The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), and with the support of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies hosted a one-day awareness and engagement event today at the Rangers’ College, here. This initiative is part of the broader Gaj Utsav – Gaj Lok series, which seeks to highlight the ecological and cultural significance of elephants while fostering a deeper understanding of human–elephant coexistence.

Rooted in both tangible and intangible heritage, the collaboration with INTACH brings forward narratives of oral traditions, rituals, and indigenous practices that reflect long-standing relationships between communities and elephants. A key highlight of the day was the Bala Gaja session—a bespoke engagement designed for young learners. "Bala Gaja" (meaning children and elephants) focuses on nurturing early awareness and empathy by blending conservation education with creative expression. In alignment with INTACH’s emphasis on cultural heritage, the session connects traditional art forms with contemporary conservation messaging, encouraging children to explore the human–elephant relationship through hands-on experiences.

The Bala Gaja session will feature a series of interactive workshops: Origami by Kalyani Voletti, Head of Visual Arts at Suncity School, an accomplished art educator known for her contributions to visual arts education and curated student exhibitions. Gond Art by Japani Shyam, a distinguished contemporary artist and recipient of the Rajya Hasta Shilp Puraskar, recognised for her work in preserving and evolving Gond traditions.

Clay Modelling by Ashish Verma of Nature’s Buddy, where students will create elephant forms while learning about conservation. One of the major highlights of the event was a nukkad natak (street play) performed by the community of Jim Corbett Heritage Village, Kaladhungi, who have been working on the Fatepur - Gadgadiya corridor, which effectively portrayed the issue of human–elephant conflict and the need for harmonious coexistence. The performance used powerful storytelling and local narratives to connect with the audience and convey conservation messages in an accessible format. The students were given a guided tour by Anjali Bharthari, PhD, Co-convenor, INTACH, Uttarakhand, on the diverse exhibition on elephants, showcasing their ecological importance, cultural significance, and the challenges they face in the modern landscape.

Students had the opportunity to explore the role of elephants as keystone species and their deep-rooted presence in art, mythology, and traditions. The programme also included an open mic session, “Stories for the Wild", providing students a platform to express their perspectives through poetry, storytelling, and short talks inspired by wildlife and coexistence. These activities encouraged both creativity and cultural appreciation, linking conservation with indigenous art practices said Abhishek Rawat of the Nature Buddy Society working on elephant corridor of Thano with the schools and communities. Further enriching the programme were recitation sessions and storytelling segments centred on elephants. Overall, the Bal Mela under Gaj Utsav successfully created an immersive learning environment that combined education, culture, and creativity.

By engaging students through multiple mediums, the event contributed to building awareness, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards elephants and their conservation said Saymanti Bandyopadhyay, Manager and Head, Natural Heritage Campaigns, Wildlife Trust of India who is leading this initiative with INTACH across the country. Students from Army Public School, Birpur, Brooklyn School, MKP, LDA Junior High School, AASRA trust, Universal Academy, Green Valley Public School, Doon International, Kasiga School and Doon Presidency attended the event. Neelima Sah, AIG Forest, Regional Office, Ministry of Environment and Forest & Climate Change, felicitated the student winners of the open mic event.

https://garhwalpost.in/awareness-event-held-in-doon-under-bal-gaj-utsav-series/, May 1, 2026

Vedakumar Manikonda, a noted heritage conservationist from Hyderabad, has been elected to the National Executive Committee of INTACH for a three-year term. Already a member of the Governing Council, his inclusion in the Executive Committee strengthens South India’s representation in national heritage initiatives.

Noted heritage conservationist from Hyderabad, Vedakumar Manikonda has been elected to the National Executive Committee of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). On Friday, at the INTACH Headquarters in New Delhi, Vedakumar Manikonda, who was recently elected to the Governing Council of INTACH for a three-year term (2026–2029), has now been further elected to the prestigious National Executive Committee of INTACH for a period of three years.

The announcement was made by INTACH Chairman Ashok Singh Thakur in the presence of Member Secretary Ravindra Singh (Retd. IAS officer). Vedakumar Manikonda is among the few from South India to be elected to the National Executive Committee of INTACH for a three-year term. The recognition highlights not only his individual contributions but also the growing representation and importance of South India in national heritage initiatives, a press release said.

With decades of service in the fields of cultural heritage, conservation, and academic engagement, Vedakumar Manikonda’s presence in the Executive Committee will strengthen INTACH’s mission and expand its outreach across the country.

https://telanganatoday.com/hyderabads-vedakumar-manikonda-elected-to-intachs-national-executive-committee, May 2, 2026

Young artists revive 500-year-old Mandi Kalam painting tradition. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Mandi Chapter, has organised a special event to unveil the Vikram Samvat 2083 calendar, showcasing the revival of the historic Mandi Kalam painting style. The calendar features artworks created by young artists trained under a six-month project aimed at preserving the centuries-old tradition. The initiative focused on reviving the 500-year-old Mandi Kalam art form to ensure it does not fade into obscurity.

Young artists including Vishakha, Saloni, Amit Gupta, Dimple, Suman Sharma and Sheela Devi were trained by noted Mandi Kalam expert Rajesh Kumar. The training, along with art materials, was supported by the INTACH Mandi Chapter. Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, who unveiled the calendar, praised the artists for their efforts and stressed the importancse of preserving cultural heritage. He said the district administration would extend support to promote traditional art forms and encouraged youth to actively participate in advancing Mandi’s cultural legacy as a movement.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/intach-unveils-vikram-samvat-2083-calendar-in-mandi/, May 3, 2026

INTACH Jalandhar chapter organised a seminar at Kalyanpur village, which was dedicated to Dr Dalbag Singh Athwal, the renowned wheat scientist. The aim of seminar was to address pressing issues of Punjab like depletion of water level, increase in salinity of soil, diversification of crop pattern and improving the forest cover. Harpreet Singh Bal, INTACH Jalandhar chapter convener, mentioned, "We are making efforts to address these issues at the grass root level".

