MINGORA: Culture and archaeology activists on Saturday called for better awareness among college and university students of the importance of Gandhara civilisation and ancient Uddiyana Kingdom and said there was a need to preserve Swat’s archaeological sites.

The call was given during a seminar held at Government Girls Post Graduate College, Saidu Sharif, to highlight the importance of rich cultural heritage of Uddiyana Kingdom, currently known as Swat valley.

Students and teachers attended the event in large numbers.

Highlighting the history and grandeur of Uddiyana Kingdom, a culture activist said it was a rich and flourishing state, which had seen different civilisations.

“It was the land of Dard, Hindus and Buddhists, while signs of the living of Persian, Greek and Turkish people can be seen here. The land is sacred for Buddhists, where Padmasambhava, known as the father of Tibetan Buddhism, was born,” he said.

Students and teachers of the college regretted their ignorance about their land’s rich cultural heritage.

They said they saw ancient structures here and there but didn’t know their historical importance.

“A nation without history is incomplete. Swat valley has a long and tremendous history. Today, we learnt that we should own cultural heritage of own land,” said Fatima Bibi, a student of BSc Part-II.

Gulalai, a student of BSc Part-II, said residents of Swat valley should be proud of their region’s grand history and heritage.

Some students showed concern about the misunderstood religious beliefs and propaganda spread by extremists in their society.

“Unfortunately, extremist thoughts have always used religion for own hidden purposes, which only led to the destruction. The same has happened to our archaeology and history. However, we, the new generation, value our history and heritage and will not wreck it,” said Aneeba Bibi, another college student.

Students also said the government should protect all archaeological sites in the region, whose elimination would be a great loss.

“It is pity that majority of archaeological sites are not protected and are vulnerable to plunder and illegal excavation. Many of these sites have been destroyed by common people, who don’t know their importance,” said Laila Gul, a graduation student.

Students and teachers suggested that there should be a uniform and compact programme to educate youths about their history and cultural heritage.

“Apart from regular awareness programme in educational syllabus, there should also be an official website to highlight the importance of archaeological sites of Swat and other parts of the province. Activities like seminars, exhibitions and workshop should be carried out on regular basis to raise awareness among people about them,” said Zahra Idrees, a college lecturer.

Teachers and students demanded that the government take effective measure for the protection of archaeological treasures in the area.

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2015

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