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And now Agra to celebrate Akbar international year
Indo-Asian News Service

Agra, Oct 1 (IANS) Enthusiastic Agra residents Saturday announced the launch of International Akbar Year, coinciding with the 400th death anniversary of the great Mughal emperor.

At a conference of intellectuals, mediapersons and history scholars organised by the Brij Mandal Heritage Conservation Society here it was decided that the Akbar Year would take a long stride in bridging communication gaps in society.

"While the 350 years' celebrations of the Taj Mahal were government-oriented and a total waste of resources, Akbar year would lead to people's active participation and promote communal understanding and thereby bridge communication gaps in society," the promoters said.

"After the dismal Taj celebrations, which failed to enthuse the locals or bring about any tangible benefits to the city, concerned citizens of Agra are backing the international Akbar year to promote his valuable ideas of governance," noted historian Ram Nath said while presiding over the conference.

"Sulah Kul, Din-e-Ilahi, recognition of talents as nine jewels, composite culture and respect for all faiths are components of the rich legacy the Mughal emperor left behind."

Support for the Akbar year has also come from the tourism industry and noted historians of Agra. 

A.P. Mathur, head of the Radhasoami faith and former vice chancellor of Agra University wants Sikandra (Akbar's tomb) to be the focus of Akbar year. 

Arun Dang, former president of Tourism Guild, has also favoured the idea of celebrating Akbar year to focus world attention towards the emperor's rich legacy of ideas and some bold initiatives in the field of administrative governance.

A resolution was also adopted, which demanded changing Agra's name to Akbarabad. 

"The government should recognise Akbar's contribution and legacy and support year-long celebrations and release a postage stamp," the resolution said.

The demand for change of Agra's name could fuel controversy, but the office bearers said there was something wrong with Agra's name, according to the science of numerology that has hindered the city's march to modernisation. 

"If names of other cities like Chennai, Kolkata or Mumbai could be changed, it is high time that Agra's name is also changed to Akbarabad," speakers said at the conference.

The Society also announced year-long programmes to propagate Akbar's ideas. Special focus would be on Akbar's nine jewels, among them Tansen, Baiju Bawra, Birbal, Todar Mal and Abul Fazal.