A talk was held on conservation of water and soil which urgently need to be addressed. It was delivered by Jaswinder Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer of Jalandhar. Diversification of crops to save water was covered by expert Damandeep Singh. Horticulture Development Officer Prince Kumar talked in detail about potato seeds and potato-related varieties. Maj Gen Balwinder Singh, Punjab State Convener, said, "We need to convince our farmers to go for alternative crops in a scientific way so that we are able to maintain balance of yield, quality and economic viability." He remembered Dr Athwal saying, "He was known for Kalyan Sona variety and his invaluable contribution to the Green Revolution.

He was an associate of Norman Borlaug, a renowned biologist and Nobel Laureate, with whom he had collaborated for the introduction of high-yielding dwarf varieties of wheat." Harpreet Singh Bal too recalled Dr Athwal's works, "Popularly known as father of wheat revolution, he was instrumental in developing 'PV 18' in 1966 and the most popular wheat variety 'Kalyan Sona' in 1967.

The University of Sydney conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on him in 1955 for his contributions to agriculture and in 1964, he received Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the highest Indian award in the science category. The Government of India awarded him the third highest civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan, in 1975, for his contributions to biological science. He is fondly remembered by his village as a hard and sincerest student, scientist and great human being."

https://m.dailyhunt.in/news/india/english/the+tribune-epaper-thetribt/intach+pays+tribute+to+father+of+wheat+revolution+dr+athwal-newsid-n708137965, May 4, 2026

The Department of Punjabi, Central University of Punjab, in collaboration with INTACH Punjab Chapter and INTACH Bathinda Chapter, organized a one-day national seminar on April 24, 2026. The seminar, titled "Teachings and Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: Universal Relevance," was held as part of a series of events commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The seminar was conducted under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari. The keynote address was delivered by distinguished Punjabi scholar Dr. Manmohan Singh, Professor of Eminence at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar and former IPS officer.

The special lecture was delivered by Prof. Paramvir Singh of the Sikh Encyclopaedia Department, Punjabi University, Patiala. Major General (Retd.) Balwinder Singh, Convener of INTACH Punjab Chapter, and Sh. Kanwar Bhim Singh, Convener of INTACH Bathinda Chapter, graced the occasion as special guests. The academic sessions were chaired by Prof. Dr. Satnam Singh Jassal (former Head, Punjabi University Regional Centre, Bathinda), Prof. Rajinder Singh (Punjabi Department, Regional Centre, Bathinda), and Prof. Naresh Kumar (Head, Department of Punjabi and Dogri, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala), who also evaluated the research papers presented during the seminar. The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. Ramakrishna Wusirika, Dean (Academic Affairs) of the University.

In his keynote address, Dr. Manmohan Singh delineated the historical evolution of the concept of martyrdom and highlighted the distinctive nature of the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. He observed that the martyrdom was not merely religious in character but also possessed significant political and economic dimensions. It was undertaken to uphold the right of others to practice their faith and to respond to the religious intolerance of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He further emphasized the necessity of critically re-examining Sikh history beyond colonial interpretations and shared important insights regarding the Sikh martyrs who laid down their lives alongside the Guru. In his special address, Prof. Paramvir Singh offered a concise exposition of the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, noting that the Guru exemplified in practice the principles articulated in his Bani.

He stated that the Guru imparted a sense of fearlessness and liberated people from the fear of death, thereby instilling a consciousness of dignified living. He further remarked that the seeds of the creation of the Khalsa were inherent in the Guru's martyrdom. Major General (Retd.) Balwinder Singh elaborated upon the objectives of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), underscoring the importance of preserving historical sites associated with Sikh heritage and promoting Sikh philosophy. He stressed the need to create greater awareness among the younger generation regarding the rich cultural heritage of India and the universal relevance of the teachings and sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus. In his presidential address, Prof. Ramakrishna Wusirika commended the Department of Punjabi for organizing the seminar and informed the audience about the proposed establishment of the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Centre for Studies in Indic Civilization and Religious Studies at the University. The Centre proposes to introduce postgraduate programmes such as M.A. in Religious Studies and M.A. in Civilization Studies from the forthcoming academic session.

The seminar received more than 70 registrations, and selected research papers were presented across three academic sessions. The presentations examined diverse aspects of the life, teachings, and martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. In his remarks, Prof. Satnam Singh Jassal discussed the historic journey of Bhai Jaita Ji in carrying the sacred head of the Guru to Kiratpur Sahib. Prof. Rajinder Singh highlighted the unparalleled nature of the Guru's martyrdom, describing it as a seminal moment in the history of human rights. During the third, online session, Prof. Naresh Kumar advised researchers to strengthen their scholarly work through rigorous use of references and evidence.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by the Head of the Department, Dr. Amandeep Singh, followed by an introduction to the seminar by Prof. Ramanpreet Kaur. The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Sarabjit Singh. Assistant Professors Dr. Satpreet Singh Jassal and Gurpreet Kaur proposed the vote of thanks. Research scholars and students of the Department of Punjabi actively contributed to the successful organization of the event. Faculty members, researchers, and students from various departments of the University, along with participants from nearby colleges and universities and members of INTACH Bathinda, were present on the occasion.

https://m.dailyhunt.in/news/india/english/5+dariya+news+english-epaper-dariyaen/national+seminar+dedicated+to+sri+guru+tegh+bahadur+ji+organized+at+central+university+of+punjab+in+collaboration+with+intach-newsid-n709930009, May 7, 2026

Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI's) epigraphy division has decoded a 5th century CE Sanskrit inscription in Brahmi characters on a seal from Pakistan, identifying it as belonging to a Saiva temple dedicated to Svami Kotesvara at Devadaruvana, the forest of Himalayan cedar trees. ASI epigraphy wing head K Muniratnam Reddy said the inscription, incised on the seal, reads: "Devadaruvane Svami Kotesvarah." The seal was shared with ASI by Francoise Mandeville of Hong Kong.

