COOPERATION WITH THE UNITED
 NATIONS EDUCATIONAL SCIENTIFIC
 AND CULTURAL ORGANISATION
 

SECTION I

INDIAN NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR UNESCO

The Indian National Commission for Co-operation with Unesco worked actively during 1965-66 to fulfil the aims and objectives laid down in its constitution; namely to promote among the people of India full understanding of the aims and policies of Unesco, to serve as a link between Unesco and institutions working in this country in the fields of education, science and culture and to function as an advisory body to the Government of India on matters relating to Unesco. A resume of the important activities of the Commission during the period under review is given below :

A. PROMOTION OF AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF UNESCO

2. The Commission's projects for the promotion of aims and objectives of Unesco among the people are centred round three groups of activities : viz., dissemination of Unesco's publications and materials; popularising Unesco; and implementation of Unesco programmes. Activities under these heads are briefly described below :

3. Dissemination of Unesco Publications and Materials

3.1. Unesco Publications.-In promoting the understanding of the aims and objectives of Unesco, publications play an important role. The Indian National Commission received and distributed a variety of Unesco publications.

3.2. Visual Materials and Information Manuals.-Among the visual materials received from Unesco, mention may be made of the photo-sets entitled Going to School Around the World, Unesco and Human Rights, Africa, Building for Future-the Worldwide Work of Unesco, etc. About 150 copies of each set were, distributed to schools and other organisations. Information materials about Unesco including What is Unesco; Unesco and Educational Planning etc.; and also a few publications e.g. Web of Progress, a.b.c. of literacy, International Understanding at School were also widely distributed. Unesco would be prepared to supply on request more copies of its publications to meet increasing demands.

3.3. Sales Agency.-Since 1962, the Commission has been functioning as a sub-agency for the sale of Unesco publications in India. In 1965-66, sale proceeds totalled over Rs. 10,000. Some of the publications in considerable demand were Telling the UN Story, Study Abroad, Vacations Abroad, and Handbook of International Exchanges. The Commission particularly

164

165

directed its efforts to sell to State Governments, educational institutions, libraries and concerned organisations. The promotion and publicity drive for increasing the readership of the Unesco magazine (the Unesco Courier) and other publications was continued through the columns of the Commission's own publications, press advertisements and circular letters.

3.4. Publications of the Commission.-The Commission continued to bring out, with Unesco's financial assistance, the Newsletter and the World in the Classroom. The Newsletter gives information about various activities of Unesco and the Commission and other national and international nongovernmental organisations engaged in activities in the fields of science, education and culture. The World in the Classroom is intended to service the Commission's expanded programme of the Associated Schools Project on Education for International Understanding. The Commission also brought out a 'Report on the National Seminar on Education for International Understanding'. In addition, a brochure on the Indian National Commission describing its functions and organisation, translated into 10 Indian languages for wide distribution in various States of the country.

3.5. Translation of Unesco Publications.-Unesco conducts numerous research studies and produces practical source-books on education and allied subjects. The Mass Communication Programme of Unesco provides for assistance in the translation and publication of these studies in Member States. The Commission arranged for the translation into Indian languages and publication of selected publications. The manuscripts of three publications in Hindi and one in Tamil have been received and arrangements are under way for their publication. The Commission entered into a contract with Unesco for the translation and publication of Education for International Understanding and Web of Progress in Hindi.

3.6. Library.-The Library of the Commission, which functions as a depository library, was re-organised and strengthened during the year under review. At present the library has 40,000 books and receives over 600 periodicals and other documents. It circulated nearly 3,000 publications, and on an average dealt with 500 queries and references every month. It is proposed to throw it open to research students for reference purposes in the near future. The library also took up documentation work.

4. Popularising Unesco and Spreading Its Message

4.1. Exhibitions.-Exhibitions received from Unesco or assembled in India play a significant part in promoting knowledge about Unesco as also in bringing about understanding between different countries of the world. The Commission arranged an exhibition or Unesco publications and visual materials at the Sixth Conference of the National Commission in March, 1964. The exhibition met with approbation and the Conference passed a resolution that it should be taken to all the major cities of the country. Accordingly this exhibition was shown at Srinagar, Madras, Bangalore, Bombay and Calcutta.

166

4.1.1. The Art of Writing.-A photographic exhibition entitled 'The Art of Writing' prepared by Unesco was received by the Commission in early 1965. Arranged on 50 panels, the exhibition traces the development writing through the ages in different countries of the world. Besides New Delhi, the exhibition was displayed at Srinagar, Madras, Bangalore, Bombay and Calcutta.

