Agri varsity unveils brochures celebrating state’s cultural heritage

Three pictorial brochures celebrating Punjab’s cultural heritage were unveiled at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) on World Tourism Day. PAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, and State Information Commissioner Harpreet Sandhu released the brochures in the presence of university officials.

Prepared under a project of the District Administration, Ludhiana, the brochures highlight three iconic sites: the Museum of Social History of Rural Punjab at PAU, the Maharaja Duleep Singh Memorial at Bassian Kothi, and the Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum in Ludhiana. The release also reflected this year’s theme, Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, underscoring tourism’s potential to drive positive change.

Dr Gosal said the Museum of Social History of Rural Punjab represents a remarkable effort to preserve the essence of the state’s culture and history. Its architecture draws inspiration from historic towns such as Sultanpur Lodhi, Jagraon, Sunam and Rahon, and its galleries house rare collections of ethnology, archaeology, folk arts and traditional crafts. More than just a display space, the museum has become a centre for research and a source of pride for Punjab.

The museum has also earned international recognition, hosting the 2023 International Conference of Agricultural Museums in partnership with the International Association of Agricultural Museums—a first in Asia. Dr Gosal noted that such milestones demonstrate the promise of agri-tourism, which can offer visitors a direct connection to Punjab’s agrarian roots while inspiring younger generations to value their heritage.

Sandhu observed that Bassian Kothi carries a particularly poignant legacy. It was here that the last Sikh ruler, Maharaja Duleep Singh, spent his final night in Punjab before being taken into British captivity. “The site embodies both tragedy and resilience, making it vital to preserve for future generations,” he said, adding that World Tourism Day is a timely reminder that heritage sites are not merely relics of the past but bridges of memory and inspiration.