SAARC Research Seminar on Islamic Cultural Trails: Journey through Time and Space – Minarets and Mosques, Tombs, Trade, Tradition and Technology

SAARC Research Seminar, Research Grant and Publications
Islamic Cultural Trails: Journey through Time and Space – Minarets and Mosques, Tombs, Trade, Tradition and Technology

BACKGROUND

The Research Seminar on Islamic Cultural Trails is planned as a Regional forum of discussion for academics, researchers and policy makers to identify and develop the cultural, social, economic, religious, connections of the Region.  Islam is the only living religion to spread and take root in both east and west during the pre-Colonial era.  Islam disseminated from the land of its origin in the Middle East to South, Central and Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe.  Islam has enriched South Asia through its culture, transmitting art, architecture, technology, science through the trade routes.  The ancient trade routes have long been abandoned but the legacy of those who travelled these routes can be found in the circulated knowledge, ideas, religions and the diffusion of culture.  Islam is one of the shared cultural characteristics in the SAARC Region, with art and architecture portraying “unity within diversity” as seen in the evolving styles and the embracing of new characteristics through the ages.  This diversity was the result of interactions that took place along the trading routes criss-crossing East and West Asia, South and Central Asia, along with the exchange of merchandise, knowledge, concepts, designs, religions, technology and other sundry of objects and ideas.

The “Cultural Trails” portray the material culture (Tangible Cultural Heritage TCH) and the Intangible Culture (ICH) of our ancestors, their beliefs and ideologies, their life and culture.  The Islamic Cultural Trails (ICT) will be the third in a series of research fora aimed at strengthening cultural ties in the Region through a walk into the shared past of our ancestors, empowering us to work together as the custodians of a shared heritage for the future.  This will be an opportunity for the SAARC Member States to revive a dialogue addressing the issues of conserving and preserving the Cultural Trails on one hand and how we can utilize this space to understand of our past, to enhance our present and to be economically sustainable through tourism in the future.

OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH SEMINAR

  • To create a platform for research initiatives for Islamic Cultural Trails in South Asia for academics, researchers and scholars.
  • To promote South Asian Culture through research and other activities.
  • To contribute towards the preservation, conservation and protection of South Asia’s Cultural Heritage through the dissemination of research.
  • To identify intangible heritage associated with Islamic Cultural Trails and to preserve it for posterity.
  • To disseminate research on Cultural Trails to promote collaborative activities within the region and actively promote cooperation between line ministries in the region.

RESEARCH SEMINAR INFORMATION

Themes for the Research Seminar
The following themes have been identified for the Research Seminar.  However, papers based on different themes will be accepted depending on their content and relevance to the Islamic Cultural Trails.

  1. Islamic Cultural Trails – (Refer to Annexure 1 for Details).
  2. Identification of New Sites and Locations along the Islamic Cultural Trails.
  3. Comparative Studies of Islamic sites (monuments, mosques, minarets, tombs, etc.,) in the Region.
  4. Comparative Research and interpretation of Landscape values of Islamic gardens.
  5. Travels of Islamic Pilgrims.
  6. Cultural Symbolism of Islam.
  7. Art and Architecture of ICT.
  8. Archaeology of ICT.
  9. Intangible Heritage of ICT (Music, dance, folk art, folk stories, traditional healing, handicrafts, etc.).
  10. Trade and Commerce of ICT.
  11. Manuscripts, texts and inscriptions, languages and scripts of Islam.
  12. Technology of ICT (Irrigation, engineering, agriculture, etc.)
  13. Cultural Diffusion of Islam.
  14. Heritage Management of ICT sites.
  15. Tourism promotion of ICT.

Dates and Venues
To be notified after confirmation from the Host Member State.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS FOR THE RESEARCH SEMINAR

The Nominees for the Research Seminar may be selected from amongst diverse disciplines among Academics and Policy Makers.  Priority should be given to mid to senior level professionals involved in heritage management, policy makers and persons associated with the Heritage Sites in the Region.

Academics and Scholars should include but not limited to:

  • Archaeologists,
  • Art Historians,
  • Conservators,
  • Curators,
  • Museologists,
  • Anthropologists,
  • Sociologists,
  • Heritage Site Managers,
  • Persons working with national and local authorities with experience in the fields of Conservation, Preservation,
  • Tangible and Intangible Heritage Experts,
  • Ancient Trade and Technology Experts and
  • Managers, planners and staff of heritage sites.

