History and Heritage
India is a country that is justifiably proud of its illustrious past and the beauty gifted by mother nature . But this pride does not always translate into proper preservation.The Indian Heritage is not just about buildings. There's a lot of intangible heritage too that we are letting go in the name of modernisation. Our spoken word, our music, poetry are all vanishing rapidly.The oldest living civilisation, as regarded by many, the Indian traditions date back to 8000 B.C.India has a lot to offer to its visitor, from Punjab which makes a perfect tourist destination as the land of five rivers and due to its renowned cusine, culture and history. Assam is the homeland to exquisite flowers and rare wild animals. The state is bestowed with undulating plains and thick forests. The jeweled land of Manipur is impressively surrounded by hills. The timeless heritage, rich culture, desert safaris, sand dunes, lush forests and bountiful wildlife make Rajasthan the perfect destination. The awe striking grandeur of the land." Unless we take quick and decisive action, Indian heritage are at grave risk of being lost forever.
Thus, looking at both macro and micro perspective by preserving destinations on one hand and bringing about a sea change in the mindset and behavior of people, on the other. One of the basic concern should be that "What is the future of India's past". A heritage lost once is lost forever. In recent years monuments have been destroyed. Invaluable works of art and manuscripts are discarded without documentation and records. No one ever knows how many are lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair. Only one part of the handwritten Ramayana of Goswami Tulsidas is available while others are lost. At this rate our future generation may never be able to experience the richness and wonder of our heritage.
Thus, looking at both macro and micro perspective by preserving destinations on one hand and bringing about a sea change in the mindset and behavior of people, on the other. One of the basic concern should be that "What is the future of India's past". A heritage lost once is lost forever. In recent years monuments have been destroyed. Invaluable works of art and manuscripts are discarded without documentation and records. No one ever knows how many are lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair. Only one part of the handwritten Ramayana of Goswami Tulsidas is available while others are lost. At this rate our future generation may never be able to experience the richness and wonder of our heritage.
Hospitality
“Hospitality should have no other nature than love.” - Henrietta Mears Quotes
Homes from which guests go away without having been received even with an offering of a little water are like those holes in the field which are the homes of jackals.Respect has always been an integral part of the Indian soul. From time immemorial we have always respected - Our teachers, our elders, our parents and our guests.
The traditional rituals which date back 5,000 ago state the six formalities to be observed while receiving guests:
Homes from which guests go away without having been received even with an offering of a little water are like those holes in the field which are the homes of jackals.Respect has always been an integral part of the Indian soul. From time immemorial we have always respected - Our teachers, our elders, our parents and our guests.
The traditional rituals which date back 5,000 ago state the six formalities to be observed while receiving guests:
- Namastey - The oldest tradition to greet one-another by folding the hands because it is believed God lies in the heart of every individual and no one is above or beneath another individual.
- Dhoop or fragrance - While receiving guest we must see that rooms have pleasant fragrance, because this is the first thing that attract or distract your guest.
- Diya or lamp - In ancient times when there was no electricity a lamp was put between host and guest so that expression and body language remain clearly visible and there is no gap between host and guest.
- Naivaidya or eatables - Fruits and sweets made of milk are offered to guests.
- Akshat or rice - It is symbol of being undivided. A tilak made by paste of vermilion is put on foreheadand rice grains are placed on it. This is the highest form of welcome in Hindu families.
- Pushp means flower - Offering a flower has always remained a gesture of goodwill since dawn of civilisation. When the guest depart the flower is like sweet memories to him.
Integrity and Cleanliness
“There can be no friendship without confidence; and no confidence, without integrity"
While providing service to the foreign tourists, honesty and integrity should be maintained. The safety and security of the foreign tourists shall be ensured who visit India, so that they will cherish the memorable moments of their visit. Politeness, basic courtesies in interacting with the foreign tourists, their safety and security is just the first step towards our big goal. Only the term Atithi Devo Bhava is not suffice because atithi are coming to visit the country so first there should be cleanliness, maintenance of our monuments and change in the mindset of people then we can attract more tourists and the motto of 'Athithi Devo Bhava' can be fulfilled. So, next time thin twice before you scribble or etch your name on the walls of the monument. The reason: this act can cause irreparable damage not only to to the monument but to the cultural heritage of the country as well. Though mass awareness campaigns have brought down such incidents but to attain all these goals in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change you want to see in the world". The next time you see something dirty don't make a face and complain, "Why doesn't somebody clean it up?" Remember, even you are 'somebody'.
While providing service to the foreign tourists, honesty and integrity should be maintained. The safety and security of the foreign tourists shall be ensured who visit India, so that they will cherish the memorable moments of their visit. Politeness, basic courtesies in interacting with the foreign tourists, their safety and security is just the first step towards our big goal. Only the term Atithi Devo Bhava is not suffice because atithi are coming to visit the country so first there should be cleanliness, maintenance of our monuments and change in the mindset of people then we can attract more tourists and the motto of 'Athithi Devo Bhava' can be fulfilled. So, next time thin twice before you scribble or etch your name on the walls of the monument. The reason: this act can cause irreparable damage not only to to the monument but to the cultural heritage of the country as well. Though mass awareness campaigns have brought down such incidents but to attain all these goals in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change you want to see in the world". The next time you see something dirty don't make a face and complain, "Why doesn't somebody clean it up?" Remember, even you are 'somebody'.