Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 24: Department of Lifelong Learning (DLL) organized a one day workshop on “Rural Heritage” for the students of Masters in Rural Development, in collaboration with Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) here today.
Hemant Sharma, Secretary, Cooperatives was the chief guest of the function while Prof Desh Bandhu Gupta, Dean Academic Affairs was the guest of honour. Dr C.M.Seth, former Chairman, J&K State Pollution Control Board, Kirpal Singh, Curator, Dogra Art Museum, Mubarak Mandi, Dr. Mahesh Kaul, author and columnist, Dr. Suresh Abrol, Curator Shashwat Art Gallery, S.M. Sahni, Convenor INTACH Jammu Chapter, Altaf Hussain, Convenor INTACH Kashmir Dr. Kavita Suri, Director and Head DLL, Prof Poonam Dhawan, former Director DLL, Dr. Vivek Sharma, Dr. Pallavi Sachdeva, Dr Bharti Prabhakar, Dr Sandeep Singh, all DLL faculty members, Satwant Rissam, Life member Intach and students were also present on the occasion.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Hemant Sharma elaborated upon the importance of rural heritage and conservation of our heritage. He stressed upon the fact that the conservation of rural heritage promotes the psychological well being of the rural communities. He also underlined the need to create and stimulate awareness amongst the general public of the richness, variety and importance of India’s rural heritage.
Prof Desh Bandhu Gupta, Dean Academic Affairs, JU, in his address, said that conservation of intangible or intangible heritage is very important and there is a dire need to assist rural communities in the conservation, sustainability and management of their cultural assets. He said the students of rural development need to undertake programs of revival and enhancement of rural heritage assets in such a way as to foster local economic development, provide improvement in civic and other infrastructure, encourage improvements in education, healthcare and gender equality, and in general to promote the betterment of the lives of the residents of the concerned communities.
Prof Poonam Dhawan also focused on the need to take steps for the preservation and conservation of heritage assets in rural areas, and of those assets in non-rural areas that represent linkage with rural origins, in full cooperation with local communities and stakeholders.
Earlier, Dr. Kavita Suri, Director DLL welcomed the dignitaries and resource persons. Kuldeep Wahi, INATCH Life Member presented vote of thanks.
Later, in the technical sessions, Dr C. M Seth presented a lecture on “Rural heritage and rural development”, Dr Mahesh Koul spoke on the India’s rich heritage, Kirpal Singh deliberate upon the importance of our Jammu’s rural heritage, Suresh Abrol spoke about the role of individuals in the promotion and conservation of cultural heritage, Altaf Hussain spoke about Kashmir’s rich heritage and the conservation efforts being undertaken to preserve it.
The students interacted with the resource persons and asked many questions related to our heritage.
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