MP Assy witnesses debate of definition of ''culture''

Bhopal, Nov 9 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh Assembly today witnessed an interesting debate over the definition of ''culture'' when a ruling BJP member and former minister wanted to know its definition from the Culture Minister.

Replying to the question raised by Ms Archana Chitnis during Question Hour, Minister of State for Culture Lakshmikant Sharma said lifestyle meant culture and the government was making efforts to preserve traditions and encourage traditional artists.

Dissatisfied with the reply, Ms Chitnis said what was being stated was not the definition of culture. For example, pyramids were located in Egypt but they were not a part of culture of that country.

Speaker Ishwardas Rohani said it appeared that Ms Chitnis was quite clear about the definition and it would be better if she defined the term.

Ms Chitnis suggested a high-level committee must be constituted regarding how the Culture department defined the term and what it exactly meant. The committee must provide suggestions regarding preserving cultural values among students.

Meanwhile, in a lighter vein, Mr Sharma said Ms Chitnis had not provided the suggestion when she was the Higher Education Minister.

Ms Chitnis took exception to this comment.

Cooperative Minister Gopal Bhargava and CPI member Ramlakhan Sharma also put forth their point of view.

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