The Union culture ministry has roped in school students in a campaign against the defacement of monuments by administering to them a pledge to guard against vandalising of the country’s rich and ancient heritage.
“A symbolic beginning is being made this year itself with schoolchildren of Delhi taking the oath at the Red Fort on November 19,” a culture ministry release on Sunday said.
While November 19 is the birth anniversary of former prime minister Indira Gandhi, World Heritage Week is celebrated between November 19-25 every year to create awareness about the rich cultural heritage of the country among the general public, students and children.
The pledge the schoolchildren will take reads: “I will not scribble on, deface or encroach upon any monument; I will respect all monuments, which are a part of my country’s heritage; I will render all possible help to conserve and preserve our heritage.”
According to the new plan approved by Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni, schools will be requested to administer the oath to their students. “If possible, it should be administered that the oath is taken in the school premises and at least one visit of students to a monument during the World Heritage Week is organised,” the release said.
Superintending archaeologists of all Archaeological Survey of India circles would be instructed to render help to schools in arranging the oath taking and visits of students to monuments.
{{/usCountry}}Superintending archaeologists of all Archaeological Survey of India circles would be instructed to render help to schools in arranging the oath taking and visits of students to monuments.
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