THIS is with reference to the article `A culture of neglect` (Feb 16) which rightly expressed serious concerns over public resources being spent on arranging an international conference on Mohenjo Daro in London. The neglect of this exquisite cultural heritage of Sindh by past and present governments is criminal, to say the least.

Thefactthat cannotbe deniedis that our ruling elite is merely interested in making speeches. The cultural minister would speak nonstop about the rich culture of Sindh, but when it comes to action, there is nothing but silence.

The whole class of political elite suffers from this malaise, for people are keen to make promises and deliver rhetoric, but they hardly walk the talk They donotevenintendto do anything practical. Just a good speech makes them happy. Surprisingly and rather ironically, a good speech makes the audience happy as well.

This `disease` has trickled down and affected the whole society. With more and more government agencies and non-governmental entities cropping up, and more and more funds pouring in for the protection, repair, renovation and rehabilitation of archaeological and historical sites, all we have seen is further deterioration and degradation of such sites.

Itishard tokeep track ofthe historical monuments that are in a state of utter neglect. In Johi, despite media`s hueand cry, the departments concerned have remained unmoved in protecting a large number of mausoleums and other heritage sites in kacho area and Khirthar range. The local miscreants dig and vandalise historicalgraves in the hope of striking gold, which has never happened, but their hope and greed are well and alive.

Foreign donors, including the United Networks of International Corporate Events Organisers (UNICEO) and individuals from different countries, leave their homes and countries to work day and nightfor the preservation of ourculturalheritage.

But corrupt and lethargic elements in various government departments, appointed to protect culturalartefacts, only create hindrances in the way of restoration work.

In the 1930s, N.J. Majmundar, who travelled widely in the subcontinent to explore and document archaeological sites, was killed by some robbers near Nai Gaj, in the false belief that his bag contained research material for the exploration of gold. This is all that we seem to have ever thought about; gold.

If political leadership and the elite show commitment and resolve to protect and promote our proud past, those at the grassroots will follow their example and the world would be more thanhappy to supportin persevering Mohenjo Daro and other sites for future generations.

If the leadership would waste and embezzle the budget and funds meant for the preservation of our heritage, we may not have any site worth its name to show the world in the years ahead.

Gutsher Panhwer Johi