Was the first man born in India?
Author: Press Trust of India

Was the first man born in India?
Author: Press Trust of India
Publication: The Hindustan Times
Date: November 25, 2002
URL: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_108779,0004.htm

Notwithstanding the common belief that human life originated in Africa, a senior anthropologist on Monday called for researches focussing on the second theory, which holds that the evolution of man began in Shivalik range of the Himalayas.

Presiding over a two-day seminar on "bio-cultural profile of central and western Himalayas" here, Deepak Tyagi, Director-incharge of Anthropological Survey of India, said there are chances "that the first man was in Shivalik range."

He said a human skull has been found in the Shivalik ranges, which might further prove this theory and pointed out that a former professor SRK Chopra has done a lot of work on the theory of evolution of man beginning in Shivaliks.

During the two-day seminar, the scientists representing different science institutes of the country would discuss cultural, biological and health aspects of the people inhabiting the Himalayan region.

Speaking on the occasion, RS Tolia, principal secretary to Uttaranchal government, who was also the chief guest, said the state government is preparing an ambitious bio-diversity plan, which would include cultural mapping of the rich flora fauna of the hill state, known for its exotic flowers and plants with medicinal properties.

Prithvish Nag, Surveyor-General, Survey of India, said "a lot of information is available with us" which scientists should collectively use for the betterment of mankind.