Coordinator: Dr. Sonali Raje
13Mon
Coordinator: Mr. V. D. Lale
15Wed
Coordinator: Prof. Rekha Vartak
16Thu
Coordinator: Prof. Jyotsna Vijapurkar
In the modern world people learn their history and form their identities not only from their parents or grandparents or through their cultural traditions and customs, but also the state education system which plays a major role in forming young peoples’ ideas about time, past and heritage. The young learn both implicit and explicit cultural norms in their schools. The most important aspect in considering the institution of education to understand people’s perceptions of past is that it allows us to consider not only children but also their teachers and parents, who have an impact on their personalities and thinking. It can thus provide data that can help in understanding adults’ thought processes in some ways as well.
The presentation and talk will address following points with reference to a few case studies conducted in various parts of Maharashtra.
1. Memory, identity and significance of history education2. The significance of concept of time in order to understand history
3. Role of art and sciences in understanding history4. Possibilities of relevant teaching tools for better history education
Dr. Anagha Bhat has a Ph.D from Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Pune; her thesis was on ‘Sustainable Preservation of Cultural Heritage: A Study of Peoples’ Perceptions through Education and Modelling Approach'. She has a Masters degree from the same Institute in Ancient History, Culture and Archeology; her dissertation was on ‘Traditional Style of Metal Enamelling (Meenakaari) with Special Reference to Jaipur’ She has a B. F. A (sculpture) from Sir J. J. School of Art. She won the Talim Award for the Best Sculpture in Metal in the Annual Show of Sir J.J. School of Art in 2002.
She is also a writer; her writings include contributions to the online movement ALT/SPACE run by the Teaching Artist Journal, and 22 articles to a fortnightly column in Maharashtra Times about ancient art & culture and its relevance today. She has conducted numerous workshops on topics as wide ranging as Australian aboriginal art, ancient art of Africa, ethnic terracotta jewellery, to name just a few. Anagha’s core area of research and work is to understand people’s perceptions about the past and the sense of identity they construct accordingly. Archaeology helps her to understand and contextualize people’s perceptions through cognitive research; the artist in her helps her to come up with creative ideas to channelize them in a sustainable way.