Significance of heritage education at elementary level - with special reference to Tribal’s of Samba District (Jammu and Kashmir)

Abstract

Cultural Heritage is regarded as a cluster of data that follows in the lives of human beings and helps them to collect, preserve with new elements, sustain its continuity and transmit it to the next generation. Culture Heritage of a nation has a very high and unique value in its aspect which can contribute to public understanding and admiration of the past through heritage education programmes. Culture heritage represents the different values that are innate and observer through several eras. It is also very considerate to strengthen the relationship among the individuals of a society belongs to different regions, religions, cultures, languages, etc. To preserved and transmit such values or heritage is an important factor. Thus, the importance and necessity of the current time are to synthesize the various cultures and conserve it for future generations. Maintaining the culture heritage of a country is a fundamental duty for different educational establishments.

Culture Heritage Education holds great potential for encouraging better participation of the students at various levels of education – elementary, secondary or on a higher stage. Students are inseparable from their culture and environment background to which they belong. Heritage education should be boosted to all the children at the elementary level and promoted them as a driving force for the durable growth in this particular area. Innovative forms of education and advanced professional training are required to enlighten the students regarding their heritage. For this reason, it is essential to develop educational policies for conservation, preservation and transmission of cultural heritage concerning their promotion and protection. Policymakers in worldwide organizations such as UNESCO also support both for the safeguard of our cultural and natural heritage and the make use of heritage to enhance the learning processes of learners. Implementation of conservation awareness at early age will contribute more effectively. In this context subjects related to culture and heritage are included in elementary education; this paper will focus on the significance of heritage education at the elementary level of Gujjar and Bakkerwal tribes, it also including such educational activities which encourage the younger generation towards their culture.