02-21-2004, 01:01 AM
UN boost for ancient Indian chants
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->The vast body of Sanskrit poetry, philosophy and rituals which make up the Vedas is seen by India's religious majority as the ultimate source of knowledge.
Now the United Nations cultural organisation, Unesco, has formally recognised it as part of the world's heritage of oral history.
It says Vedic chanting is an intangible heritage of humanity.
Recognition by Unesco is expected to give a boost to the dwindling number of Vedic centres around India.
Scholars say the Vedic tradition dates back to almost 10,000 years BC, but most historians say 4,000 BC is more realistic.
The Unesco grant is a big boost for this ancient tradition, and it is hoped that more people will now be able to take it up.
It's hoped that more young people can learn about the Vedic tradition
Sudha Gopalakrishnan, from the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, wrote the proposal for Unesco.
"With the help of this recognition people will be more encouraged to take up this profession," she says.
"The proposal consists of a two-year action plan - schools will be opened throughout the country which will concentrate on Vedic chanting and the students will be encouraged to take it up."<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->The vast body of Sanskrit poetry, philosophy and rituals which make up the Vedas is seen by India's religious majority as the ultimate source of knowledge.
Now the United Nations cultural organisation, Unesco, has formally recognised it as part of the world's heritage of oral history.
It says Vedic chanting is an intangible heritage of humanity.
Recognition by Unesco is expected to give a boost to the dwindling number of Vedic centres around India.
Scholars say the Vedic tradition dates back to almost 10,000 years BC, but most historians say 4,000 BC is more realistic.
The Unesco grant is a big boost for this ancient tradition, and it is hoped that more people will now be able to take it up.
It's hoped that more young people can learn about the Vedic tradition
Sudha Gopalakrishnan, from the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, wrote the proposal for Unesco.
"With the help of this recognition people will be more encouraged to take up this profession," she says.
"The proposal consists of a two-year action plan - schools will be opened throughout the country which will concentrate on Vedic chanting and the students will be encouraged to take it up."<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->