Why IFIH ?
In recent years more and more people have become
alarmed at the increasing rootlessness and deculturization of most young
Indians. One reason for this is the Indian educational system, which has come
to exclude Indian culture in the name of “secularism” — a misconceived
secularism that imposes cultural nihilism and dry mechanical learning on
generations of students, instead of equipping them with deeper human values
that have stood the test of time and can help us work out our potential to the
fullest. As a result, an Indian child goes through her or his whole schooling
while remaining largely ignorant of the essential values of Indian culture.
Another reason is the increasing bias in the Indian media (especially the English-language, so-called “secular” press) against India’s heritage, which at best it regards as good for museums or to attract tourists. Thus many deeply cultured Indians, repositories of this heritage, have very little access to and influence on the general public opinion.
This unnatural situation gave rise to the idea
of a forum-cum-network for such eminent, respected Indians to come together and
act together, instead of being isolated voices or helplessly silent. Hopefully
their joined energies could act as a powerful catalyst for change in the
country. In union there is strength.
The idea is not one more association or society,
but a flexible, expanding loose structure centred around a strong core of
eminent academics, artists, scientists, journalists, writers, social workers,
environmentalists etc. It is open to all those who are genuinely concerned with
the state of things and eager to do something about it. And not only individuals
but also institutions and organizations working towards similar goals in any
field. The main focus will be on action more than discussion, and action
especially on the educational and cultural fronts.
To grow in strength, IFIH needs the active
support of all lovers of India’s cultural heritage, wherever they live. Any
person or institution supporting IFIH’s Charter is
welcome. Join it as a member, ask your friends to do so too, offer your
participation in IFIH’s programmes or your suggestions for new activities.