To instil a sense of responsibility towards environmental sustainability among the younger generation, INTACH, Punjab, organised a hands-on workshop titled “Trash to Treasure” at Cambridge International School, Kapurthala. The event was led by Preeti Sangvi, an artist and Harvard World Record holder, who guided the students through the art of transforming everyday waste into creative treasures. During the workshop, Sangvi introduced the participants to fabric painting and bottle painting, demonstrating how discarded materials can be repurposed into artistic creations. The event saw enthusiastic participation of over 50 students, who eagerly engaged in the activities, showcasing their newfound skills in upcycling. Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (retd), INTACH Punjab’s convener, emphasised on the importance of such initiatives in shaping the next generation. “We are committed to raising awareness among our youth so they can grow into constructive and effective citizens of our nation. Workshops like these are a regular feature of our efforts,” he said. Principal Sapna Katoch of Cambridge International School expressed her gratitude towards INTACH Punjab for selecting their institution to host the workshop. She highlighted the significant impact such events have on students, noting, “These workshops have the potential to bring about a quantum change in our students, encouraging them to stay constructively engaged”. The event was marked by the active involvement of INTACH Punjab’s Kapurthala Convener, Sarabjot Singh, and was regarded as a successful step towards fostering eco-consciousness among the youth.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/intach-punjab-organises-eco-sustainability-workshop/, August 28, 2024

To preserve the historic Senate Hall and Clock Tower, Allahabad University (AU) has signed an MoU with Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and Central Public Works Department (CPWD). INTACH experts will oversee the restoration, with CPWD carrying out the work at the Senate Hall. Additionally, the project will include the restoration and repair of the now-defunct Clock Tower. A member of the INTACH Prayagraj Chapter, Vaibhav Maini, took the initiative for preserving the heritage, historical, architectural, and artistic value of the unique Senate Hall and Clock Tower at AU. He approached AU officials and attended meetings where he provided suggestions regarding the restoration of the Senate Hall and Clock Tower. On July 10, 2020, AU sent a proposal to the INTACH Prayagraj chapter convener Shambhu Chopra, seeking INTACH’s assistance in the conservation of the Senate Hall building and the Clock. The AU requested a conservation architect who could assess heritage infrastructure project reports and provide relevant inputs for the restoration of the building. Convener of the Prayagraj chapter, Shambhu Chopra, said an MoU was signed between INTACH New Delhi Head Office and AU on August 18 for the preservation of the Senate Hall and Clock Tower. The conservation work is expected to start after the tendering process, during which INTACH will act as a consultant agency. “INTACH will assist in restoring both the outer and inner parts of the Senate Hall, along with the Clock, to bring them back to their original condition and conserve the building’s architectural, artistic, and archaeological value while maintaining its heritage,” Shambhu Chopra said. INTACH member Vaibhav Maini said the Senate Hall has a main central hall with North and South halls on either side. The brick and stone building is adorned with a number of ‘chhatris’ (stone umbrellas), chajjas (balconies), jharokhas, and a clock tower in the centre. The clock’s bells were installed by the company JC Bechtler and Sons in 1912. The Senate Hall, along with the two adjacent buildings, was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob in 1915.

. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/historic-senate-hall-clock-tower-at-allahabad-university-to-undergo-major-restoration-101724769856843.html, August 27, 2024

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Mahbubnagar Chapter is set to organize a Mandal Level Quiz Competition at the Local Government Model Basic High School in Mahbubnagar (Urban) on Thursday (Aug 29, 2024). The event, scheduled to start at 10:30 AM, is part of the National Level Heritage Quiz Competitions initiated by INTACH to raise awareness about heritage among school children. A total of 37 teams from 11 schools within the Mahbubnagar zone have registered for the competition. The winning team from this Mandal Level event will move on to compete against teams from 16 other mandals in the district level competition, which will also be held at the same school on Thursday at 1:30 PM. The District Educational Officer (DEO) will present prizes and certificates to the winners at the conclusion of the district level competition.

Dr. T. Nagender Swamy, Convener of INTACH Mahbubnagar Chapter, is overseeing the organization of the event. The INTACH Mahbubnagar Chapter operates under the leadership of Chief Patron, the District Collector, and Mr. VSRK Prasad, Dr. T. Nagender Swamy, and Mr. S. Chandrakumar Goud, who serve as the Convener, Co-Convener, and Additional Co-Convener, respectively.

