Lucknow's Composite Culture Must Be Preserved Through Collective Efforts, Say Speakers
In a significant seminar titled 'Lucknow's Proprietary - Who Owns Our City', held at Colvin Taluqdars College on Sunday, speakers emphasized that the city's rich composite culture, shaped by various religious communities, regional influences, and foreign elements, must be preserved through collective efforts by all residents. The event, organized by Aadab Arz Lucknow, focused on Lucknow's shared heritage, civic responsibility, and the urgent need to protect its traditions amid rapid urban expansion.
Panel Discussion Highlights Shared Heritage
The session was moderated by Kanak Rekha Chauhan and featured a distinguished panel including college principal Sachchidanand Singh, retired Isabella Thoburn College professor Ruth Chakravarty, and cultural commentator Hafeez Kidwai. Speakers highlighted that Lucknow's identity has evolved over centuries through continuous cultural interaction, which is vividly reflected in its language, cuisine, built heritage, and social conduct, often described as the renowned 'Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb'.
Sachchidanand Singh stated, "Lucknow is not just a geographical entity; it's a living culture defined by its unique language, refined manners, and deep-rooted traditions of mutual respect. This cultural fabric is what makes the city truly special and must be safeguarded."
Hafeez Kidwai added, "Lucknow holds a precious legacy of etiquette and social grace that should be consciously passed on to future generations. This transmission of values will help keep the city's distinctive social character intact and resilient against modern challenges."
Shared Responsibility for Cultural Preservation
Professor Ruth Chakravarty emphasized the collective nature of this duty, saying, "The responsibility of preserving Lucknow's Tehzeeb is not limited to any one section or community. It is a shared duty of all residents, regardless of background, to actively participate in maintaining and promoting our cultural heritage."
Organizer Sheikh Tariq explained that the program aimed to promote civic awareness and engagement. "Such discussions encourage people to think critically about their role in protecting the cultural character of the city. By fostering dialogue, we hope to inspire actionable steps toward heritage conservation," he said.
Interactive Engagement and Community Participation
The event attracted participation from residents across diverse professional backgrounds, including educationists, social workers, and cultural enthusiasts. An interactive session allowed participants to share their views on heritage conservation and civic engagement, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.
Key points from the discussion included:
- The importance of integrating cultural education into community initiatives.
- Strategies for balancing urban development with heritage preservation.
- Ways to involve younger generations in sustaining Lucknow's traditions.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Sheikh Tariq, reinforcing the message of unity and shared responsibility in safeguarding Lucknow's cultural legacy for future generations.
