New Delhi

Experts to discuss need to conserve heritage

NEW DELHI: To educate policymakers and lawmakers about the need and ways to conserve the precious heritage of Asian countries, the Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is hosting a three-day conference at India International Centre here beginning this coming Tuesday.

The Asian Regional Cooperation Conference-2008 will deliberate on issues concerning heritage, management, conservation, education and tourism in an effort to keep alive the vibrant cultural heritage of Asian countries. The idea of organising this conference grew out of the recommendations of the 12th International Conference of National Trusts that was hosted by INTACH in Delhi in December last year.

Addressing a press conference here on Friday, INTACH Chairman S.K. Misra said the choice of subject areas as well as the geographical range of invited countries had been determined by many factors. “These include the richness of Asian art and natural heritage, the historic and cultural linkages within the region leading to shared traditions and the many traditional conservation and education methods across the continent.”

Stating that heritage encompassed aspects of natural, cultural, built material, living tangible and intangible heritage, Mr. Misra said the premise of heritage education was founded on the belief that heritage belongs to everyone and for all to share.

“Heritage holds utmost significance to the community to which it belongs and holds varying significance to other members of society. Asia is very rich in artistic heritage that is manifested in the form of paintings, sculptures, metal images, manuscripts, scroll paintings and murals. Unfortunately due to the tropical and sub-tropical climate prevailing in this region, the artistic heritage deteriorates at a much greater pace compared with other parts of the world.”

Through heritage education, Mr. Misra said, INTACH aims to explore its significance and seek ways by which the local community can join the heritage conservation movement. “We want to discuss successes and shortcomings in various conservation initiatives taken up by different countries, discuss workable methodologies for preserving art and dependable techniques of conservation.”

Pointing out that all Asian countries have a rich tradition of painting techniques and styles, he said paintings such as “Thangkhas” from Nepal, scrolls from Japan and China, traditional cloth paintings from India, miniatures and illustrated manuscripts from the Arabic world were special belongings to each country.

“It was, therefore, felt to dedicate one session on case studies of conservation of different types of paintings and understand how each country deals with it. We believe that discussing the various challenges faced by conservators in preserving wall paintings will result in some common consensus,” he added.

INTACH adviser (International Relations) Surendra Kumar said the meet will have a threadbare discussion on heritage education, art conservation, heritage management of world heritage sights and heritage tourism. Sixteen Asian countries will take part in the meet. France, Britain and Poland will be the non-Asian participants.

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