Policy Makers should include Professionals but not limited to:

  • Ministries of Culture (Culture & Information, Cultural Affairs, etc.)
  • Ministries of Education (Education, Higher Education, etc.)
  • Ministries of Tourism (Tourism, Art and Culture, etc.)
  • Departments of Culture.
  • Departments of Archaeology, Archaeological Surveys, etc.
  • Departments of Museums.
  • Any other relevant Ministries, Departments, Organizations and Institutions.

DETAILS FOR PARTICIPATION AT THE RESEARCH SEMINAR

Officially Nominated Paper Presenters from the Member States
The SAARC Cultural Centre invites all Member States to send a maximum of Five Official Nominations from experts and academics of their country.  The SCC hopes that at least one nominee would be from the Department of Archaeology of the Member State.

  • The SAARC Cultural Centre would provide the local hospitality (Hotel accommodations on full board basis) and the local transport to all Official Nominees of the SAARC Member States.
  • The Airfare of the Official Nominees of the SAARC Member States is to be borne by the respective Member State.
  • The Host Country can nominate a maximum of 15 Official Nominees.  All Official Nominees of the Host Member State will be invited to participate in the Cultural Tour and provided with the Seminar kit.  Official Nominees from the Host Country will be provided with accommodation if required depending on the availability of budget.
  • All Official Nominees must present a paper at the Seminar.

Other Paper Presenters

Category A – The SAARC Cultural Centre would also accept the participation of other Experts from the Member States (other than the Official Nominees of the respective SAARC Member States).

  • Applications should be sent through the respective Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Ministry of External Affairs to the SAARC Secretariat.
  • The selection of Other Participants (Category A) will be at the discretion of the SAARC Cultural Centre based on the availability of space and relevance of the abstract to the Seminar Themes.
  • Air Travel to be borne by the participant and SCC will provide accommodation, Seminar kit and the cultural tour.

Category B – Paper Presenters from the Host Country (Afghanistan) where the Seminar is held can participate.  (It is anticipated that Researchers, academics, etc., from the host city will present papers at the Seminar.)

  • Other Paper Presenters (Category B) from the Host country (Afghanistan) will not be provided with travel and accommodation.
  • Other Paper Presenters (Category B) will be provided with the Seminar Kit and meals during the seminar.

Other Information

  • Registration Forms of all participants (Official Nominees, Other Participants Category A and B) must be received through the respective Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Ministry of External Affairs of the Member State to the SAARC Secretariat.
  • The Language of the Seminar is English.  All abstracts and presentations must be in English.
  • The SAARC Cultural Centre reserves the right to select the Other Participants (in Category A and B) for the Seminar.
  • The Seminar facilities (delegate kit, tea, working lunch) as well as invitations to special events and the field trip would be extended to all paper presenters.

Nomination Process
The Official Nominees will be selected by each Member State comprising of leading academics, archaeologists and other experts from the Member State.  Official Nominations should be submitted to the SAARC Secretariat, with the Registration Form (Annexure 2) and the Format for the Submission of Country Papers / Abstracts (Annexure 3) attached (or downloaded from the SCC website) and the details requested below.

All Other Participants (Category A) from each Member State should forward their information (including the Annexure 2 & Annexure 3) through the respective Foreign Ministries to the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu.  An advance copy can be emailed to scc@saarcculture.org or dd-research@saarcculture.org.

The last date for sending the Official Nominations / Other Participants is 30th May 2019.

All Participants should include:

  1. Full Name and Affiliation of the Person and other details requested in the Registration Form attached herewith.  (Registration Form – Annexure 2)
  2. Detailed CV of the participant.
  3. Scanned copy of Passport / Scanned copy of National Identification from the Paper Presenters of the Host Member State of Afghanistan.
  4. An Abstract (300 words) of the proposed paper.  The Abstract should be submitted in the Submission Form attached herewith.  (Format for the Submission of Abstracts – Annexure 3)
  5. The participants are requested to submit their full papers by 30th June 2019 and prepare a PowerPoint Presentation of 15 minutes maximum to be presented during the Research Seminar.

Format for Submission of Abstracts

The Format for the Submission Abstracts are attached as a separate document (Annexure 3).