According to the ASI epigraphy division, the seal could be regarded as the oldest inscriptional and artistic depiction of the legend of Siva roaming in the Devadaru forest as described in the Skandapurana. The finding adds to a set of Pakistan-origin inscriptions decoded by ASI epigraphy division in recent months. In 2024, the division decoded a 4th century CE Sanskrit inscription in Brahmi script from outside Gilgit in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Muniratnam Reddy translated it as referring to Pushpasingha installing a Mahesvaralinga for the merit of his guru, whose name was partly lost. Around five months before the Gilgit finding, ASI had also decoded a fragmentary 10th century CE inscription on a slab found near Peshawar. Reddy said it was in Sanskrit using Sharada characters and appeared to refer to Buddhist Dharani chants, with the sixth line mentioning "Da Dha rini".

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/archaeological-survey-of-india-decodes-5th-century-seal-from-pakistan/articleshowprint/130556993.cms, May 8, 2026

World Heritage Day 2026 was celebrated with great enthusiasm and intellectual engagement in Leh under the theme "Ancient Art, Modern Challenges: Safeguarding Petroglyphs and Shaping Tourism Circuits in Ladakh." The day-long programme was organised by the Department of Tourism & Culture, Union Territory of Ladakh, in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Mini Circle Leh, and the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF), Ladakh.

On the occasion, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena' laid the foundation stone for India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat, on the banks of the Indus River in Leh.

The park is envisaged as a dedicated conservation and interpretation space for Ladakh's centuries-old rock carvings (petroglyphs), many of which are facing threats from unregulated tourism, infrastructure development, climate stress, and lack of awareness. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor described petroglyphs as "open-air museums" and "civilisations carved on stone," representing an unbroken record of human history from prehistoric times to later historic and Buddhist periods. He emphasised that the conservation of ancient heritage must be treated as an ethical responsibility and integrated into development planning.

He also highlighted Ladakh’s status as a repository of ancient heritage, hosting one of South and Central Asia’s most extensive collections of prehistoric rock art. On the occasion, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh first inaugurated the Ladakh Rock Art Photo Exhibition at The Zen Hotel, Leh, showcasing visual documentation of Ladakh’s rich prehistoric and historic rock art heritage.

He also released the Ladakh Rock Art Handbook, which comprehensively documents the region’s diverse archaeological legacy and ongoing research on petroglyphs. Following the inauguration of the exhibition, the one‑day workshop titled “ANCIENT ART, MODERN CHALLENGES: Safeguarding Petroglyphs and Shaping Tourism Circuits in Ladakh” formally commenced at the same venue with academic sessions and technical deliberations.

Subsequently, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, UT Ladakh, and the Archaeological Survey of India, aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and joint interventions for the long‑term preservation and conservation of Ladakh’s heritage for future generations.
ACADEMIC & TECHNICAL SESSIONS
The one-day workshop featured a series of academic and technical sessions, bringing together eminent archaeologists, scientists, anthropologists, and heritage professionals to deliberate on Ladakh’s prehistoric rock art, its cultural significance, and the challenges of conservation in modern times.

Session I: Marks of Time – Journey into Prehistory and Rock Art of Ladakh
Speaker 1: Shri Janhwij Sharma, Additional Director General, Archaeological Survey of India
Topic: Bridging Traditional Wisdom and Scientific Approaches in Petroglyph Conservation
Shri Janhwij Sharma provided a comprehensive orientation on petroglyphs, outlining their archaeological importance and increasing vulnerabilities. He emphasised the urgent need for scientifically grounded conservation protocols and detailed systematic steps for effective preservation. He also highlighted the importance of integrating traditional wisdom and community knowledge with modern archaeological conservation practices.
Speaker 2: Prof. Tashi Ldawa, Associate Professor, Zoology Department, Government EJM College, Leh
Topic: Rock Art of Ladakh: Distribution and Status
Prof. Tashi Ldawa spoke on rock art as an integral part of the Ladakhi landscape, explaining the vast scale and geographic spread of petroglyph sites across the region. He highlighted the significance of rock art as both a cultural and ecological archive and elaborated on major challenges related to documentation, environmental exposure, and long-term preservation.

Speaker 3: Dr. Niraj Rai, Head – Ancient DNA Research, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow
Topic: Rock Art as Evidence of Early Human Presence and Prehistoric Cultural Traditions
Dr. Niraj Rai presented archaeogenetic perspectives on early human presence in Ladakh. His presentation covered modern human evolution, DNA ancestry, genetic diversity among Indian populations, and the genetic history of Kargil and the Aryan Valley. He highlighted Ladakh’s complex genetic admixture, reflecting Tibetan, North Indian, and Central Asian influences over the past three millennia.

Moderator: Dr. Nandini Bhattacharya Sahoo, Joint Director General (Archaeology), ASI, who summarised the discussions and contextualised the scientific insights presented during the session.
Session II: Contours of Change - Rock Art from Early Historic to Post-Tibetan Ladakh

Speaker 1: Dr. Nandini Bhattacharya Sahoo, Joint Director General (Archaeology), ASI Topic: Rock Art: A General Viewpoint
Dr. Nandini Bhattacharya Sahoo discussed rock art from a broader archaeological perspective, focusing on dating techniques such as patination studies, weathering analysis, and microerosion methods. Drawing comparative references from sites like the Gawilgarh Hills, she explained the methodological challenges involved in dating rock art and stressed the necessity of interdisciplinary research.

Speaker 2: Shri Viraf Mehta, Anthropologist
Topic: Rock Art of Ladakh: Archaeological and Cultural Significance Shri Viraf Mehta traced the history of rock art research in Ladakh and emphasised that many sites remain undiscovered. He shared insights from his early fieldwork, underlining Ladakh’s distinction as the only Union Territory in India richly endowed with rock art and petroglyphs. He stressed the importance of exploring transnational cultural linkages to better understand prehistoric exchanges and migration routes.
Moderator: Prof. Tashi Ldawa, who summarised the session and underscored the need for extensive documentation and sustained academic engagement.
Session III: Sacred Imprints – Early Buddhist Expressions in Rock Art
Speaker 1: Shri Gulzar Hussain, Assistant Professor, Government Degree College, Kargil
Topic: Heritage of Ladakh: Between Tradition and Modernity
Shri Gulzar Hussain highlighted that while Ladakh is often perceived as timeless, it is undergoing rapid transformation. He described heritage as a dynamic process shaped by development, tourism, and globalization, and discussed how cultural traditions adapt within modern life while maintaining identity and continuity.

