Advisor Sharma underscores the need for teaching local cultural history in curriculum

Srinagar: Advisor to Lt Governor, KK Sharma, Saturday underlined the need of teaching the importance of local cultural heritage and legacy in the curriculum being taught to the students.
Advisor was interacting with officers during his tour of the ancient Buddhist site at Harwan here Saturday. He was accompanied by officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), tourism and other departments.
The site dating back to the times of Kushan ruler Kanishka in around 4th century AD was the seat of discussion leading to formation of Mahayana sect of Buddhism in the Indian Sub continent and also various other Buddhist treatises. The site is being maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Advisor, while highlighting the importance of teaching local history and its importance, said it acts as an important referral source for making the young minds aware about the glorious traditions and the cultural landmarks which existed in the Indian sub-continent. It also infuses a sense of belonging and pride in one’s glorious past.
He asked the officers of the tourism department to come up with a comprehensive project for developing the site as one of the major pilgrimage tourist spots in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India to attract tourists from other countries as well. He said it is a rich repository of history and can provide the researchers with an important referral point while carrying out their research works.
Advisor was told that this site and another one at Ambaran Jammu is also associated with the holy relic of the tooth of Buddha, which is now with the National museum. He said the possibility of getting back the same would be explored so that it is showcased at Jammu or Srinagar museum.
Advisor also asked the officers for carrying out requisite repair and renovation of the road leading to the site besides erecting sign boards highlighting the historical importance of the different individual sites, developing the compound in consultation with the floriculture department.