. https://www.thehansindia.com/telangana/here-is-all-about-sayeed-bin-mohammed-naqsh-900928?infinitescroll=1, August 20, 2024

To engage young minds for imbibing and showcasing various aspects of cultural heritage, such as historical monuments, traditional arts, folklore and costumes of Punjab through the powerful medium of films, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) conducted a workshop at Spring Dale Senior Secondary School for students of Class 6 to 8. The workshop had film-making experts and technical professionals from the field of art and cinema, in addition to members of INTACH Punjab, to make kids aware about the art of film-making and heritage of the state. Maj Gen (retd) Balwinder Singh, VSM, convener of INTACH Punjab said that this was the first time such a workshop had been held in Punjab. “It will nurture creative thinking and storytelling abilities in young minds and foster a deeper appreciation of the diverse culture and historical-cultural heritage of our Punjab. The workshop is an excellent opportunity for students to explore their creative potential while learning more about tangible and intangible culture. We need to come up with new and interesting ways to make students aware of their past,” he said. A total of 12 schools were selected from the region under the INATCH FILMIT programme. These include Spring Dale Senior Secondary School, Amritsar, Army Public School, Amritsar, Army Public School, Beas, Bawa Lalwani Public School, Kapurthala, Police DAV Public School, Jalandhar, Howard Lane Senior Secondary School, Amritsar, Montgomery Guru Nanak Public School, Kapurthala, Dass and Brown World School, Ferozepur, Guru Gobind Singh Public School, Hoshiarpur, Delhi Public School, Amritsar, BAS Riari Public School Tugawala, Gurdaspur and Majha Public School, Tarn Taran. Each school will make four short movies on culture and heritage and forward it to INTACH Punjab and Delhi central office where the best movies will be selected.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/intach-conducts-short-film-workshop/, August 20, 2024

With the jointly initiative of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) the 116th birth anniversary celebration of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur has been conducted at Nuai Auditorium Hall, Khumulwng on Sunday (18th August, 2024). In the presence of many dignitaries Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the ceremony by lighting the lamp. Chief Minister and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur Debbarman’s birth anniversary. A two-day long 116th birth anniversary celebration of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur. On this auspicious occasion discussion and Photographic exhibition also organized. Addressing the 116th birth anniversary celebration of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said that the royal family was kept away from the common people in the state during the previous Government. The Tripura airport was named after Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya when the present Government came to power in the State in 2018. Moreover, his birthday has been declared as a public holiday. The Zero Island with Kaman Chaumuhani has been named as Maharaja Bir Bikram Chaumuhani and a statue of the Maharaja has been installed. The Chief Minister said that a full-length statue of the Maharaja has been installed at the Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala. Which shows the present Government’s sympathy towards the royal family of Tripura. On this auspicious occasion the Chief Minister also added that everyone has to gain trust through work. For the development of the State of Tripura, people of all castes, races, religions, castes and political thoughts should come forward Only then this state will be considered as a model state in future. He said that politics should never be used for the development of the state. We all have to carry forward the trend of overall development of Tripura state entrusted to us by Maharaja Bir Bikram, the shaper of modern Tripura. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, multifaceted decisions have been taken for the development of the caste and people of the State. He said that the State’s communication system has improved significantly in the diamond model. On the occasion, Chief Minister Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur ‘s life philosophy and career in details. Addressing the birth anniversary celebration of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, Hon’ble MP Kriti Singh Debbarma said that the members of the Tripura royal family have always worked for the welfare of the people of the State. Speaking on the occasion, MDC Prodyut Manikya Kishore Deb Barma thanked the State Government for naming the Tripura Airport after Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur. Amidst the distinguished dignitaries there were Hon’ble CEM of Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Purna Chandra Jamatia, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Tripura University Ganga Prasad Prasain and many other dignitaries were present in the birth anniversary ceremony today. After the inauguration ceremony, the Chief Minister along with other guests inaugurated the traditional food stall and the Photographic exhibition on the life philosophy of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur.

https://www.tripurastarnews.com/114th-birth-anniversary-of-maharaja-bir-bikram-kishore-manikya-bahadur-organized-by-intach-ttaadc/, August 20, 2024