Time Schedule for the Seminar Paper Submissions

Call for Papers     05th February 2019
Deadline for accepting Nominees & Participants     15th July 2019
Selection of Abstracts & informing participants   As soon as we receive the Abstracts through the Secretariat
Submission of full papers to be published before the seminar    30th July 2019

Seminar      28th to 29th August 2019
Cultural Tour    30th August 2019

SAARC Sculpture Symposium

“Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it” (Michelangelo)

BACKGROUND

Sculpture is an intricate branch of the visual arts and is a three – dimensional artform.  It is created in stone, metal, ceramics, woods, fibre and mixed media.  However, stone sculptures have survived the test of time along with metal and terracotta sculptures, which speak of history and of ancient cultures. With additive and subtractive processes as two basic techniques in sculpture, the South Asian art has reflected through the ages the cultural structure of beliefs, aesthetic preferences and social systems. The history of Asian art can be traced back to the ‘Indus Valley’ or ‘Harappan’ Civilization belonging to around 2300 B.C. in the present Pakistan. This ancient civilization on the banks of the river Indus has contributed to building cities which included making of roads, fire-burnt bricks, building public buildings, citadels and houses.  With expertise in pottery, terracotta figurines and jewellery making, the Indus Valley civilization has been the forerunner in contributing sculptures. The bronze image of the dancing girl of four inches in height exhibits a rare posture and movement with a prominent place in the history of sculpture, along with the bust from Mohenjo-Daro, the many terracotta toys, female figurines, torsos and pottery.

Proceeding through the artistic pages of history and the many contributions of the SAARC Member States to the development of the art of sculpture, the present symposium offers to open a dialogue between the sculptors and their art, creating a platform for interchanging of ideas, opinions and techniques. This symposium focuses on the creating of sculptures along with a workshop and discussion with experts in the field with interactive sessions.

Sculpture is one of the most enduring forms of fine art known to man and has played a major role in the evolution of cultures. The sculptors nominated from the SAARC Member States will work on sculptures based on the theme of ‘Sculpture Symposium – A Sojourn and Synergy’. Sculptures could be expressed as free-standing dimensional images, that give a 360-degree view to give a unique art experience, whilst high and low relief sculptural panels can add a narrative essence to the artistic expression. With the freedom to choose the medium of sculpture, the artists can find themselves involved in bringing to form sculptures based on the theme of ‘Synergy’, and altogether could add to the unity and sovereignty of oneness in diversity.

PROGRAMME

The SAARC Cultural Centre proposes for the SAARC Sculpture Symposium 2019 to be held for approximately four (4) days, in an accessible, vibrant and inspirational city in the host Member State of Pakistan.

  1. Working on site: The Artists will have an opportunity to work on site on the first and second day, and create one or two pieces of art (Sculptures) whilst focusing on the overall theme of ‘Synergy’.
  2. Interactive Workshop: Throughout the Sculpture Symposium, there will be an open forum for artists to interact with each other, observe and learn. It will also be an opportunity for tourists and the general public to talk to the Artists. On the third day of the Sculpture Symposium there will be an interactive workshop for the Sculptors to exchange ideas and further enhance the quality of work of Artists in the SAARC Region.
  3. A Piece of Artistic Unity: In addition, on the third day of the SAARC Sculpture Symposium, the Artists will be given time to work together on one joint piece of art, if possible with an equal contribution from each Member State. This will be a challenge for the Artists and will also encourage team work and leadership skills for the young sculptors of the Region. Adopting different forms, and working together with unifying and different shapes, sizes, combinations and creativity will be an unusual and unique experience and will be a highlight of the Sculpture Symposium. At the conclusion of the Programme, the final collaborative sculpture will have pride of place and be displayed in an appropriate manner at the SAARC Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka as a testament to the joint artistry of the Region.

PARTICIPANTS
All Member States are invited to nominate a maximum of four Artists. The Host Member State of Pakistan, is invited to nominate a maximum of ten Artists.

The Honoured Member States are respectfully requested to take into consideration the following guidelines when nominating Participants for this Programme:

  1. The nominated Artists to be prominent or upcoming Artists;
  2. With preferably a balance of gender amongst the nominated Artists, representing a combination of male and female Artists;
  3. The nominated Artists, if   possible, could represent diverse areas of the art of sculpture.

