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Over 200 representatives of pre-Christianity ancient cultures like Maya, Inca, Maori, Druid etc from 40 different countries will participate in a unique international conference at the newly-launched Rambhau Mhalgi Prabhodhini complex at Uttan, Bhayander from February4-9, 2003.
Organised by the World Council of Elders of Ancient Traditions and Cultures, the conference will bring together prominent representatives and experts engaged in preservation of these cultures.
Over 148 papers will be presented during the conference along with a poster exhibition, cultural programmes and symposiums.
The participants will also perform some distinct rituals and religious ceremonies like the water libation ceremony of African tribes during the six-day meet.
“The conference will explore and discuss the commonalties among ancient traditions and the challenges they face in an increasingly globalised world. We will adopt a Mumbai manifesto at the end of the conference,” said Dr Yashwant Pathak, co-ordinator of Nagpur-based International Centre for Cultural Studies.
'Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat will visit the conference venue to interact with the participants, while Union Human Resources Development Minister Dr Murli Manohar Joshi will deliver the valedictory address to conclude the conference.
Among those expected to participate include Native Americans Roberto Borrerro and Helen Hagan, Amazigh representatives Mohammed Awarik and Hassan Quazzate from Morocco, Pedro Oriego representing Pagans from Spain, Maori representative Tewai Hohaya from New Zealand, Jonas Trinkunas of Lithuania, and Mother Taylor of Yeruba community from Nigeria.
“Many of these ancient cultures
face extinction and are struggling to survive. They need self-respect.
This conference aims at being Sanskriti Sangam, a convergence of cultures,”
said Vinay Sahastrabuddhe, director general of Rambhau Mhalgi Prabhodhini,
which is one of the co-organisers of the conference along with ICCR and
Vishwa Adhyayan Kendra.
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