The Gujarat government is set to introduce India's first submarine tourism, offering a unique opportunity for tourists to explore the mysterious marine life surrounding Bet Dwarka. This small island, with mythological significance in Hinduism, is believed to be home to a submerged city created by Lord Krishna, as per ancient texts. Submarine Tourism: A Dive into Myth and History Partnering with Mazgaon Dock Limited (MDL), the Gujarat government aims to operationalize the submarine tourism facility before Diwali in October 2024. Inspired by the Titanic submersible expedition, the project allows tourists to dive 100 meters below the sea in a specially designed submarine, mirroring the ambitious journey that recently captivated global attention.

Mythical Underwater City: According to mythological texts, Bet Dwarka hides a submerged city, intricately linked to Lord Krishna's divine creation. The official announcement of this pioneering project is eagerly anticipated at the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.

The Marvel of Dwarka: Beyond Religious Significance Dwarka, a city thronged by pilgrims due to its religious significance, houses the renowned Dwarkadhish Temple, a vital Hindu pilgrimage site. Folklore suggests that the city, where Lord Krishna once resided, submerged under the ocean millennia ago, making it inaccessible to devotees.

Boost to Tourism: Saurabh Pardhi, Managing Director of Gujarat Tourism, highlights the significance of this "different project" in enhancing tourism in the city. The initiative, led by Bhupendra Patel's government, includes a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mazagon Docks Ship Building yard to construct tourist submarines, providing access to the legendary Dwarka city.

Operational Details: A Glimpse into the Future The submarines, designed to accommodate 30 passengers, will weigh approximately 35 tonnes. Passengers, arranged in rows adjacent to window seats, will enjoy an unparalleled view of the marine life surrounding the mystical island.

Project Timeline: While an official announcement is expected at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit on January 10, 2024, the tourism facility is slated to be operational before Diwali in the same year.

Dwarka: A Tale of Mythology, History, and Archaeology
The story of the underwater Dwarka city weaves together mythology, history, and archaeology. Hindu scriptures describe Dwarka as the ancient city ruled by Lord Krishna, a prosperous metropolis adorned with palaces, temples, and gardens. Following Krishna's departure, the city met its fate under the sea, according to a sage's curse. Debates and Discoveries: While Dwarka in Gujarat remains a prominent pilgrimage site, some scholars propose the Gulf of Cambay as the true location of the ancient Dwarka. Underwater explorations in the Gulf have unveiled artifacts and structures, hinting at a submerged city that could be over 9,000 years old.

Unraveling the Mysteries: Underwater Dwarka City Despite being a subject of ongoing debates and controversies regarding its age, origin, and identity, the underwater Dwarka city captivates researchers and enthusiasts alike. Some consider it the legendary city of Krishna, while others suggest it predates the Vedic period. The authenticity of underwater findings remains a focal point for exploration into India's ancient past. Religious Significance: Dwarka, with its religious allure, attracts a significant number of tourists annually. The Dwarkadhish Temple remains a key pilgrimage destination, emphasizing the city's sacred importance. As Gujarat pioneers India's first submarine tourism, the endeavor promises not only to unveil the mysteries of Dwarka's submerged city but also to offer a novel and immersive experience for travelers seeking a blend of myth, history, and adventure.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/intach-heritage-quiz-to-be-held-on-august-9-in-visakhapatnam/article68429585.ec, August 16, 2024

Entries have to be submitted through school principals by July 31. Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Visakhapatnam is all set to organise the ‘INTACH National Heritage Quiz-2024’ for school students, at Alwar Das Public School, MVP Colony, here on August 9. The quiz is open for students of Classes 7 to 10. Entries have to be submitted through school principals by July 31, according to Sandhya Godey, program coordinator. Details can be found via D. Rajasekhar Reddy, convener (9866290915) or B. Surendra Kumar (9441887499).

