World Heritage Day celebrated

Mysore :

World Heritage Day is celebrated on April 18 around the globe to create awareness among the public about the diversity of cultural heritage and the collective efforts required to protect it.

JSS Law College at Kuvempunagar had organised a programme as part of World Heritage Day at its premises in city yesterday in which about hundred students participated.

P.S. Vastrad, Commissioner, Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, Mysore, delivering his address after inaugurating a photo exhibition at the college premises, said that heritage is the shared wealth of humankind and it is our duty to pass on the rich tradition, culture and heritage to the next generation.

He further said that heritage monuments belong to all of us and everyone should involve themselves collectively in its protection and conservation for which the Archaeological Survey of India has also joined hands.

Citing examples of the paintings found in Ajanta and Ellora caves, he said the paintings show how people earlier lived besides giving examples of heritage monuments like Taj Mahal, Pattadakal and Red Fort, he added that we can appreciate these only if we spend time with them.

Vastrad said that no new constructions can come up within the radius of 100 mts from the heritage sites or monuments and added that sometimes permission is given for new constructions keeping the public in mind.

He requested the students to respect heritage monuments and be a part of the heritage club besides urging students not to limit themselves to the one day celebration.

Dr. T.S. Ravi Shankar, Director (Epigraphy), ASI, Mysore, who was the guest of honour, said that India is very rich in epigraphical wealth and it is estimated that more than one lakh inscriptions have been discovered in the country and there are a large number of inscriptions which have to be brought to light by conducting an intensive and systematic survey of our vast country.

He further said that it is a moment for all of us to preserve what we have inherited from the past. Due to rapid commercialisation and urbanisation, a lot of heritage was disappearing, he regretted.

Earlier, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of former Governor of Karnataka V.S. Ramadevi who passed away on Wednesday.

Prof. K.S. Suresh, Principal, JSS Law College, presided. Vinay Parameshwarappa, Founder, Royal Mysore Walks, was present on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / April 19th, 2013