Prof Manoj Dhar, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu termed today’s talk on  “Roots and antiquity of Indian civilization” by Prof Makkhan Lal,, Founder Director, Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management as scientific in nature and duly  backed by empirical data. It is this resilience and quest for knowledge and deeper understanding of roots which made today’s lecture more relevant and fruitful. Prof Dhar further said that from today’s 8th benchmark series organised by HRDC JU, there are many takeaways and while leaving it has certainly made a mark on everyone’s mind.  Moreover, it  gives me immense pleasure that the purpose behind starting a benchmark series lecture gets achieved when at the end of the every benchmark series lecture, the members of civil society, faculty members, the students, scholars raise volley of questions, thereby making a statement that these lecture are certainly raising awareness  & quest for knowledge.

Earlier, Prof Makkhan Lal in his address expressed satisfaction that the seminar hall is filled with female scholars thereby conveying a point that it has been women folk who have always taken the responsibility to carry forward the culture and heritage from millennia. Prof Lal also eloquently explained the resemblance of  Kailash mountain with that of shiva linga and Sanctum and has given rise to various interpretations, without realizing the scientific truths discovered by the ancient Hindu sages. Prof Makkhan Lal also talked in detail about figurines denominating the various cultural/ritual aspects related to Indus Valley civilization.He also cited Harappans whose cultural traits we seem to have inherited. Prof R. K Ganjoo, Registrar, University of Jammu introduced the keynote speaker to the audience.  Prof Rahul Gupta, Director, HRDC,JU also spoke on the occasion. Sh Ranjit Kalra, teaching faculty, HRDC,JU accorded formal welcome address.

Among others Prof Naresh Padha, Coordinator, RUSA 2.0, Prof Jigar Mohd, Prof Sham Narayan , Prof Suman Jamwal, Prof Parkash Anathal, faculty members, scholars. Students were also present on the occasion.