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/intach-heritage-quiz-to-be-held-on-august-9-in-visakhapatnam/article68429585.ec, August 1, 2024

The Odisha chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has started a documentation campaign of Kalingan heritage sites in Andhra Pradesh. The INTACH took up the campaign as these heritage sites in the neighbouring state with Kalingan influence need proper listing and preservation. The campaign aims at highlighting these sites, ensuring their historical significance is recognised and protected. By documenting Kalingan heritage sites outside the current boundaries of Odisha, INTACH aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s historical expanse and influence. According to INTACH Odisha sources, the publishing of this documentation is expected to be completed by the end of the current year. The six-member survey team including Bishnu Mohan Adhikari, Bikram Kumar Nayak, Suman Prakash Swain, Bikash Das and Chiranjib Rout is coordinated by Deepak Kumar Nayak, co-convenor, INTACH, Cuttack Chapter.

Bishnu Mohan Adhikari, a history researcher-cum-archivist of southern Odisha who is associated with the survey, said the Kalingan heritage sites in Andhra Pradesh has a rich tapestry woven with threads of history, architecture, religion, and culture. “These historic sites collectively form a vital link to our past, offering important historical, linguistic, cultural and architectural insights. Their neglect poses a significant threat to our shared heritage. By undertaking a concerted effort to list and document these sites, we can ensure their preservation and continued appreciation by future generations,” he said. “This initiative will not only honour our history but also enrich the cultural fabric of this land and beyond. It will lay the foundation for educational enrichment, cultural appreciation and economic growth in the present and future. The ongoing effort to document Kalingan heritage sites in Andhra is a significant endeavour to preserve our cultural and historical heritage that will also act as a vital resource for future generations, researchers and scholars,” said Adhikari, who has been chosen as the only member from South Odisha who can also read, write and speak Telugu.

Many of these sites including temples, palaces, forts, caves, stupas, inscriptions and other archaeological remains having Kalingan connection are lesser-known and some of them are documented for the first time by the INTACH team. Architectural and cultural elements of the Kalinga style are prominently featured in several locations throughout Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the historical and cultural connections between these regions. “Our team has meticulously documented and catalogued numerous historic Kalingan sites, primarily situated in the North Andhra Pradesh region. Our objective is to locate and document as many Kalingan historic sites as possible in the entire state,” Project Coordinator Deepak Kumar Nayak said. Eminent historian Dr Ananataram Kar, Sitakanta Rajaguru and many intellectuals of south Odisha have welcomed this project and inclusion of Adhikari in the team. Adhikari along with a team of INTACH researchers discovered a 1700 years old neglected and dilapidated ancient Hanuman idol dating back to the 4th or 5th century at Patikota village near JITM situated on the outskirts of Paralakhemundi in Gajapati district which was lying under a tree and requested the Odisha government to initiate proper steps to preserve it.

He had also decoded a 237-year-old copper plate of the ancestors of Vikram Deb, the Maharaja of Jeypore retrieved from a metal scrap trader of Rayagada district. It was issued by the Odia king Ramachandra Deva II of Nandapur Samasthana (present day southern Odisha), the old capital of Jeypore kingdom with his signature. In 2020, he decoded copper plates with bilingual text in Odia and Telugu recovered from Sri Sailam Ghanta Mandap during renovation. Those have signatures of Kapilendra Dev and Purushottam Dev which is now under the possession of Mysore ASI. Adhikari along with members of the Kalinga Epigraphical Research Group (KERG) including Dipak Kumar Nayak, Mihir Bahinipati and Bikram Nayak have decoded 600 to 700 years old stone inscription in ‘Pancha Mahadev’ temple in Sarapari village of Tangi in Khurda district.

https://odishabytes.com/odisha-chapter-of-intach-starts-documentation-of-kalingan-heritage-sites-in-andhra-pradesh/, August 2, 2024

INTACH, Mangalore Chapter and Art Kanara Trust are organising a Hindustani classical flute concert titled ‘An Evening with Kiran Chandrashekar Hegde’ under its Baithak @ Kodialguthu Series on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Kodial Guthu Centre for Art & Culture, Ballal Bagh, Mangalore. Kiran Chandrashekar Hegde belongs to a new generation of Hindustani classical flautists.

