Saraswati River from Glaciers to Rann of Kutch
First Vishwa Saraswat Sammelan
Sammelan Overview
In December 1999 an unprecedented event took place in the beautiful coastal city of Mangalore - the first ever Vishwa Saraswat Sammelan '99, which brought together for the first time Saraswats of all backgrounds... and on a scale never witnessed before. The event highlighted to the world, the distinct Saraswat identity - something as of yet unknown to many. According to the Puranas, the Saraswats derive their lineage from their founding father, the great sage Saraswat Muni who lived on the banks of the lost river Saraswati in North India six thousand years ago.
Tragically, the disappearance of the life giving river Circa 1000 BC subsequently led to a series of mass migration which has scattered the Saraswat population over the years - giving rise to various smaller denominations such as the Gauda Saraswats, the Chitrapur Saraswats, The Rajapur Saraswats, Kutchi Saraswats and so on. Similarly the origins of some ethnic groups such as the Kashmiri Saraswats and certain communities of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab can also be traced to the Saraswat entity.
Inheritors of ancient Vedic practices, the Saraswat have for centuries persistently preserved their traditions; facilitated largely by the community temples and maths which have proved to be the medium for social interaction. However the ravages of time have slowly eroded their common cultural identity which is so precious to their preservation. Vishwa Saraswat Sammelan '99 which took place from 16th to 19th December 1999 at Mangala Stadium Grounds in Mangalore was conceived to address this need for a cultural integration of Saraswat identity.
Objectives of Sammelan
To bring together for the first time, Saraswats of all denominations spread the world over for inter blend, better understanding and mutual appreciation.
To identify the areas of unity and diversity among the various Saraswat denominations and to devise a strategy for their unified development, taking into considerations these factors.
To facilitate the preservation and propagation of the Saraswat way of life with reference to cultural indicators such as language, customs and traditions, arts and craft.
To focus attention on the religious, cultural, social, economic and other issues that affect and concern the lives of Saraswats in particular.
To encourage a sense of pride and prestige among the Saraswat population through greater self awareness and knowledge of their rich cultural heritage.
Sammelan Program
The Convention featured:-
CONFERENCES where between 9.00 AM and 5.00 PM everyday papers were presented, lectures delivered, discussions held and resolutions debated over by eminent scholars and renowned experts on a wide variety of topics and issues concerning Saraswats.
SARASWAT DARSHAN an exhibition of uniqueness and rich variety of the Saraswat culture in terms of literature, costumes, cuisine, architecture, instruments, artifacts, rare objects and exhibits, Hall of Fame etc.
CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS, where every evening after 6.00 PM the world was offered a glimpse of the fascinating variety of Saraswat arts ranging from folk arts to theater to music to cultural programmes of every kind.
MAAN SAMMAN, where individuals and institutions that have put in meritorious service for preservation and propagation of Saraswat language, literature and culture were honoured by eminent people specially invited for the purpose.
COMPETITIONS and contests were held for enthusiastic Saraswat men, women and children from all backgrounds to display their talents in various fields.
An INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR was held that included display stalls for companies and organisations and sales counters for artifacts, goods and novelties.
GENERAL AMUSEMENT with recreational games and joyrides to lend a lively ambience and help create a festive mood.
Sammelan Overview
In December 1999 an unprecedented event took place in the beautiful coastal city of Mangalore - the first ever Vishwa Saraswat Sammelan '99, which brought together for the first time Saraswats of all backgrounds... and on a scale never witnessed before. The event highlighted to the world, the distinct Saraswat identity - something as of yet unknown to many. According to the Puranas, the Saraswats derive their lineage from their founding father, the great sage Saraswat Muni who lived on the banks of the lost river Saraswati in North India six thousand years ago.
