of the dirty image of the Indian politics that is prevailing among them. Even though the youngsters register for voter card, it is merely used for identification but rarely put in to right use. The situation may encourage the political parties to manipulate the results. Youngsters rarely use the right to vote because they rarely think about politics. This is because they ignore the fact that the biggest election issue directly effects the youth of the nation. The education system rarely provides the students a platform to discuss about the politics. Even in the family elders avoid political discussion with the kids and youngsters. This resulted in the lack of interest among the youngsters on political matters. One more issue is the youth vote is underestimated or neglected by the party analysts. It is known fact about the new party Prajarajam Party’s efforts to encourage the students to enroll and register for the voter cards. It might be for their benefit but can be appreciated. Neither students nor parents can be blamed, whole system is like that. It should be understood among the youth that if the right to vote is not used the right to complain about the government’s decisions also can’t be used.
Fashion and tradition
Tradition is the life style of the people of a particular place at a particular period of time. It can’t be constant in any case. People need change which is unavoidable and that is fashion. In the name of fashion the tradition can’t be forgotten because it is the identity. Fashion means new style and that is not merely copying other tradition but creating it in our own.
The influence of fashion is not only effecting Indian tradition but also western countries like England which has a rich tradition. This is mainly due to the changing life style. There is no need for a particular day for wearing traditional outfit. Thanks to Indian history and mythologies which gave us many festivals and days of national importance like independence and republic day. Institutions can make mandatory to wear traditional output on these days. Even though tradition couldn’t be followed it can be preserved in this way. Even fashions shows can be used as a tool to popularize traditional wear by bring out new designs and styles. Thanks to fashion shows like ‘Lakme fashion week’ which is a best example which encourages traditional wear.