)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today advised students to study history and heritage of the country as it would help the society in planning development strategy for 'present and futuristic needs'.
Addressing students from all over the country at Anveshan-2013 at FICCI Auditorium here, Omar said those unaware of their history, culture and progress of civilisation face unknown and uncalled for hurdles.
He said history makes us fully aware of the ability, performance and omissions of a civilisation, thus making us learn lessons and plan for the present and futuristic needs.
The chief minister also referred to the richness of Jammu and Kashmir's cultural ethos and heritage and said that the trait of living in amity and brotherhood and respecting one another's faith has made this place a miniature India.
Stressing on the importance of studying diversity of religions across the country, Omar asked students to observe and study the monuments, places of worship of different faiths and historic buildings minutely.
'This would help you to know what India is all about and why it is so great a country,' he added.
Omar said unless young generation is well-versed with their culture, heritage, history and ethos, they would not be able to discover the greatness and richness of their own land.
Describing India as a young country with old land, Omar asked students to learn about country's history, people and civilisation and said,'you are never too old to learn.'
The conference was organised by ITIHAAS to make students aware of the cultural diversity and rich heritage of India and link them with it in a comprehensive and meaningful manner.
'India is abode of great religions and all these have impacted the pluralistic heritage of this country,' he said.
Omar said that co-existence of mosques, temples, dargahs, caves and other places of worship make India rich in its culture and heritage.