He has achieved his unique style under the guidance of the finest acclaimed maestros of India, including Pandit Prabhakar Bhat Sirsi (vocalist), Pandit Venkatesh Godkhindi (flautist), and the world-famous violinist Padma Bhushan Dr. N. Rajam, Mumbai. He is a recipient of many awards, such as VD Paluskar Puraskar and Surmani Puraskar. He is a graded artist for All India Radio and Doordarshan, Mumbai. Bharavi Deraje will accompany him on the tabla.

https://www.mangaloretoday.com/main/INTACH-and-Art-Kanara-Trust-to-present-Hindustani-classical-flute-concert-by-Kiran-Chandrashekar-Hegde.htm, August 3, 2024

The Art and Heritage Club of St Aloysius Gonzaga School was recently honoured with the prestigious INTACH Young Achievers Award for the academic year 2023-24. This esteemed recognition was awarded for their outstanding efforts in organizing and conducting various heritage-related activities throughout the Academic Year 2023-24.

https://daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1212027, August 4, 2024

The conservation work of the British-era building has been taken up by INTACH and is expected to be completed by September. The old residence of the director of Gole Dak Khana, the historic General Post Office, on Ashoka Road is set to be restored by the end of September to ensure its cultural significance is preserved. The work on the colonial building is being executed by the Architectural Heritage Division, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Delhi chapter. An official of INTACH told Patriot that conservation of the building is currently underway and scheduled to be completed within two months. “We have repaired the windows and doors of the structure. Wherever necessary, we have also whitewashed and fixed them,” the official stated. He said that other agencies previously used to do cement plastering on the walls of the rooms which adversely impacted it. “But we have shifted to lime punning now as it is a more effective method to conserve the heritage buildings,” he said. INTACH has also undertaken terrazzo flooring work for the director’s residence. “It is mosaic flooring consisting of small pieces of marble or granite set in mortar and given high polish. It is embedded in a cementitious or epoxy matrix. The flooring is considered

antislippery,” he said. The official said that currently, they have used plywood on the outer slope of the building. “Later, we will add terracotta tiles over it to avoid water seepage,” he said adding that they have also carried out the restoration of the outer part of the building and done lime punning. They have also waterproofed the building. “The government agency which had earlier carried out restoration work here used bitumen felt sheets but we have removed them. We have done its waterproofing in a better way to ensure its safety,” he said. “We have used brick tiles, then concrete layer and finally waterproofing chemical over it,” he added. The garden of the residential building will also be renovated in the end and flowers will be planted there. Housing four rooms, two washrooms, and one kitchen, the building was the residence of the Director of Gole Dak Khana in the past. Due to lack of efforts from government agencies, the building was handed over to INTACH for restoration. The building has also served as the residence of British officials who worked in this post office during the colonial period. Built in the 1930s during British rule, Gole Dak Khana played a crucial role in the communication network of the time, serving as a central hub for postal operations. Over the years, it witnessed the city’s transformation and growth, remaining a steadfast symbol of continuity and service. The post office is located at a prime location with proximity to India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Gole Market, government residences, and offices. Besides embodying history, culture, and architecture of New Delhi, the circular shape of the structure is frequently visited by national and international tourists. It continues to function as a major post office, offering a wide range of postal services. From services like saving account schemes, insurance, Indian postal orders, booking and delivery mails, among others, the post office continues to serve thousands of customers every day despite digital despite digital communication coming into vogue.

https://thepatriot.in/heritage/delhi-gole-dak-khanas-directors-residence-set-to-be-restored-54953, August 9, 2024

An Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) team, led by Punjab convenor Major General (retd) Balwinder Singh visited the memorial of Sham Singh Attariwala, a Sikh general in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army. The team took a tour of heritage structures in Attari and shared how the organisation would host annual memorial event to celebrate the history of Attari and Sikh warrior Sham Singh Attariwala. Attariwala was born in 1790, in the home of a well-known family of Nihal Singh in the town of Attari, Amritsar. He was employed in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army and participated in numerous campaigns, including Multan and Kashmir. He was a member of Maharaja Duleep Singh’s regency council. Sham Singh was cremated outside his village on February 12, 1846. A samadh was built on the site to commemorate his death. Dr Baljit Kaur, Tarn Taran INTACH convener and Dr Harbilas Randhawa shared that on February 10 every year, the death anniversary of Sham Singh Attariwala, INTACH would be organising an event to remember the contribution of ancestors for the Sikh community. They said, “Attari is a popular tourist place as Beating the Retreat ceremony held at the Attari-Wagah border. Off late, tourists have been visiting the memorial of Sham Singh Attariwala.” INTACH to hold event to celebrate history of Attari, Sikh warrior Sham Singh Attariwala. An Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) team, led by Punjab convenor Major General (retd) Balwinder Singh visited the memorial of Sham Singh Attariwala, a Sikh general in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army. The team took a tour of heritage structures in Attari and shared how the organisation would host annual memorial event to celebrate the history of Attari and Sikh warrior Sham Singh Attariwala.