Tragically, the disappearance of the life giving river Circa 1000 BC subsequently led to a series of mass migration which has scattered the Saraswat population over the years - giving rise to various smaller denominations such as the Gauda Saraswats, the Chitrapur Saraswats, The Rajapur Saraswats, Kutchi Saraswats and so on. Similarly the origins of some ethnic groups such as the Kashmiri Saraswats and certain communities of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab can also be traced to the Saraswat entity.
Inheritors of ancient Vedic practices, the Saraswat have for centuries persistently preserved their traditions; facilitated largely by the community temples and maths which have proved to be the medium for social interaction. However the ravages of time have slowly eroded their common cultural identity which is so precious to their preservation. Vishwa Saraswat Sammelan '99 which took place from 16th to 19th December 1999 at Mangala Stadium Grounds in Mangalore was conceived to address this need for a cultural integration of Saraswat identity.
Objectives of Sammelan
To bring together for the first time, Saraswats of all denominations spread the world over for inter blend, better understanding and mutual appreciation.
To identify the areas of unity and diversity among the various Saraswat denominations and to devise a strategy for their unified development, taking into considerations these factors.
To facilitate the preservation and propagation of the Saraswat way of life with reference to cultural indicators such as language, customs and traditions, arts and craft.
To focus attention on the religious, cultural, social, economic and other issues that affect and concern the lives of Saraswats in particular.
To encourage a sense of pride and prestige among the Saraswat population through greater self awareness and knowledge of their rich cultural heritage.
Sammelan Program
The Convention featured:-
CONFERENCES where between 9.00 AM and 5.00 PM everyday papers were presented, lectures delivered, discussions held and resolutions debated over by eminent scholars and renowned experts on a wide variety of topics and issues concerning Saraswats.
SARASWAT DARSHAN an exhibition of uniqueness and rich variety of the Saraswat culture in terms of literature, costumes, cuisine, architecture, instruments, artifacts, rare objects and exhibits, Hall of Fame etc.
CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS, where every evening after 6.00 PM the world was offered a glimpse of the fascinating variety of Saraswat arts ranging from folk arts to theater to music to cultural programmes of every kind.
MAAN SAMMAN, where individuals and institutions that have put in meritorious service for preservation and propagation of Saraswat language, literature and culture were honoured by eminent people specially invited for the purpose.
COMPETITIONS and contests were held for enthusiastic Saraswat men, women and children from all backgrounds to display their talents in various fields.
An INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR was held that included display stalls for companies and organisations and sales counters for artifacts, goods and novelties.
GENERAL AMUSEMENT with recreational games and joyrides to lend a lively ambience and help create a festive mood.
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Sammelan Registration
Any Resident or Non Resident Indian Saraswat could become a delegate* (or other category) at the First Vishwa Saraswat Sammelan '99 by paying the amounts as shown below :- Category Resident Indians NRIs Delegate Rs 250/- US $ 100 Patron Rs 1000/- Grand Patron Rs 5000/- Reception Committee Rs 1,00,000/- US $ 5000 donor * By becoming a delegate (or other category), an individual accepts the constitution of AISCO. |
Sammelan Office
AISCO - Mangalore Regional Committee Sri Srinivas Path Shala, V.T. Road, Mangalore 575 003 DK - Karnataka INDIA Phone : 91 - 824 - 496747 Fax : 91 - 824 - 440249 E - mail : [email protected] |
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Sammelan Contribution
All forms of contribution for the cause, in form of monetary, material, morale, intellectual and participatory help was welcome and solicited. Advertisement tariff for the Souvenir released on the auspicious occasion of the Sammelan:- Full Page : Rs 5000/- Half Page : Rs 3000/- Coloured Page : Rs 10,000/- 1/2 Page : Rs 6,000/- 4th Cover Page : Rs 50,000/- 2 & 3 Cover Page : Rs 30,000/- Last Facing Page : Rs 10,000/- Size of Souvenir : 19 cms by 25 cms Drafts / cheques drawn in favour of All India Saraswat Foundation, Mumbai. |
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