Speaker 2: Dr. Sonam Spalzin, Archaeological Survey of India, Leh
Topic: Interpretation of Buddhist Symbols and Motifs in Rock Art
Dr. Sonam Spalzin discussed the evolution of petroglyph studies in Ladakh, focusing on dating methods, pre-Buddhist cultural layers, the influence of Buddhism, and the continuity of motifs into later Buddhist art traditions. She highlighted the role of ancient trade routes in cultural exchange and outlined key threats to these sacred expressions.

Moderator: Dr. Dileep, Assistant Professor, Rock Art Division, IGNCA, New Delhi, who synthesised the discussions and placed them within a broader national and international framework.

Session IV: Challenges, Opportunities & Solutions
Speaker 1: Dr. Sonam Wangchuk, Founder, Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation
Topic: Challenges of Heritage Conservation in Ladakh
Dr. Sonam Wangchuk spoke on the complex challenges of heritage conservation in Ladakh, emphasising community participation, pressures from development and modernization, restoration practices lacking conservation norms, absence of clear guidelines, and the need for emergency response mechanisms for living heritage in contexts of conflict and natural disasters.

Speaker 2: Dr. Richa Negi, Head of Department, Rock Art Division, IGNCA
Topic: Learning from Global Research: Best Practices and Adaptable Models for Ladakh
Dr. Richa Negi shared IGNCA’s global research experiences and collaborations, highlighting field documentation of rock art sites in Ladakh. She discussed natural deterioration processes and human-induced factors contributing to conservation and preservation challenges, stressing the importance of adaptable, context-specific models.

Speaker 3: Dr. Meenakshi Dubey Pathak, Expert Member, ICOMOS
Topic: Ibex and Beliefs in Ladakh Petroglyphs
Dr. Meenakshi Dubey Pathak presented a forward-looking vision for the conservation of rock art, with a special focus on the symbolic and cultural significance of the ibex in Ladakh’s petroglyphs. Emphasising that rock art is increasingly at risk, she underlined the need for a structured and holistic conservation approach. In this context, she outlined the four pillars of rock art conservation policy and practice, namely: fostering public and political awareness, establishing effective management systems, ensuring robust physical and cultural conservation practices, and promoting active community involvement with shared benefits, stressing that sustainable preservation can only be achieved through the active participation of local communities alongside institutional support.

OPEN HOUSE SESSION:
DELIBERATIONS AND WAY FORWARD
The programme concluded with an Open House Session, which witnessed active participation from community members, scholars, students, and institutional representatives.
The session provided an interactive platform for dialogue on the preservation of Ladakh's rock art and broader heritage assets. Participants raised key concerns regarding the need for clear preservation policies, legal mechanisms to address vandalism and destruction of heritage sites, financial and technical support for villages, inclusion of local languages in heritage outreach programmes, protection of remote and lesser-known heritage corridors, education and curriculum reforms, and the importance of treating heritage conservation as a year-round responsibility rather than a one-day observance.

The Open House Session was moderated by Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Tourism and Culture, UT Ladakh, along with Shri Janhwij Sharma, Additional Director General, Archaeological Survey of India, and Dr. Sonam Wangchuk, Founder, Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation, who collectively responded to the queries and observations raised during the discussion.

Responding to the deliberations, Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, stated that the workshop should be viewed not as a race but as a padyatra, a long collective journey that requires time, commitment, and sustained collaboration. He emphasised that a comprehensive heritage conservation roadmap would be prepared and published soon in consultation with all stakeholders and partner institutions. He also highlighted the need for gradual and sustained awareness-building, requesting the speakers to submit concise synopses of their presentations for wider dissemination.

Shri Rodrigues informed that Ladakh Heritage Guidelines and Rules would soon be formulated and placed in the public domain for community consultation, addressing the present lack of a formal regulatory framework. He further announced that Kumuk village is proposed to be declared Ladakh’s first Heritage Village, following the local community’s commitment to eco-sensitive practices, including avoiding cement in construction and adopting a car-free village model. Addressing the forum, Shri Janhwij Sharma, Additional Director General, ASI, stated that all stakeholders had gathered with a shared long-term vision for heritage protection.

He stressed the importance of a clear division of responsibilities between the Archaeological Survey of India and the UT Administration for the protection and management of heritage sites. He underscored that communities must play a central role by cordoning off vulnerable sites, installing signage, and taking ownership of preservation initiatives. Clarifying regulatory aspects, he noted that minor construction for basic amenities such as water facilities is permissible near ASI-protected sites, subject to official permission. Dr. Sonam Wangchuk, Founder of the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation, addressed the youth and emphasised their crucial role as future custodians of Ladakh’s heritage.

He assured that more such workshops and outreach programmes would be organised in the future, particularly in local languages, to ensure wider community understanding and participation. The World Heritage Day 2026 celebrations concluded with a shared commitment from institutions, experts, and communities to safeguard Ladakh’s ancient art through collaboration, awareness, community participation, and sustainable planning, ensuring that this priceless cultural legacy is preserved for generations to come.

https://ladakh.gov.in/world-heritage-day-2026-celebrated-in-leh-with-scholarly-focus-on-safeguarding-ladakhs-ancient-rock-art/, May 12, 2026

The tour, led by Deepika Gandhi, Convenor of INTACH Chandigarh, drew enthusiastic participation from citizens across age groups. In a vibrant celebration of heritage and discovery, INTACH Chandigarh organised a special guided tour of the Jeanneret Museum on Sunday to mark World Museum Day on May 18. The initiative aimed at reconnecting city residents with the architectural legacy of Pierre Jeanneret and fostering greater civic engagement with Chandigarh’s unique cultural narrative. The tour, led by Deepika Gandhi, Convenor of INTACH Chandigarh, drew enthusiastic participation from citizens across age groups. Participants were taken through the historic house where Jeanneret lived for over 11 years, which was meticulously restored to its original condition in 2017 and converted into a museum dedicated to the Swiss architect’s life and work.

