Youth lead heritage preservation efforts
As Punjab’s cultural legacy faces the challenges of modernisation and globalisation, a new force is emerging to protect it — the youth. Schools and colleges across the state are stepping up to instil a sense of responsibility in students, turning them into active participants in heritage conservation.
Leading this movement is Major General (retd) Balwinder Singh, the Convener of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Punjab, who is spearheading an initiative to engage young minds in safeguarding Punjab’s history. With the support of INTACH’s Heritage Education and Communication Services (HECS) in Delhi, he has launched an extensive campaign in educational institutions, urging students to take ownership of their cultural identity.
“Why cannot our classrooms be more than just centres of academic learning? They should also be hubs of heritage conservation,” he said, emphasising the role of schools in fostering a connection with history.
He said under this initiative, students are being encouraged to participate in heritage clubs that organise historical site visits, cultural competitions and preservation drives.
Several schools have already taken the lead, he added. Bawa Lalvani Public School, Kapurthala, has adopted the Moorish Mosque, while Spring Dale Public School, Amritsar, has taken up the preservation of Pul Kanjri. APS-Beas celebrates Heritage Day with students donning traditional Punjabi attire and RD Khosla DAV Model Senior Secondary School recently dedicated its annual function to showcasing Punjab’s cultural richness.
“These activities provide students with hands-on experiences, ensuring that heritage is not just read about but actively lived and preserved,” Singh said, adding that the impact of these efforts is evident as Punjab’s students have been consistently excelling in national-level heritage competitions organised by the HECS, with many securing top prizes.
He further said that INTACH, Punjab, has already established over 100 heritage clubs in schools and plans to add 100 more each year. “To support this, INTACH will provide free educational material on cultural heritage and conduct capacity-building workshops across the state,” he added.
Singh said he remains confident in the potential of Punjab’s youth, emphasising that heritage conservation should not be left solely to historians and conservationists. “Every structure, every art form, every tradition is a part of our identity. Why should only a few bear the responsibility of protecting what belongs to all of us?” he asked.
He says he envisions a future where heritage preservation is a collective effort. Schools can undertake research projects on local history, communities can form heritage clubs and students can take up leadership roles in conservation activities. Recognising and rewarding young conservationists with academic credits, leadership positions and public acknowledgment could further encourage participation.
“With INTACH ready to lead the charge, the movement to preserve Punjab’s heritage is gaining momentum. The question now is not whether it can be saved, but how many more will join the effort to ensure that future generations inherit the rich cultural legacy of Punjab,” he said.
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