Series on preserving indigenous cultures premieres NGC tomorrow

New Delhi, Apr 26 (UNI) 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.

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