Gandhi highlighted Jeanneret’s profound contribution to the making of Chandigarh and emphasised that the true worth of a museum lies not in its grandeur but in the depth of its stories and its integral place in the city’s history. Attendees were shown rare black-and-white photographs of early Chandigarh and gained insights into the design philosophy behind the city’s housing, educational institutions, Panjab University, and the iconic Chandigarh furniture.

The tour evoked a strong sense of wonder, particularly among children from NGO Project Udaan and young students. The event also saw active participation from retired bureaucrats, senior university professors, and long-time residents. Thoughtful interactions during and after the tour, accompanied by refreshments, turned the visit into an engaging intergenerational dialogue on Chandigarh’s identity and architectural heritage. Vivek Atray, Co-Convenor of INTACH Chandigarh, expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming response. “We are now planning a series of future events and curated heritage experiences to engage all sections of society and promote the art, culture, and heritage of Chandigarh in more meaningful and accessible ways."

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/intach-chandigarh-world-museum-day-pierre-jeanneret-museum-guided-tour-10695068/, May 18, 2026

Museums are not just centres for preserving ancient artifacts; they are living repositories of knowledge that reflect the evolution of civilization, stated Dr Nookasani Balaji, Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC). He emphasised the importance of preserving and passing on cultural and historical wealth to future generations as a valuable legacy. International Museum Day celebrations were held at the Bapu Museum here on Monday.

The district administration, in collaboration with the Tourism Department, Archaeology Department, INTACH, Jignasa Art Verse, RTIH, Shreyas Media, and several cultural and heritage organisations, organised a series of special programmes at the museum. A Heritage Walk was conducted from Bapu Museum to the Mogalarajapuram Caves, with several officials actively participating.

Dr Balaji, along with State Creative and Culture Committee Chairperson Tejaswi Podapati, district collector Dr G Lakshmisha, and Archaeology and Museums In-charge Commissioner P Suresh, paid floral tributes to the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Pingali Venkayya, and other freedom fighters. They also planted saplings and visited a special photo exhibition organised on the museum premises. In his address to the gathering, Dr Balaji highlighted the crucial role museums play in educating younger generations about the state’s rich culture, history, and heritage. He noted that historical heritage serves as an inspiration for future generations and stressed that children should learn about the grandeur of Indian heritage instead of limiting themselves to academic pursuits. Tejaswi Podapati described museums as centres of knowledge that preserve history and culture.

District collector Dr Lakshmisha announced that competitions such as Heritage on Canvas, My City Stories, heritage quiz, and heritage photography contest were part of the celebrations, along with intellectual discussions and cultural activities. Guided tours and laser show at the Bapu Museum offered memorable experiences to visitors, he added. The collector stated that these programmes aim to build a “Vibrant Vijayawada" and a "Vibrant Andhra Pradesh.” Among those present were INTACH Vijayawada Chapter Convener and historian Sai Papineni, District Tourism Officer A Shilpa, Archaeology Deputy Directors M Ramasubba Reddy and Ishaq, Assistant Directors S Venkata Rao, K Narasimha Naidu, and Shivakumar, and District Youth Welfare Officer Dr Kolleti Ramesh.

https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/international-museum-day-celebrations-held-at-bapu-museum-1077009, May 19, 2026

A national workshop on heritage documentation and volunteering organized by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) at Government College for Women M.A. Road generated enthusiastic participation from students and focused on encouraging youth engagement in heritage preservation and cultural documentation. The workshop witnessed extensive discussions on how young people can actively contribute to preserving heritage through documenting oral histories, recording family narratives and identifying cultural assets embedded within communities and everyday life.

Participants shared ideas and perspectives on heritage awareness, with organizers describing the response as energetic and insightful. The discussions underscored that heritage is not limited to monuments or historical sites but remains deeply connected to people’s lived experiences, traditions and collective memory. Speaking on the occasion, Yasmin Farooq highlighted the importance of heritage education and action in shaping awareness and responsibility among students.

She said engagement with heritage strengthens identity and promotes a deeper understanding of society and culture among young learners. Purnima Dutt delivered a detailed presentation on India’s natural and built heritage and emphasized the urgent need for its conservation. She also stressed the role educational institutions can play in fostering a culture of preservation and community participation. During the workshop, speakers also discussed the broader relevance of heritage education in intellectual and personal development.

Heritage learning, participants were told, helps build observation skills, critical thinking and a stronger connection with one's surroundings. One of the major outcomes of the workshop was the decision to establish a Heritage Club at the college with active student participation. The initiative will be mentored by Dr. Saba. Organizers said the Heritage Club would help sustain the momentum generated during the workshop and provide students with a platform to engage in documentation, conservation and awareness activities related to local heritage and culture.

https://ziraattimes.com/2026/05/intach-workshop-at-womens-college-m-a-road-highlights-youth-role-in-heritage-preservation/, May 19, 2026

The heritage walk was jointly organised by the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) and the Sambhajinagar chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). Residents, students, heritage enthusiasts, and local historians took part in the event.

More than 250 residents participated in the Begumpura Heritage Walk organised in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Sunday to create awareness about the city’s history, culture, and architectural heritage.

The heritage walk was jointly organised by the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) and the Sambhajinagar chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). Residents, students, heritage enthusiasts, and local historians took part in the event. Walk Began At 7 AM…
The walk began at 7 am from Thathe Haud in the Begumpura area on the outskirts of the city. Participants were guided through several historic locations and traditional neighbourhoods while learning about the cultural significance of the area. INTACH members Sanket Kulkarni and Aditya Waghmare explained the historical importance of the sites visited during the walk. They informed participants that the Haud is a strong example of mediaeval-era water management systems and architecture.