4.2. Establishment of Unesco Centres.-In order to enlist the co- operation of voluntary organisations to function as Unesco Information Centres, the Commission continued to promote the establishment of Unesco Centres. In addition to four Centres, set up earlier, one more Unesco Information Centre was opened in Madras in September 1965. The response to the Commission's request to all universities and State Governments to set up Unesco Information Centres has been very good and a number of centres have since been set up at different university libraries and State Central Libraries. A few centres have also been set up as Unesco depository libraries. The Commission supplied to these centres, publications and visual materials produced by Unesco and the Commission etc. The centres are expected to adopt programmes of lectures, seminars, exhibitions etc. in support of the programmes of Unesco.

4.2.1. In addition, the Commission also enlisted the support of 21 Information Centres run and subsidized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting which are functioning in important towns throughout the country. Information materials and periodicals were supplied to have centres and will continue to be sent on a regular basis.

5. Implementation of Unesco's Programmes.-In regard to the implementations of Unesco's programmes in India, mention may be made of activities under the following projects

5.1. East West Major Project :

5.1.1. Meeting of International Advisory Committee on Major Project "Mutual Appreciation of Eastern and Western Cultural Values".- Shri Prem Kirpal, Secretary (Education) attended as a specialist the last meeting on the subject convened by Unesco at Paris from 6-10 December, 1965. The International Committee considered the organisation of the Nehru Round Table in September, 1966, and the extension of the project to cover all important cultures of the world.

5.1.2. Research Projects by the Council for Cultural Studies, New Delhi.-The Research Council for the Cultural Studies, established at the India International Centre. in New Delhi as one of the, four Associated Institutions of Unesco for the study and presentation of cultures, has completed the following projects during the period under review.

(i) A Study of Opinion Regarding Work.-This project, taken up in 1963, attempts to determine the attitude of men towards their work, the shifts in occupational patterns among those who live in cities and rural areas.

167

Investigations were conducted in India, Malaysia and Ceylon through questionnaires and interviews. An International Committee of Experts reviewed the draft report and sent it to Unesco, Paris, on 30th January, 1965.

(ii) Images and International Understanding.-This project was taken up in 1963 with a view to studying the images that the "elites" of India, Philippines and Thailand have about each other as well as about the neighbouring countries and also to study the extent to which these images facilitate or hamper understanding between the countries. The report will be ready shortly.

(iii) The Tradition of Non-Violence in East and West.-The project, taken up in 1963, aimed at carrying out a historical and comparative survey of the philosophical ideals field in the South Asian region on the subject of nonviolence. The report was sent to Unesco on 24th June, 1965.

(iv) A Study of Eastern Students as Culture Carriers.-It was an inquiry about the impact of Occidental culture on Eastern students who go abroad for studies. The report covering the Indian study was sent to Unesco, Paris in June, 1964. The complete report is expected to be published soon.

(v) Directory of Research Institutions in South East Asia.-By a special contract with Unesco, the Research Council for Cultural Studies undertook the preparation of a directory of institutions engaged in research on Asian cultures in South East Asia. The work is progressing and the compilation is expected to be completed very shortly.

(vi) Industrialization and Social Change.-The Research Council undertook a research project for the study of the impact of industrialization on social change. The report is expected to be ready soon.

5.2. Programme for Education in International Understanding

5.2.1. (a) Under a special programme undertaken by the Commission in support of the Unesco's Associated Schools Project for Education in International Understanding and Cooperation, 408 schools, and teacher training institutions throughout India are participating in studies initiated by the Commission in this behalf. The Programme centred round three Main themes : teaching about other countries; teaching about the U.N. and its specialised agencies including Unesco and inspiring respect for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. The Commission continued to organize workshops to enable teachers of participating institutions in different States to come together and exchange views on the working of the programme. A teachers' workshop was held at Srinagar from the 14th to 18th June, 1965 for the teachers of the 31 participating institutions of Jammu and Kashmir.

(b) The Commission continued the publication of its bulletin entitled 'The World in the Classroom' which serves as a forum for dissemination of information regarding activities of the institutions participating in the project in this country.

168

(c) The recommendation of the National Seminar for International Understanding (1964) for making Education for International Understanding an integral part of our system of education at the higher secondary level was forwarded to State Governments for examination and implementation. The State Governments were also requested to select primary schools for carrying out experimental activities in education for international understanding on a pilot project basis.

(d) The Commission purchased bulk quantities of selected books, etc. and supplied them to the participating institutions. Mention may be made of 'Telling the, U.N. Story', "Shankar's Children Art Number", ICY Number and IFUNA Newsletter.

5.2.2. Study Kit on India for Use in Schools Abroad.-A study kit was sent to Paris in December, 1963 for exhibition. The Sixth Conference of the Indian National Commission recommended that the kit should be duplicated in large numbers. At present, the Commission is preparing five sets of the study kit to meet orders from other National Commissions. One study kit on India was supplied to the Swiss National Commission for Unesco.

5.2.3. Celebration of U.N. Day.-A special appeal was made to educational institutions and non-governmental organisations throughout the country to celebrate, the U.N. Day on 24th October, 1965. A grant of Rs. 1,900 was sanctioned to the Indian Council for World Affairs for the celebration of the Day.

