ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Sunday called upon the youth to preserve indigenous knowledge, traditional ecological wisdom and the region’s rich cultural heritage while actively contributing to the vision of a developed India.
The Governor was addressing a three-day National Seminar on ‘From Tradition to Transformation: Integrating Bharatiya Itihas and Bharatiya Jnana Parampara in Modern Governance’ and Aitijya Anweshan 5128 at Guwahati. The seminar, which began on July 17, was organised by Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Samiti, Assam, and Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana, New Delhi.
Describing Bharat’s civilisational journey as one guided by knowledge, innovation, ethical leadership and social harmony, Parnaik said the country has continuously evolved while remaining rooted in its timeless values.
“From the ancient centres of learning at Takshashila and Nalanda to today’s institutions of research and innovation, India has consistently evolved while remaining rooted in its timeless values,” he said.
Welcoming the seminar’s theme, the Governor said it reflected India’s model of progress by drawing strength from its rich civilisational heritage. He added that the country’s journey from tradition to transformation symbolises resilience, renewal and continuous progress.
Calling upon the younger generation to carry forward the legacy of knowledge and values inherited from previous generations, he said every positive contribution by the youth would help realise the vision of a strong, self-reliant, prosperous and compassionate Viksit Bharat.
Highlighting the relevance of the seminar, Parnaik said it offered an opportunity to reconnect with the enduring wisdom of great thinkers and nation-builders, including Veda Vyasa, Valmiki, Chanakya, Aryabhata, Sushruta, Patanjali, Ashoka, Adi Shankaracharya, Guru Nanak Dev, Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr B.R. Ambedkar, whose contributions continue to inspire governance, science, healthcare, spirituality and nation-building.
The Governor said the vision of Viksit Bharat must combine technological advancement and economic growth with values such as integrity, duty, sustainability and social responsibility, stressing that true progress lies in the well-being and empowerment of every citizen.
Urging young people to become active partners in nation-building, he said flagship initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India, Skill India, Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and the National Education Policy have created unprecedented opportunities for the youth to innovate and contribute to national development.
Addressing the youth of the North East, Parnaik said the region, as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy, offers immense opportunities to strengthen economic, cultural and strategic ties with neighbouring countries. He encouraged them to promote border area development, national security awareness, renewable energy, green technologies and digital entrepreneurship while preserving the region’s indigenous knowledge systems and cultural heritage.
Among others who addressed the seminar were Assam Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Tribal Faith and Culture Biswajit Daimary, Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana National President Prof Ishwar Sharan Vishwakarma, North Eastern Hill University Vice-Chancellor Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla, North Lakhimpur University Vice-Chancellor Dr Mukul Chandra Bora, Cotton University Vice-Chancellor Dr Ramesh Chandra Deka, Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana National Organising Secretary Dr Balmukund Pandey, and Convener of Aitijya Anweshan 5128. Convener of the National Seminar and Head of the History Department at Cotton University Dr Akunthita Barthakur presented the seminar report.