About The Walk
The participants later walked through the narrow lanes of Begumpura and observed old houses, temples, and traditional structures. Organisers said the temples reflected the social unity and architectural style of earlier times. Residents were also introduced to Patel Wada, which was described as a living example of Mughal-era architecture and lifestyle. Many participants were seen taking photographs and interacting with local experts during the walk. At Hanuman Vyayam Shala, participants were informed about the city's long-standing wrestling tradition and the role of traditional gymnasiums in local culture.

The heritage walk concluded at Kumbhar Galli, an area known for its pottery-making tradition. Participants were given information about traditional kilns and the centuries-old practice of manufacturing earthenware in the locality. Local artisans interacted with residents and shared details about their work and heritage. Dr Hansraj Dongare also explained the historical importance of Kumbhar Galli.

Key Attendees…
Mayor Sameer Rajurkar, Municipal Commissioner Amol Yedge, Deputy Commissioner Ankush Pandhare, and INTACH convenor Maya Vaidya were among those present during the event. Speaking on the occasion, Rajurkar said the heritage walk was a unique initiative that connected residents, especially the youth, with the city’s history and traditions. He said the large participation showed the deep interest of citizens in preserving the city’s cultural heritage. Maya Vaidya said historic buildings were not just structures made of stone but symbols of the city’s social and cultural identity. She added that such initiatives would help pass on the city’s history to future generations.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/over-250-residents-join-begumpura-heritage-walk-in-chhatrapati-sambhajinagar, May 20, 2026

World Bee Day is observed on May 20, and the city is marking the occasion with a series of awareness programmes focused on bee conservation, coexistence and sustainable beekeeping, at a time when declining bee populations are becoming a growing ecological concern. At the Central Bee Research Institute, beekeeping expert Amit Godse will conduct a session for aspiring beekeepers at 10am on Wednesday, aimed particularly at farmers and young people interested in entering the field of apiculture.

"Many youngsters and agrarians want to understand how to begin beekeeping professionally, but they do not know where to start,” Godse says. “This session is meant to share practical experiences and explain how they can move forward in a sustainable and scientific way."

Awareness efforts extend beyond commercial beekeeping into changing how urban residents perceive bees themselves. Bee conservationist Devendra Jani, founder of the Bee The Lead initiative, has been conducting educational sessions across schools, colleges, corporate spaces and housing societies to encourage coexistence with pollinators vital to biodiversity and food production. On May 23, Jani will conduct a session at the Rupa Rahul Bajaj Centre of Art in Pune, where participants can hold an emptied bee hive in their hands and examine the hive structure to understand the roles of worker bees and queen bees. "Most people only associate bees with honey or stings, but there is an entire world beyond that.

Through my sessions, I try to introduce people to different kinds of bees and their fascinating behaviour,” said Jani. His workshops focus on lesser-known species such as leaf cutter bees, which create circular patterns on leaves, solitary carpenter bees that drill into wood, and so on. “Many of these bees are losing their habitats because mud walls, old wood and open spaces are disappearing from cities," he said. Jani will also teach participants how to create "bee hotels" using discarded bottles filled with bamboo and paper straws, which are later occupied by solitary bees. “It is important to make children curious instead of scared of bees. After getting to know how many different types of bees there are, each playing their own role in nature, these children stop their parents from getting scared when they spot a bee and instead pass on the knowledge they acquired,” said Jani.

Jani has also worked with housing societies that initially sought bee removal. In one society in Magarpatta, residents eventually agreed to coexist after understanding that some bee species are migratory and naturally leave once flowering seasons end. “I explained that if bees are present, it usually means the environment is healthy and told them about precautions like avoiding smoke, perfumes or sudden movements around hives. People there showly realised bees are not naturally aggressive,” he said. “After observing them for months, residents were actually sad when the bees left, feeling guilty thinking that they did something wrong that made the bees leave,” he recounted.

His work has also reached govt schools. At Dada Gujar School, over 200 students successfully nurtured bee-friendly saplings distributed six months ago. “I told the children that I will give them a gift if they can keep the sapling alive for six months, which they have done. Ahead of World Bee Day, I gifted them steel lunchboxes as a symbolic reminder that the food we carry every day is possible because bees pollinate crops," said Jani.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/pune-to-mark-world-bee-day-with-sessions-on-conservation-coexistence-and-beekeeping/articleshowprint/131210092.cms, May 21, 2026

For decades, the railway tracks running through Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary (HGS) in Jorhat district did more than just carrying trains. It cut the forest canopy into two, turning treetop highways into dead ends and splitting families of India’s only ape species, the Western Hoolock Gibbon, inside their only home in the country. Hoolock gibbons live almost entirely above the ground, moving through the upper canopy with brachiation — swinging by their arms in long, fluid arcs. Where the trees stop, their world stops.

The railway corridor created a gap they could not safely cross, forcing groups on either side into isolation and leaving a small pocket of families stranded away from the larger population. But the story changed on Friday after a male gibbon was recorded crossing the newly installed canopy bridges with safety nets over the railway line, bringing hope not just for the apes but many other canopy-dwelling animals.

“This is the first confirmed use by a gibbon in the sanctuary — and the first documented use of a canopy bridge structure over a railway line anywhere in the world!,” rhe Wildlife Institute of India (WII) said. WII said though it is a proud moment for all stakeholders and a ray of hope for mitigating the impacts of linear infrastructure on India’s only ape species, careful infrastructure planning, eco-conscious settings and creating reforested corridors to connect isolated populations remain critical for the long-term survival of exclusively arboreal and threatened species like gibbons. The bridges were designed and deployed on the single-track Lumding–Dibrugarh railway line during Feb–March 2025, a stretch that has been slicing through Hollongapar since 1887.

In a technical report released in May 2023, WII said a broad-gauge, electrified single track of about 1.65 route-km long fragmented the sanctuary into two unequal parts. The Western Hoolock Gibbon, listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, faces relentless threats — shrinking forests, tea cultivation, human encroachment, and illegal trade. “Over time, the sanctuary has become a ‘forest island’ having lost connectivity with surrounding forest patches. Since gibbons are exclusively arboreal animals inhabiting the forest upper canopy, they are particularly sensitive to canopy gaps. Gibbon families on both sides of the railway track have, thus, been effectively isolated from each other, thereby compromising their population genetic variability and further endangering their already threatened survival in the HGS," the report said. The sanctuary is spread across an area of 20.98 sqkm characterised by tropical semi-evergreen type forest and is home to around 125 gibbons.

