The first civilizations were formed on
the banks of the beautiful rivers. The most notable ones are the Ancient Egyptians, who
were based on the Nile, the Mesopotamians in the Fertile Crescent on the Tigris/Euphrates
rivers, the Ancient Chinese on the Yellow River, and Ancient India on the river Indus.
Rivers were the most attractive locations for the first civilizations because they provided a
steady supply of potable water and made the land fertile for growing crops. Moreover,
transportation of goods and people were made easy, and the people in these civilizations
could fish and hunt the animals that came to drink water from the river providing them
livelihood.
Early river valley civilizations were considered as hydraulic empires which maintained
power through unique control over access to water. This system of governance arose
through the need for flood control and irrigation, which required central coordination and a
specialised bureaucracy. River valleys are known as 'Cradles of Civilizations' because
primordial people settled on the banks of rivers and civilizations prospered there.
Siruthuli wanted to emphasis on the fact that the river bed is the mother of all the growth and
development. To create awareness among people Siruthuli team organised an event known
as ‘ Nadhikarai Nagarigam’ where children from several schools enthusiastically participated
to exhibit their knowledge and understanding about River valley civilization through
demonstration models and cultural activities. Cultural events were organised to add more
colour and liveliness to the event. The importance of preserving and maintaining our culture
and heritage through our rivers was stressed, and children participated with great
enthusiasm.