5.2.4. Celebration of Shri Jawaharlal Nehru's Birth Anniversary as Children's Day.-All Associate Members of the National Commission, Unesco Centres and all participating institutions were requested to celebrate 14th November 1965 as Children's Day with special emphasis on international cooperation.

5.2.5. Celebration of Human Rights Day.-A special appeal was made to all concerned to observe the Day in a befitting manner on 10th December 1965. The response from the institutions was very good this year.

5.2.6. International Cooperation Year.-Special issues of the 'Newsletter,' and 'The World in the Class Room' were brought out by the Commission in addition to other activities undertaken for the celebration of the International Cooperation Year.

5.3. The Unesco Reading Materials Projects.-This project aims at promoting and aiding in the development of reading materials in the countries of the South Asia region for all levels of readers. Ten countries are covered by the project. The following activities were organised in India to implement the programme.

5.3.1. Refresher Course for Booksellers.-The National Commission secured a contract from Unesco for the All-India Hindi Publishers Association for organising with Unesco assistance a training course for booksellers from India and Nepal.

169

5.3.2. National Correspondents for India.-Contracts were secured for two persons to serve as National Correspondents for North India and South India for the Unesco Regional Centre for Reading Materials in South Asia.

5.3.3. Unesco Prizes to Indian Authors.-This scheme has been discussed in the chapter on 'Social Education'. The Commission obtained a contract from Unesco for award of 17 prizes of Rs. 1,100 each to authors of the best books on community development, international understanding and general culture, published in the different languages of India during 1963-64. A competition for awarding these prizes was held by the Social Education Unit of the Ministry in 1965 and 17 books in various languages were selected for prizes. The prize money has been received from Unesco and disbursed to the authors of prize-winning books.

5.3.4. Fellowships Under the Reading Materials Projects.-One Unesco Fellowship was awarded in the field of production of reading materials for a five-months' study in Japan and the United States.

5.4. Unesco's Exchange of Persons Programme :

5.4.1. There has been a steady increase in the number of scholars visiting India under Unesco's Exchange of Persons Programme in different fields. Commission is responsible for providing to the visitors on their arrival in India necessary facilities and contacts to enable them to fulfil their specific assignments, These exchanges provide opportunities to visitors who are in many cases leaders in their respective fields to obtain accurate information about Indian life and the advances made in this country in the fields of education, culture and science. Under the following Unesco schemes the Commission received a number of visitors as mentioned below :

(a) Programme of Participation in the Activities of the Member States.-(i) Mr. Se. Ick Kim, Assistant Professor, Department of Library Science, Ewha Women's University, Korea for modern techniques in documentation and training of librarians, (ii) Prof. H. M. Fortmann, Professor of Psychology, University of Nijmegen. Netherlands for a comparative study of Indian and Western culture with special emphasis on Psychology of Occidental and Oriental Culture.

(b) Major Project on Mutual Appreciation of Eastern and Western Cultural Values.-(i) Mr. Abdulhadi Hachem, Deputy Director of Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Mr. Abdul Karim Yafi, Professor of Sociology, University of Demascus, Syria for a Study of Oriental Philosophy and a round of important Cultural Research Centres; (ii) Rev. Francis J. Smyth, Director, Coady International Institute, Saint Francis Xavier's University, Canada for a study of the effectiveness of the Programme of the Coady International Institute in Canada; (iii) Mr. Raul Estuardo Cornejo of Peru, for completing research in comparative Oriental Studies; (iv) Professor Jose Leon-Herrera of West Germany for the study of Sanskrit and Indian Philosophy at the Universities of Poona and Banaras.

170

(c) The Commission also arranged programmes of some foreign experts who came to India on their own.

5.4.2. The Commission also obtained Unesco Grants for Indian nationals undertake study tours abroad in the context of Unesco's Exchange of Persons Programme under the following schemes :

(i) Study Tours for Women Adult Education Leaders.-Mrs. Dandavate Pramila Madhusudan of Mahrally Vidyalaya, Bombay for study at Hillcroft Working Women's College, Surbiton (U.K.).

(ii) Study Tours Scheme for Workers in Africa, Asia and Latin America.-Three nominees of the Indian National Trade Union Congress undertook a study tour to Japan and Malaysia.

5.5. Unesco Collection of Representative of World Literature- Indian Series.-In the field of literature. Unesco and the INC endeavoured to encourage and facilitate the translation of works, representative of the various cultures of the world into languages other than those in which they have been written. Translation and publication under this programme were undertaken in collaboration with the Sahitya Akademi.

B. COMMISSION'S FUNCTIONS AS A LIAISON AGENCY

6. The Commission continued to develop and strengthen its relations with Unesco, other national commissions, international organisations and foreign organizations and individuals in India interested in the common ideals of Unesco. Listed below are a few of the activities undertaken by the Commission for establishment and development of such contracts :

7. Participation in the Programmes of Other National Commission.