Attariwala was born in 1790, in the home of a well-known family of Nihal Singh in the town of Attari, Amritsar. He was employed in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army and participated in numerous campaigns, including Multan and Kashmir. He was a member of Maharaja Duleep Singh’s regency council. Sham Singh was cremated outside his village on February 12, 1846. A samadh was built on the site to commemorate his death. Dr Baljit Kaur, Tarn Taran INTACH convener and Dr Harbilas Randhawa shared that on February 10 every year, the death anniversary of Sham Singh Attariwala, INTACH would be organising an event to remember the contribution of ancestors for the Sikh community. They said, “Attari is a popular tourist place as Beating the Retreat ceremony held at the Attari-Wagah border. Off late, tourists have been visiting the memorial of Sham Singh Attariwala.” “There are many built heritage structures in and around the village that require attention. We will be focusing on expanding the heritage tourism potential of the village through our activities,” said Dr Baljit Kaur

The team is also visited samadh of another Sikh warrior, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia at Sri Hargobindpur (Gurdaspur) to conduct a recce for conservation on the request of the Punjab Ramgarhia foundation. Major General (retd) Balwinder Singh said two temples in Batala, where ancient wall paintings were on the verge of extinction and needed immediate preservation would be restored by the INTACH team. “The Krishna Temple at Dapaia and Batala’s ancient temple next to Achal Sahib Gurdwara would be preserved by the INTACH as we have full expertise in it,” he said.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/intach-to-hold-event-to-celebrateattaris-history-641595, August 6, 2024

The INTACH Mangaluru Chapter is set to host an enlightening talk titled "Saving Wildlife in Changing India," featuring esteemed wildlife ecologist and conservationist Dr. K. Ullas Karanth. The event will take place on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 6:00 PM at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture, located in Kodialguthu West, G.G. Road, Ballalbagh, Mangalore. Dr. Karanth, a renowned conservation zoologist and tiger expert based in Bangalore, has dedicated his career to wildlife preservation. His academic journey began with a B. Tech in Mechanical Engineering from NITK Surathkal in 1971, followed by a master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Florida in 1988, and culminating in a doctorate in Applied Zoology in 1993. Dr. Karanth’s work in wildlife conservation has garnered numerous accolades.

Notably, he received the prestigious WWF’s J. Paul Getty Award for Conservation Leadership in 2007, the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2010, and the Padma Shri Award in 2012, recognizing his significant contributions to the field. The upcoming talk promises to provide valuable insights into the challenges and strategies involved in wildlife conservation in India. Attendees can expect to hear Dr. Karanth share his vast expertise and experiences, shedding light on the evolving landscape of conservation efforts across the country. This event presents a unique opportunity for the public, conservation enthusiasts, and professionals to engage with one of the leading figures in wildlife conservation. The INTACH Mangaluru Chapter invites everyone to attend this informative session and join the conversation on preserving India’s rich biodiversity.

. https://www.mangaloretoday.com/mainnewsprint/Dr-K-Ullas-Karanth-to-delivertalk-on-Wildlife-Conservation-in-Mangaluru-tomorrow.html, August 6, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the development a "matter of immense joy and pride for India." ‘Moidams’ – the mound-burial system of the Ahom Dynasty from Assam – have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The announcement was made on Friday during the ongoing session of the World Heritage Committee in Delhi. With Moidams entering the coveted list, India now has 43 heritage properties bearing the prestigious tag. It is the first culture site from Assam to be bestowed the inscription. Earlier, Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary were inscribed under the Natural category in 1985. The Moidams of Choraideo, which celebrate and preserve royal lineage through colossal architecture, are comparable to the pyramids of Egyptian pharaohs and royal graves in ancient China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the development as a ‘matter of immense joy and pride for India’. “The Moidams at Charaideo showcase the glorious Ahom culture, which places utmost reverence to ancestors. I hope more people learn about the great Ahom rule and culture. Glad that the Moidams join the #WorldHeritage List,” he posted on the microblogging site ‘X’. The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee being held in Delhi will examine 27 nominations from around the world, including 19 cultural sites, four natural sites, and two mixed sites. Addressing a press conference soon after the announcement, union culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that this historic recognition brings global attention to the unique 700-year-old mound burial system of the Ahom Kings at Charaideo, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Assam and the country.