Hoolock gibbons are primarily monogamous and live in small family groups of up to six closely related individuals. The WII has highlighted just how fragmented the gibbon population at Hollongapar sanctuary has become. Around 26 family groups live within the sanctuary, but the railway line running through it has split the habitat into two unequal compartments. On one side, in the much smaller, only four to five gibbon families survive. With no substantial canopy connectivity across the tracks, these families have remained effectively isolated for decades from the larger population on the other side.

The sanctuary also shelters arboreal mammals like the Bengal slow loris, the only nocturnal primate found in northeast, stump-tailed macaque, northern pig-tailed macaque, eastern Assamese macaque, rhesus macaque and capped langur, Malayan giant squirrel and the particolored flying squirrel, who are dependent on the dense canopy. Attempts were made earlier to bridge the canopy gap. In 2015, the railways had built an artificial canopy bridge made of iron at one location across the railway track but the structure was used by the arboreal mammals, including the gibbons, due to several of its design aspects not conforming to gibbons’ specialised form of movement in the canopy known as brachiation or swinging by arms or forelimbs. Before that in 2006, a natural canopy bridge was developed through long-term plantation activities on both sides of the railway track through joint efforts of Aaranyak (a Guwahati-based conservation NGO) and the state forest department. WII reported this natural canopy bridge was established and used by gibbons only by 2019 , but this natural connectivity did not survive since railways regularly trims trees and branches as part of track maintenance activities.

Union environment minister Bhupendra Yadav praised the effort, calling it “tech-led conservation” and proof that “science-led small-scale efforts can also be of great help in biodiversity conservation." "A heartening moment from Hollongapar. A year after installing the arboreal canopy bridge, a Hoolock Gibbon is now using it to safely cross the railway track," Assam CM Himnata Biswa Sarma said in a post on X adding, "A small but significant example that shows how science led interventions can make a real difference in conservation.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/breakthrough-in-ape-conservation-western-hoolock-gibbon-spotted-using-innovative-canopy-bridge-in-assam/articleshowprint/131124863.cms, May 22, 2026

Krithi K. Karanth has spent years working closely with wildlife and the people living around forests in India. From helping farmers deal with crop damage caused by animals to teaching children how to safely live near tigers and elephants, her work has focused on reducing conflict between humans and wildlife.

Now, the conservationist has received one of the biggest global honours in the field. The National Geographic Society has named her the 2026 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year, making her the first Indian to receive the title. The announcement was made in Mumbai on May 6, this year.

She Works With Both People And Wildlife
Karanth is the CEO of the Bengaluru-based Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS), a non-profit organisation that works to protect wildlife across India. Her work focuses on helping people and wild animals live side by side peacefully, especially in areas close to forests and reserves. India is home to nearly half of Asia’s elephants and around three-fourths of the world’s wild tigers. But with growing human populations and shrinking spaces, clashes between people and animals have become more common. To deal with this, Karanth and her team created a support system called Wild Seve. The programme helps people file compensation claims when wild animals damage crops, livestock or property.

Families can call a toll-free number, after which trained field workers visit the area, record the damage and help complete the paperwork. So far, the initiative has helped around 17,000 families receive compensation. Karanth believes this also reduces anger towards animals and lowers the chances of people harming wildlife in retaliation. Speaking about the issue, she said, "How do you make sure people are not injured, they’re not killed, they don’t have economic losses? Because when any of that happens, anger builds, and they want to retaliate against the animal” as per National Geographic.
Her School Programme Reached Thousands
Another major project led by Karanth is Wild Shaale, which means “Wild School” in Kannada. The programme teaches children living near forests about wildlife through storytelling, games and art. The goal is to help children understand why conflicts with animals happen and how to stay safe around wildlife. Started as a small pilot project in 2018, Wild Shaale is now being taught in nearly 1,600 schools across India and has reached around 72,000 children. Under Karanth’s leadership, CWS has worked in 7,000 villages and trained over 50,000 people in more than 100 wildlife reserves across eight states. She has also worked with nearly 10,000 farmers to promote wildlife-friendly farming methods.

Karanth has written over 100 scientific papers and mentored more than 300 young researchers from countries including Chile, China, Indonesia and the UK. National Geographic Society CEO Jill Tiefenthaler praised her efforts and said, “Krithi has sparked a movement of hope across India. By combining science, education, and community partnership, she is redefining how people coexist with nature, and what conservation can achieve for communities and young people."

https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/India/7000-villages-100-papers-1-huge-honour-meet-krithi-k-karanth-first-indian-to-win-massive-global-conservation-award/ar-AA22B2gW?gemSnapshotKey=GM1DA3D6DD-snapshot-1&uxmode=ruby, May 22, 2026

Dogra Art Museum celebrated International Museum Day with great enthusiasm and active participation from students and visitors, here today. The event was inaugurated by Member Legislative Assembly Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi as the chief guest. Yudhvir Sethi appreciated the efforts being made by the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums towards the preservation and promotion of the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. The programme was coordinated by Curator Dogra Art Museum Jammu Mukul Magotra under the supervision and guidance of Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums J&K Kuldeep Krishan Sidha.

Speaking on the occasion, the MLA reiterated the vision of the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, particularly the Gyan Bharatam Mission and emphasized the importance of preserving valuable manuscripts and cultural heritage across the country.

The celebrations aimed to connect the younger generation with the rich cultural, historical and artistic heritage of the Jammu region. A major highlight of the event was a special exhibition curated by the Dogra Art Museum, showcasing rare artifacts, historic manuscripts and exquisite Dogra miniature paintings drawn from the museum's prized collections.

The exhibition received high appreciation from visitors and dignitaries alike. The event also featured specially designed interactive educational programmes, including guided gallery walks, heritage quizzes and hands-on art workshops aimed at making history engaging and accessible for the youth. A large number of students from various schools and colleges visited the museum and explored its valuable collections depicting the vibrant history, art and culture of the Dogra region.