NOMINATION PROCEDURE

  1. The names of the nominated Artists, together with the relevant biographical information and contact details, must be sent to the SAARC Cultural Centre, through the relevant line Ministry concerned and the Foreign/External Affairs Ministries of the Member States, via the SAARC Secretariat, to reach the SAARC Cultural Centre.
  2. In addition, all Member States are kindly requested to forward the following biographical information of each nominated Artist, directly to the SAARC Cultural Centre.
    • Experience in the field of sculpture;
    • High resolution (minimum 300dpi) photograph of the Artist;
    • 3-5 high resolution (minimum 300 dpi) images of works produced by them;
    • Contact details of the Artist.

This information will be included in the official brochure, prepared for the Programme. Please forward this information to:
The Programme Assistant,
SAARC Cultural Centre, No. 224, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07,
Sri Lanka.

LOGISTICAL SUPPORT

  1. As per SAARC practice, all airfare of the nominated Artists should be borne by the nominating Member State;
  2. All local hospitality including accommodation, meals and local transfers, will be provided by the SAARC Cultural Centre, for the officially nominated participants from the honoured Member States, for the official duration of the Programme;
  3. General materials, such as clay, plaster, wood, stone, fibre or mixed media will be provided by the SAARC Cultural Centre. However, the nominated Artists are encouraged to bring any relevant specific tools and specialist materials that they may require for use during the course of the SAARC Sculpture Symposium 2019.

VENUE OF THE PROGRAMME
The SAARC Sculpture Symposium 2019 will take place at a suitable location, as recommended by the Host Member State.

DATES FOR THE SAARC SCULPTURE SYMPOSIUM 2019
25th – 30th of November 2019

Courtesy call on Afghan Embassy Colombo

Director of the SAARC Cultural Centre, Renuka Ekanayake called on HE the Ambassador of Afghanistan M. Asharf Haidari on 27.11.2018. Director explained the Vission, Mission and Objectives of the SAARC Cultural Centre and they discussed the collaborative initiatives between two countries.

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The Tenth Governing Board Meeting of the SAARC Cultural Centre

The SAARC Cultural Centre hosted the Tenth Meeting of its Governing Board from 30th to 31st October 2018 at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, Sri Lanka. The meeting was convened under the Chairmanship of Ms. Anoja Guruge (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of Sri Lanka). Other distinguished members who represented the SAARC Member States at the Governing Board Meeting were: Mr. Mohammad Shafiq Ahmadzai (Executive Secretary to the Minister of Information and Culture, Government of Afghanistan), Mr. Abdul Mannan Illias (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Government of Bangladesh), Mrs. Rajashree Behera (Director, Indian Cultural Centre, High Commission of India for Sri Lanka), Ms. Dhana Kumari Joshi (Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Nepal in Sri Lanka), Mr. Intisar Ahmad Sulehry (Press Attaché, Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka).

Ms. Thiloma Abayajeewa (Acting Deputy Director, South Asia and SAARC Division), and Ms. Nuwandi Jayasuriya (Assistant Director) represented the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka. Ms. Varuni Muthukumarana (Director, Education, Security and Culture) represented the SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu and Mrs. D.K.R. Ekanayake, Director of the SAARC Cultural Centre represented the Centre.

The Director, SAARC Cultural Centre presented to the Board the progress of the activities implemented in the year 2018 by the Centre and proposed programmes for 2019. Indicative Programmes of the Centre for 2019 include an array of events ranging from research programmes to cultural festivals and the Centre will continue to work towards Development of Archaeology, Architecture, Promotion of Visual and Performing and Cultural Festivals in the Region.

After reviewing the progress of Centre’s work, the Governing Board unanimously approved the Programmes for 2019. The Board also congratulated the Centre for its achievements and its committed contribution towards safeguarding and promoting diverse aspects of South Asian Culture.

 

The Research Seminar on “Hindu Cultural Trails: Celebration of a Timeless Tradition – Gods and Goddesses, Pilgrims and Prayers, Temples and Texts” was successfully completed

 
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi, India
From 8th to 10th October 2018

The Research Seminar on “Hindu Cultural Trails: Celebration of a Timeless Tradition – Gods and Goddesses, Pilgrims and Prayers, Temples and Texts” was successfully completed in partnership with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in New Delhi from 8th to 10th October 2018, with the participation of academics and officials from the Member States.  Participation from the Member States are as follows:

  • Bangladesh    5 participants
  • Bhutan    1 participant
  • India    35 participants
  • Pakistan    2 participants
  • Sri Lanka    5 participants

Dr. Karan Singh, Member of the Upper House of the Indian Parliament, erudite scholar, writer and researcher was the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at the Inauguration.  Mr. Kinga Singye Second Secretary Royal Bhutanese Embassy in India, Ms. Fozia Manzoor Political Counsellor of the Pakistan High Commission in India and Her Excellency the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Mrs. Chitranganee Wagiswara, and represented the Member States at the Inauguration.

