Series on preserving indigenous cultures premieres NGC tomorrow (fwd)

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Series on preserving indigenous cultures premieres NGC tomorrow
http://www.newkerala.com/news.php?action=fullnews&id=22241

New Delhi, Apr 26: Did you know that during the span of our entire lifetime,
many of the nearly 6000 languages that were spoken in the world at the time
of our birth will no longer be spoken, written or taught? Or, that with the
end of a single generation, a whole range of legacy will be lost? These and
many other similar facts are sought to be brought out in 'Light at the Edge
of The World', a new television series on the National Geographic Channel
aimed at raising awareness of indigenous cultures.

The series, premiering on the channel at 2000 hrs tomorrow, was launched in
the Capital earlier this week by celebrated anthropologist and writer Wade
Davis who has also produced the programme.

The series is based on Wade Davis' exploration of four indigenous cultures,
each uniquely dedicated to preservation of their customs in the face of
modernisation - Inuit, Nepali Buddhist, Pan Andean and Polynesian.

Davis explores how these cultures have withstood pressures of the modern
world and addresses some of the biggest issues threatening their lifestyle
today.

''Change or technical advancements do not call for a destruction of
indigenous cultures. Rather, it is certain people, in the dynamics of power
that force cultures to fade away.

Ultimately, we have to decide whether we want to live in a monochromatic
world or a world full of cultural diversity. This is what I seek to
highlight through the television series,''Davis said at the launch of the
programme.

On the occasion, Davis delivered a talk on 'Cultures and their use of
plants, language and myth' which was followed by an exclusive screening of
the film 'The Wayfinders' from the series.

'Light at the Edge of the World' is based on a book by Wade Davis, following
him from the foothills of the Himalayas to the desolate Tundra of the
Northern Arctic as he explores how four indigenous cultures are adapting to
preserve their unique heritage.

--- UNI