“As we celebrate this achievement, it is essential to encourage visitors to explore the beauty and historical significance of the Moidams. Visiting Charaideo offers a glimpse into the region’s opulent history and the grandeur of the Ahom dynasty. Tourists can marvel at the architectural brilliance and the meticulous preservation efforts that have kept these structures intact,” he said. Vishal V Sharma, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO, had visited the site of the necropolis in March. Moidams, a royal mound burial site created by the Tai-Ahom is situated in the foothills of the Patkai Ranges in eastern Assam. These burial mounds are considered sacred by the Tai-Ahom and reflect their unique funerary practices. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “This is huge. The Moidams make it to the UNESCO World Heritage list under the category Cultural Property - a great win for Assam.” He said the Moidams of Charaideo embody the deep spiritual belief, rich civilisational heritage and architectural prowess of Assam’s Tai-Ahom community

. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Jul/27/assams-moidams-on-unesco-world-heritage-list, August 6, 2024

Convener of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Mangaluru chapter Subhas Basu has urged students to develop a love for nature with an open mind. Addressing students during the orientation-2024 day at Gandhian Centre for Philosophical Arts and Sciences, MAHE, at Manipal recently, Mr. Basu said our ‘love of arts’ need to be embedded with ‘love of nature.’ “Just that we need to understand arts with their context which can make different sense,” he felt. Describing ecososphy, aesthetics, peace and art media as the ‘need of the hour’, he complimented GCPAS and its students for keeping these concerns alive.

Aditi Art Gallery founder Kiran Acharya emphasised the need for liberal arts in the present day, as more and more students are disengaging from medicine and engineering. Art Journalist S.R. Ramakrishna explained the necessities of art journalism. Bashabi Fraser emphasised the strength of art and literature. GCPAS Head Varadesh Hiregange said not just the students, but the world at large needs to be oriented towards ecosophy, aesth

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/basu-urges-students-to-develop-love-for-nature-with-open-mind/article68550644.ece, August 19, 2024

Dindigul, the largest district in Tamil Nadu, has long been a hotbed of archaeological discoveries, including rock art, tools and burial sites. Recently, 4,000-year-old stone cupules from the megalithic era, possibly dug to indicate a funeral or ritual, were discovered in the area. According to Archaeological researcher Dr Narayanamurthy, a stone structure seemingly a dolmen was found at the site which had roughly arranged rocks with depressions on them. He shared that the cupules are one of the oldest sculpting techniques known to man. The dolmen contained forty-four cupules distributed in three clusters. Each cupule measured 0.5 cm to 4 cm in depth and 3 cm to 8cm in width, reported TOI.

These cupules have been discovered in three clusters: one with 28, another with seven and a third with nine. Some of the cupules are also linked with a line. He mentioned that similar cupules had been discovered in Bolivia, England and France. The dolmen also had 131 lines carved on them, each 3 cm to 4 cm long and divided into seven sections, which could have been drawn with an iron nail. As per the archaeologist, these lines were meant to represent a community. When water is poured into one pit, all the pits will be filled with water through these lines. Narayanamurthy also requested that the Archaeology department should study and protect these 4000-year-old stone pits. Locals in Dindigul worship Karuppasamy, a revered deity in Southern India. Dr Narayanamurthy, who studied the Karuppasamy structure, said it was a monument built during the Stone Age era and is dedicated to a deceased soldier or warrior. The symbols crafted on it may have been set up as a memorial to the death of the leader or a commander. In other news, a 16th-century stone inscription on a sluice depicting a man digging a tank and a channel to supply water to a community was also discovered near Palani in the Dindigul district.

https://www.news18.com/india/archaeologists-discover-4000-year-old-ancient-stone-cupules-in-tamil-nadus-dindigul-9028521.html, August 22, 2024