Curiosity to Learn is Our Greatest Heritage: Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi
New Delhi,.India’s social and family structure is deeply rooted. The whole world acknowledges this characteristic of ours and makes every possible effort to implement it in their societies. These were the words of Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, who spoke as the chief guest at the launch event of the renowned educationist Padma Shri Prof. Jagmohan Singh Rajput’s new book, *Bhartiya Virasat Aur Vaishvik Samasyaen – Vyagarta, Ugrata Aur Samagrata* (Indian Heritage and Global Issues – Urgency, Aggression, and Integrity) held at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (Three Murti Bhavan) in New Delhi.
Mr. Gadkari stated that people in developed countries are not only concerned about the collapse of marital and social systems but are also eager to follow Indian civilization and culture. He emphasized that the values imparted from childhood due to India’s history, culture, and heritage lead to a strong personality among youth, which binds them strongly to social ties. Our social system operates on the principle of idealism, which is our greatest strength. Indian family systems, educational systems, Ayurveda, Yoga, and music are recognized and respected worldwide. Mr. Gadkari highlighted that we can turn our problems into opportunities with our perspective. He also mentioned that a large amount of Delhi’s and nearby waste has been used in highway construction, reducing pollution and dirt in Delhi, although complete control over vehicular pollution remains challenging.
In his presidential speech, former Education Minister of India, Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, said that India has always been a proponent of dialogue and discussion, and solutions to problems are possible through cultural discourse. While thoroughly reviewing Prof. J.S. Rajput’s book, Dr. Joshi said that each word in the book’s title is significant and worth contemplating. He noted that the blind race toward modernity and materialistic culture has created several challenges for us all, which we must address in due time. He observed that Prof. Rajput’s knowledge and experience are evident in this book. Dr. Joshi expressed his wish for people to read the book and ponder the circumstances seriously. He stated that curiosity to know is our greatest heritage, and “sacrificial consumption” is the essence of Indian culture. Mahatma Gandhi and Deendayal Upadhyay also taught us the lesson of sacrifice and emphasized strengthening the social fabric. Dr. Joshi congratulated Manoj Sharma of Kitabghar Prakashan, the publisher of the book, and remarked that publishing such a book is a revered task that would bring them continuous merit.
The author of the book and renowned educationist, Prof. J.S. Rajput, said that the exploitation and overuse of nature continue, posing a challenge for all of us. He emphasized that without following the principle of “My welfare lies in the welfare of all,” the concept of peace and harmony is impossible.
Speaking at the event, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), mentioned that Prof. Rajput is a source of inspiration for all of us, and his experience continues to enrich the education sector. Prof. Kumar stressed the need for serious efforts to address global problems such as drinking water, air, and environmental issues. He also expressed his views on women’s issues.
Distinguished guest Nripendra Misra, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Prime Minister Museum and Library and a former bureaucrat, praised the contributions of Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi and Prof. J.S. Rajput in the field of education and suggested that everyone should benefit from their experiences.
Conducting the program, Prof. Sudhir Kumar Singh of Dyal Singh College said that India’s GDP was 24% in the year 1600 but has significantly decreased due to several reasons. However, with the rapid development of knowledge, science, technology, and infrastructure in India, the country is poised to top the ranks of developed countries by 2043.
Prof. P.N. Singh delivered the vote of thanks. Also present on the occasion were Prof. Sarla Rajput, former UGC Chairman Prof. D.P. Singh, Dr. Harish Routela, Prof. Ehsanul Haq, Prof. S.P. Singh, Prof. Chandramohan Negi, Arun Kumar Singh, Dr. Manish Karmawar, Dr. Rupesh Chauhan, Sirajuddin Qureshi of India Islamic Cultural Centre, K. Sareen, Dr. P.C. Rayulu, Dr. Alok Kumar Mishra, Prof. Reeta Sinha from IGNOU, Dr. M. Rahmatullah from IIMC, Rajeev Sharma and Manoj Sharma from Kitabghar Prakashan, among many other dignitaries from the academic world.
