![[Image of Indian National Emblem]](/~jatinder/personal/emblem.gif)
(Left, The Indian National Emblem)
India is the world's second most populous country, and one of the oldest civilizations of the world. The Indus people first began civilized existance here some five thousand years ago. India has not always been united, and at times, it has belonged to some of the great empires of history including the Persian Empire, Alexander the Great's Empire, and the British Empire. However, for the last half of this century India has been united, and free, and it is now the largest democracy in the world.
India is a land which seemingly contradicts itself. Any visitor to India will no doubt be stunned by the poverty in which many of its inhabitants live. Yet upon leaving India, one cannot help but remember the richness of the country. It is a country with a rich and ancient culture and history. This is exemplified in India's colourful costumes; its age-old, vibrant dances; it's haunting, ancient classical music; and the beauty of its countless temples, caves, forts, and monuments.
Although predominantly Hindu, India is the birthplace of many of the world's major religions including Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. All of the other major religions including Taoism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity have a presence in India. It is no wonder, then, that many Indian holy sites are claimed by more than one religion, and have been defaced by opposing religions throughout the centuries.
It is for its natural and ancient wonders that most travellers choose to visit India. India's climate is very varied. To the north, lie the beautiful, but cold and sparse Himalayas. To the south, lie rich tropical jungles with all manner of birds and animals. To the east lies the desert of Rajasthan. To the west lie swamplands which border Bangladesh. In visiting all of these places, one can see many of the natural beauties of the world.
India's ancient wonders also attract many visitors. All over India, one can visit hundreds of breathtaking temples, forts and caves with every type of paintings, reliefs, carvings, sculptures, and architecture imaginable. Five millenia of history are literally carved into rock everywhere in the country.
Today, India is a vibrant country, ever-changing in its quest to become a developed nation. Poverty still abounds, but (as can be seen by the presence of this conference) the country in beginning to forge new paths in the establishment of new indu stries, including high-technology ones. Therefore, India is a most interesting nation which blends the very old with the very new. India is a vast and varied country which offers a cornucopia of delights for any visitor.