Modernity needs to accompanied by knowledge, says Akbar (NT)

Published on: October 21, 2013 - 00:31 Story Summary: Use of modern attire or English language in day-to-day life is not modernity, and the root of modernity has always been knowledge, the noted journalist, writer and thinker M J Akbar has said. PANAJI: Use of modern attire or English language in day-to-day life is not modernity, and the root of modernity has always been knowledge, the noted journalist, writer and thinker M J Akbar has said. “Modernity needs to be accompanied by knowledge, and overall development of knowledge leads to modernity in the real sense of the term,” he added. Delivering a lecture before eminent citizens at the Kala Academy, in commemoration of the centenary year of the Saraswati Mandir, the city-based premier library, Akbar said that India was once known as the center of knowledge and information, which attracted aggression by foreign rulers on this prosperous country. He also maintained that equality is important in a democratic set up. The Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar; North Goa MP Shripad Naik; chairman of Kala Academy Vishnu Wagh and the president of the Saraswati Mandir Centenary Celebration Committee Shrinivas Dempo were also present on the occasion. Speaking further, Akbar said that no country can move forward on the foundation of religion. “On the national level, we have already witnessed the results of seeking votes in the name of religion,” he stated, observing that the government, which cannot protect the interests of its citizens is no government. He also pointed out that Muslims feel much secure in India than in Pakistan. The Chief Minister felicitated a number of people, who had contributed for the library, on this occasion by presenting them with shawl, shriphal and a statue of Saraswati. They included 100-year old member of the library Dinanath Bhandari, Baba Hiru Naik and Ramdas Lawande among others. The Chief Minister, in his speech, stressed on the importance of inculcating reading habits in children. “Reading habit is a tool that leads us to modernity,” he noted. Madhav Dhond welcomed the gathering while Sandeep Naik proposed the vote of thanks. http://www.navhindtimes.in/goa-news/modernity-needs-accompanied-knowledge-says-akbar