Centre to organise cultural harmony conclaves

The government will organise cultural harmony conclaves to showcase the country's rich culture and arts, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said today and also pitched for ensuring cultural harmony, which he said, protects people from religious narrow-mindedness.
"The ministry has decided to organise 'Sankritik Sauhard Samagam' (cultural harmony conclave) across the country which will showcase our culture and arts to the people," a statement quoted Naqvi as saying at a cultural event 'Shunyata', organised by India Harmony Foundation here.
These conclaves will be organised at Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Kolkata, Bengaluru and at other places from next year.
Naqvi termed cultural harmony as the "password" of country's social harmony.

"Social harmony cannot be ensured without cultural harmony," he said.
He said India has several languages and its people follow different religious beliefs, lifestyle and food habits. Yet, the country remains united due to its cultural harmony.

"Cultural harmony not only saves us from religious narrow-mindedness and confrontation, but it also strengthens the fabric of social harmony," the Union Minister said.
Naqvi also called for making "honest efforts" to strengthen the "fabric of the nation's unity" and suggested that younger generation be made aware of India's rich cultural heritage.
Shunyata is a dance and music production by Padma Shri awardee Kathak guru Shovana Narayan and Grammy Award winning Buddhist Monks of Palpung Sherabling Monastic Seat, the statement said.