Chandigarh, October 24: Haryana Development and Panchayats Minister Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said that the historic land of Rakhigarhi represents India’s ancient civilisation, knowledge, skills and rich cultural heritage. The archaeological remains discovered here provide insights into human life and an advanced urban system dating back thousands of years. Preserving this heritage and bringing its historical significance to national and international attention is the collective responsibility of all, he said.
Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar was addressing an international conference organised as part of the International Rakhigarhi Festival at Rakhigarhi village in the Hansi district on Saturday.
Welcoming historians, archaeologists, academicians, administrative officers and other dignitaries from across the country, as well as those participating from abroad through video conferencing, he said such events provide experts with an opportunity to share their research and experiences. This helps promote a broader understanding of Rakhigarhi’s historical significance and spread awareness about its heritage.
Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar further said that Haryana’s identity is rooted not only in agriculture, sports and the contribution of its soldiers to the service of the nation, but also in its rich folk culture and historical heritage. The state’s ragini traditions, folk songs, traditional cuisine and rural lifestyle reflect its distinctive cultural identity. Rakhigarhi is an important part of this heritage, and continuous efforts should be made to establish its recognition at the national and international levels.
He urged young people to remain connected to their cultural roots while advancing in modern education, science, technology and innovation. He said students should visit historical sites such as Rakhigarhi so that they can better understand the history they study in books through archaeological evidence.
At the international conference, CM’s OSD Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Chairman of the Haryana Traders Welfare Board Sh. Rajesh Thakral, Chairman of the Haryana Warehousing Corporation Sh. Ramkishan, archaeologist Dr. Kuldeep Agnihotri and several other scholars shared their views and highlighted the significance of Rakhigarhi.
Earlier, Development and Panchayats Minister Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar visited the exhibition stalls set up by various departments and industries.
Assembly Deputy Speaker Sh. Krishan Lal Middha Also Visits the Festival
Haryana Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Sh. Krishan Lal Middha also attended the International Rakhigarhi Festival. During his visit, he explored an exhibition featuring ancient artefacts of the Harappan civilisation recovered during excavations at Rakhigarhi. He also visited stalls set up by various departments, self-help groups and entrepreneurs to learn about the products and activities on display.
Interacting with stall operators, he said the attractive exhibition of indigenous products at the festival was playing an important role in realising Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting the adoption of indigenous products. Such events provide a valuable platform for local artisans, entrepreneurs and self-help groups to promote and sell their products.
CM’s OSD Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti Also Shares His Views
OSD to Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, said the state government was working in a planned manner to establish Rakhigarhi on the global tourism map and develop it as a major centre for ancient civilisation and heritage tourism.
Rakhigarhi is an important archaeological site of the Harappan civilisation, and special attention is being given to its conservation, expansion of basic infrastructure and tourism development to enhance its historical and cultural recognition at the national and international levels.
He said the seven-day International Rakhigarhi Festival was being organised with the objective of bringing history, archaeology, art, culture and public participation together on a common platform.
Former Deccan University Vice-Chancellor Appreciates the Festival
Former Vice-Chancellor of Deccan University and renowned archaeologist Dr. Vasant Shinde appreciated the organisation of the International Rakhigarhi Festival while addressing a press conference at Rakhigarhi during the event.
He said the Saraswati-Sindhu civilisation was among the world’s oldest civilisations, with evidence suggesting that it dates back approximately 8,000 years. From the early development of urban life to social organisation and cultural traditions, this civilisation has made a significant contribution to human history.
He added that several aspects of the lifestyle and traditions of the people of the Harappan civilisation continue to be reflected in society even today.