The Research Seminar commenced with a panel discussion on Hindu Cultural Trails with administrator and academics sharing their views on a common platform.  The panel discussion was chaired Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi.  The panelists were as follows:

  1. Dr. B.R. Mani (Director General, National Museum, India)
  2. Mr. Ashim Kumar Dey (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Bangladesh)
  3. Mr. Tassadaque Hussain (Deputy Director National Archives, India)
  4. Mr. R. Kargen (Assistant Director, Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs, Sri Lanka)
  5. Dr. Mueezuddin Hakal (Taxila Institute of Asian Civilization, Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan)
  6. Ms. Tshering Choki (Archivist, Department of Culture, Bhutan)
  7. Shri. Shrivatsa Goswami (Renowned Scholar and Head Priest of Radharamana Temple Vrindavan, India)

The Research Seminar had 10 sessions and 44 papers were discussed during these sessions which are as follows:
Session 1 A – Intangible Heritage and Pilgrimages
Chair – Mr. Ashim Kumar Dey (Bangladesh)

  1. Shakti pithas and Sacredscapes in South Asia: Faithscape, Spatiality and Pilgrimage Tourism – Rana P.B. Singh (India)
  2. Saivism in Koothu – A Traditional Community Theatre – S Chandrakumar (Sri Lanka)
  3. Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath: A Grand ceremony in India and the World – Chinmayee Satpathy (India)
  4. Pilgrimage Centre: The theatre of Intangible Heritage – Shrivatsa Goswami (India)

Session 1 B – Archaeology and Tourism
Chair – Prof. G.C. Tripathy (India)

  1. Pilgrimage: The visitation to Places where Heaven and Earth meet – D.P. Dubey (India)
  2. Durga Puja in Bangladesh: An Archaeological Analysis – Bijoy Krishna Banik (Bangladesh)
  3. Fresco Paintings at Katasraj Temple Complex – Kiran Shahid Siddiqui (Pakistan)
  4. Shaiva Mural Paintings of South India – A Study of Narration of Kiratarjuniya – Hathikote Anitha Chandrashekhar (India)

Session 2 A – Intangible Heritage
Chair Prof. Molly Kaushal (India)

  1. Hindu Cultural Trail focused through the Indian Village – Mohammad Hashim Qureshi (India)
  2. Hindu Cultural Trails in Bangladesh – Role of Government and Administration – Ashim Kumar Dey (Bangladesh)
  3. Shaivism as a symbol and Peace Co-existence – Umashankar Pachauri (India)
  4. Sacred Journeys and Cultural Heritage: Evaluating Prayaga and its Kumbh Mela – Ankur Goswami (India)
  5. Hindu Goddess Renuka – The legend with Relevence to Penance and Panch Maha – Bhoota Vaishnaavi Chavan (India)

Session 2 – Archaeology and Architecture
Chair Dr. D.P. Dubey (India)

  1. The Glory of Hindu Shahis as Represented by Kattha Temple in District Khoshab – Mueezuddin Hakal (Pakistan)
  2. Gods on Hindu Coins – Shirisha Kakarla (India)
  3. Sepulchral temples and Devaraja cult in South India and South East Asia – P. Venkatesan (India)
  4. Terracotta Folk Art and Traditional Knowledge System: An Anthropological Veenture into the Panchmura Village of Bankura District, West Bengal, India – Worrel Kumar Bain (India)

Session 3 A – Archaeology and Architecture
Chair – Dr. B.M Pandey (India)

  1. Art, Architecture and Archaeology of HCT in Bangladesh – Rabindra Gope (Bangladesh)
  2. The Forgotten Archaeological Remains at Mandar in Early medieval context: Its implications – Anil Kumar (India)
  3. Issues of Conservation in Majuli, Assam – Achal Pandya (India)
  4. Intangible Heritage of Cultural Routes of Jammu and Kashmir: Road towards Sustainable Development – Poonam Chaudhary (India)
  5. Ancient Temples in Telangana State – Deekonda Narsingh Rao (India)

