Workshop on heritage sites restored under HRIDAY held

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 11

A workshop on the importance of preserving tangible as well as intangible heritage of the holy city was organised under the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, on Thursday. The key speakers at the workshop included Sunil Gakhar, undersecretary, Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs; Sonali Giri, MC Commisioner; and Moushumi Chaterji, a musicologist.

“The conservation process is all inclusive and not just limited to restoring structures and buildings. It also takes into consideration the people and surroundings, preserving the cultural ethos and history of the city and its components. Out of the 12 cities shortlisted under the HRIDAY project, Amritsar holds significance due to its historical identity as well as its geographical importance,” said Sunil Gakhar in his address.

Sonali Giri, too, stressed on the conservation of historic buildings as a lifelong process. “Conservation is not a one time process. It needs to be preserved through generations and can only be possible if the young generations make themselves familiar with the history of the city and contribute towards preserving it," she said.

The conservation project has been undertaken by noted architect and conservationist Gurmeet Sangha Rai. Five heritage structures, including Ram Bagh Gate, have been restored. A Lok Virsa Museum is also being created to highlight the intangible heritage of the city,” the MC Commissioner added.