A Study of Awareness of Cultural Heritage among the Teachers at University Level

Abstract

Cultural Heritage means to inherent and cultivate the cultural disinclinations from one generation to next generation. It is possible by education as well as following the traditional livelihood of ours; it is conducted formal/consciously or informal/unconsciously. One of the traits of education is to hand on the cultural values and behaviour pattern of the society to its young and potential members. By this, means society achieves a basic social conformity and ensures that traditional modes of life are preserved. This has been called the conservative function of education. Handing on tradition is bound at times to be in conflict with a desire to initiate change. When a society is changing slowly, the new elements of its culture can be more easily absorbed. However, the rapid changes in the industrial society in the changing scenario have led to much conflict between old and new habits of life and thought. Here there are two contradictory functions of education which are both necessary and it can be shown that there are conditions of society under which these can be reconciled. [9]Hence in order to emphasize the need to link education and cultural heritage, its inheritance, preservation and cultivation, I decided to have a study of awareness of cultural heritage among the teachers at university level, so that we may have come to know that our teachers, formulating the ‘Destiny of India' (as stated by Education Commission, 1964-66, ‘Destiny of India is being shaped into their classroom')are aware about the Indian culture, its heritage or not because teacher are at the core of education structure, policy, values and cultural heritage to inculcate these values among our educands. Heritage awareness is a crucial part of any heritage conservation and management. The creation of awareness is time-consuming and it requires commitment and local support. It is often the most recognizable component of a heritage management. One of the most effective ways to build and maintain respect for community's heritage is through a selection of activities that raise public awareness and increase appreciation. The success of heritage conservation initiatives depends on the understanding and participation of the local community.