Session 3 B – Pilgrimages
Chair – Mr. R. Kargen (Sri Lanka)

  1. Re-interpreting the Deeper Significance of Tirtha Yatra in Light of Some Basic ideas of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva, the Founder of Eka Sarana Nam Dharma in Assam – Archana Barua (India)
  2. Shiva Trail among the Himalayan Tribes – Molly Kaushal (India)
  3. Shaiva Trails: Timeless Tradition of Hindu Culture – Shanthi Swaroop Sinha (India)
  4. Study of Tirthas in Janasthaana with reference to Puranas – Chaitanya Jayant Gaidhani
  5. The Genesis of Shakti pitha and Hingula Shakti pitha of Baluchistan – N. D. Sharma

Session 4 A – Temples, Traditions and Pilgrimages
Chair – Dr. Archana Barua (India)

  1. Identification of Hindu Temples in Northern Province Kilinochchi District Sri Lanka – Vasana Premachandra, P.M. Renuka Priyadarshani & Kalpa Asanga (Sri Lanka)
  2. Reflection of Hindu Culture in Ajanta and its Preservation Through Digital Media – Prasad Pawar (India)
  3. Vaishnav Tirth: Sentimental Geography of Braj – Umesh Sharma (India)

Session 4 B – Geography, Governance, Education and Healing
Chair – Dr. Achal Pandya (India)

  1. Indic Pilgrimage Tradition and Sacred Geography – Arya P. Adityan (India)
  2. Sacred Geography of Kashmir – Advaitvadini Kaul (India)
  3. Relevance of Shanti Parva for the Present-day Polity and Governance in India – Bipin Kumar Thakur (India)
  4. Historizing the Eternal Healing System: Ayurveda, Myth and Reality – Saurav Kumar Rai (India)
  5. Role of School Education in Strengthening Cultural Ties Among SAARC Countries through the Hindu Cultural Trails: An Analytical Study of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Text Books – Sharad Kumar Pandey (India)

Session 5 A – Gods, Goddesses and Pilgrimages
Dr. Kiran Shahid Siddique (Pakistan)

  1. The Role of Hindu Cultural Trails to Reconstruct the Cultural heritage of Bangladesh – Hasibul Hasan Sumi (Bangladesh)
  2. Goddess Nanda Devi Pilgrimage and Rupkund Mystery – Manwendra Singh Bartwal (India)
  3. From Bleeding Goddess to Bleeding Hearts – Ananya Barua (India)

Session 5 B – Intangible Cultural Heritage & Tourism
Chair – Ms. Tshering Choki (Bhutan)

  1. Trends of Hindu Religious Pilgrimage between Sri Lanka and India – Rajaratnam Kargen (Sri Lanka)
  2. The Influence of Vaishnava Cult on Bharathiya Natya Shastra: A Special Reference to Yakshagana – Santhoshi Subrahmanya (India)
  3. Intangible Cultural Heritage of Assam – Sattriya: The Path Pristine – Sharodi Saikia (India)
  4. The Confluence of Vaishnava and Shakta Traditions in Mohiniyattam – Aiswaria Wariar (India)
  5. Sankirtana of Manipur: Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity – S. Shyamkishore Singh (India)

The papers discussed within these 10 sessions included new archaeological findings on Hindu Cultural Trails from the Member States, documentation of Hindu art and archaeology, Archaeology, Tangible Heritage, Intangible Heritage, Texts, Tourism, Heritage Management, etc.  A discussion was held during the Question and Answer sessions which followed the presentation.  These discussions enabled the participants to share their ideas and of course gain new knowledge about the work within the Region.  The Research Seminar was concluded on 9th October 2018 with the distribution of certificates of participation for the paper presenters and gifts of books and DVDs presented by the IGNCA.

On 10th October 2018, the participants joined a Cultural Tour to sacred area of Vrindavan near Mathura and visited Radhamadha Jaipur Temple and Govind Dev Temple.  Lunch was organised at the Jai Singh Ghera constructed by the founder of Jaipur Sawai Jay Singh in early 18th century.  The Research Seminar and Cultural Tour both brought together a camaraderie among all participants and established academic and social links among the participants.

 

Courtesy calls on SAARC High Commissions and Embassies in Sri Lanka

The objectives of the SAARC Cultural Center are to promote regional unity through cultural integration and contribute towards preservation, conservation and protection of South Asia’s cultural heritage within the framework of the SAARC Agenda for Culture. To work towards these objectives successfully Mrs. D.K.R. Ekanayake, Director, SAARC Cultural Centre, Sri Lanka, paid courtesy call upon the Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Counselors of the SAARC Member States in Sri Lanka. Together they discussed the forthcoming Governing Board meeting to be held in Sri Lanka on the 30th and 31st of October 2018 and the future action plans regarding the programmes. She further reiterated them to continue their active participation and support to build an intercultural dialogue and harmony through the programmes to be conducted by the SAARC Cultural Centre.

 

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Director SCC with Mr. Muhammad MunirGhiasy, Charge de Affairs
Embassy of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan		 Director SCC with The High Commissioner H.E. Riaz Hamidullah, The High Commission of Bangladesh Director SCC with Mohamed Ahamed Waheed, Counsellor, Embassy of Maldives and Ali Abdulla,Third Secretary, Embassy of Maldives Director SCC with H.E. Prof. Bishwambher Pyakuryal High Commissioner of Nepal in Sri Lanka, Embassy of Nepal Director SCC with H.E. Maj. Gen (Rtd.) Dr. Shahid Ahmed Hushmat, High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, The High Commission of Pakistan

SAARC Non-Violence Day Art Competition for School Children

SAARC Art Competition organised by the SAARC Cultural Centre would like to inspire the School children to promote the Concept of Non-Violence through their creativity.  The Centre intends to highlight the need to inspire peace, tolerance, non-discrimination, co-existence and respect for people.  Winners in each category will be awarded cash prizes and certificates and the Award Ceremony which will be held in conjunction with the SAARC Charter Day on 8th December 2018.

The Art Competition is open to school children in two age groups (Age as of 1st January 2018) using the following topics for their Artworks,

  1. Junior Category: 10 – 13 years: “The good man is the friend of all living things” – Mahatma Gandhi
  2. Senior Category:14 – 18 years : “What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of  what we are doing to ourselves and to one another” – Mahatma Gandhi

All paintings should be submitted in the following format
Size       : Standard A3
Medium: Water Colours, Crayons, Acrylic, Oil

All paintings should be accompanied with the following information:

  • Name in Full
  • Age and Date of Birth
  • Name of School
  • Paintings should be certified by the Principal, Art Teacher, or the Class Teacher. (The entry should be the original work of the school children and there should be no assistance rendered by anyone else)

Completed Paintings, with the above-mentioned information, must reach the SAARC Cultural Centre on or before the 1ST OF NOVEMBER 2018. Late entries and entries with incomplete information will not be accepted. The submitted work will remain the property of the SAARC Cultural Centre.

The winner in each category will be awarded a certificate and a cash prize as follows:
1st Prize      LKR. 25,000/=
2nd Prize     LKR. 20,000/=
3rd Prize      LKR. 15,000/=
The School that sends in the highest number of entries will receive a Certificate of Recognition. The Award Ceremony will be held on SAARC Charter Day, the 8th of December 2018. Details of the ceremony will be informed in due course and will be available via www.saarcculture.org

Entries must be sent (By Registered Post or Delivered by Hand) to:
The Documentation Officer / Programme Assistant,
The SAARC Cultural Centre, No. 224, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7.

For further clarification please contact 0771053008 / 0723915808 / 0112584451
We look forward to receiving completed and certified entries for this unique children’s art competition.

Staff Profiles

Under Construction

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SAARC Cultural Capital

The city of Thimphu in the SAARC Member State of Bhutan was decalred the SAARC Cultural Capital for the year 2018, at an auspicious and traditional opening ceremony on the 31st of May 2018. The Exhibition of Handicrafts was also declared open following the official ceremony.

The Chief Guest  for the event was the  honorable chairperson of the National Council of Bhutan, Tashi Dorji.  H.E. the Secretary General of SAARC graced the occasion and addressed the gathering. The Director of the SAARC Cultural Centre, the Director General of the Ministry of Cultural and Home Affairs, Directors from the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu, distinguished delegates from ministries of the SAARC Member States, staff from the SAARC Cultural Centre and the participants from the Member States for the Handicraft Exhibition were in attendance.

It was a marvellous celebration and display of culture in Bhutan and was a most successful and creative opening ceremony, including a SAARC parade of participants from the SAARC Member States and the performance of the especially composed SAARC theme song.

The programme will conclude on the 1st of June 2018.