The visit provided young learners with an opportunity to understand and appreciate the importance of preserving cultural heritage and historical artifacts. The celebration sought to raise awareness among the younger generation about the role of museums as important centres of education, culture and heritage conservation. Students also interacted with museum officials and gained valuable insights into the historical legacy preserved at the museum. The event concluded with appreciation for the enthusiastic participation of schools and colleges and reaffirmed the department's continued commitment towards promoting heritage awareness across Jammu and Kashmir.

https://m.dailyhunt.in/news/india/english/jammu+links+news-epaper-jammulik/international+museum+day+celebrated+at+dogra+art+museum+jammu-newsid-n712741445, May 22, 2026

There’s excitement at Keeladi in Sivaganga as a cluster of pots, buried for more than two millennia, has been unearthed during the 11th phase of excavations in Sivaganga district. Among them, say archaeologists, is an almost perfectly preserved complete circular vessel. The pot is less than a foot in height and has a 12cm diameter.

"We found a big red ware pot and a smaller black slipped one, along with some broken pieces of pots," says Ramesh Masethung, excavation director for Keeladi. All these were made with clay and found intact. Those were unearthed from about four feet. Black slipped ware is an ancient type of pottery characterized by a dark coating (slip) applied to the surface of a clay vessel before firing. “It’s significant that the artefact was found intact,” says Ramesh. “Comparative dating of the pot indicates it belongs to the 3rd century BC. We have excavated another just like this one.

Initial findings suggest this pot was used for storage. But we will be able to tell more only after analyzing the residue.” The Keeladi findings point to an urban and industrial settlement that flourished for 800 years, from the 6th century BCE to the 2nd century CE. Archaeologists say Keeladi is regarded as the first site that transformed the understanding of archaeology in Tamil Nadu. The state archaeology department is collaborating with more than 20 research institutions from India and overseas on the project.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/keeladi-excavation-unearths-3rd-century-bc-pot-new-insights-into-ancient-tamil-civilization/articleshowprint/131183880.cms, May 22, 2026

The Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration, in collaboration with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) – Andaman & Nicobar Islands Chapter, organised a Heritage Walk titled ‘Heritage Walk World War-II’ in and around Sri Vijaya Puram yesterday. The early morning walk witnessed participation from BBA students from JNRM and office bearers of tour operators’ associations like AATO and ANTOA. The initiative was aimed at showcasing the rich historical and cultural legacy of the Islands and providing participants with an immersive experience of the region’s past.

During the walk that commenced from the historic National Memorial Cellular Jail, the participants visited several locations connected with the World War-II history of the Islands. They were introduced to the historical significance, architecture and stories associated with these sites, offering them first-hand insights into the heritage of Sri Vijaya Puram. INTACH convenor from ANI, Ms Samhita Veda Acharya addressed the participants, highlighting the cultural and educational importance of such walks in connecting the present generation with the memories of the past.

The Heritage walk provided an excellent platform for tourism students and local guides to enhance their knowledge and actively engage in promoting the cultural heritage of the Islands.

The programme also seeks to strengthen cultural tourism while encouraging residents and visitors to explore and appreciate the historical landmarks of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Department of Art & Culture will be conducting another Heritage Walk titled ‘Kalapani Trail’ on April 4 as part of the ongoing series. Interested individuals and groups may contact the Librarian (Art & Culture) over Phone No. 9476037145 or email at – [email protected] for participation details.

https://andamansheekha.com/153325/, May 25, 2026

INTACH and Pyass foundation to redevelop water body. Volunteers have begun the cleaning and redevelopment of a historic stepwell at Mutga in Belagavi city, in Karnataka. The stepwell has a rectangular and a circular section, interconnected through a stone archway. Local residents believe it was a place for women to gather water for their household, and for the soldiers to bring their horses to drink water. The stone structure at Kanchveer Nagar in Mutga, around eight km from Belagavi on the Bagalkot highway, had been closed for decades. People had stopped using it after a few dry spells.

The stepwell is covered by a thick overgrowth, the mud has collapsed, and people had started throwing garbage and debris in the premises. Community effort and shramadan (volunteers) are expected to rejuvenate it.

It is expected to not only preserve a heritage structure, but also meet drinking water needs of nearby village residents. The initiative was launched by members of Pyaas Foundation and INTACH in association with local residents. The project was included in the Belagavi Step wells Campaign launched by INTACH Belagavi Chapter in collaboration with Maharashtra Barav Moheem (Maharashtra Step-wells Campaign).

Members of KLE’s NSS unit also joined a voluntary effort by the foundation. They cut down the bushes, cleared the debris, and carried away the mud and stones. “The work is expected to be completed soon. The stepwell should fill up in the first rains,” said Madhav Prabhu, foundation president.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/volunteers-begin-reviving-abandoned-stepwell-at-mutga-in-belagavi/article71034047.ece, May 26, 2026

Heritage conservation, youth engagement and banking services discussed with CM Omar Abdulla. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today met several delegations at his Public Services and Outreach Office (Raabita) here and held discussions on matters relating to banking, youth development, heritage conservation, and the promotion of art and culture in Jammu and Kashmir.

Managing Director and CEO of J&K Bank, Amitava Chatterjee, called on the Chief Minister during a courtesy meeting. Various issues concerning the banking sector, financial outreach and customer services were discussed. The MD & CEO briefed the Chief Minister on efforts to further strengthen the Bank’s operations across Jammu and Kashmir for improved customer experience and service delivery.

Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), Lt. Gen. Virendra Vats, accompanied by Additional Director General, NCC Directorate J&K and Ladakh, Maj. Gen. Anupinder Bevli, also met the Chief Minister. The delegation discussed matters relating to NCC activities, youth engagement and the expansion of cadet initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir. A delegation from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), led by its Convener and Head, Saleem Beg, and Principal Architect, Sameer Hamdani, gave a detailed presentation to the Chief Minister on the preservation and restoration of heritage assets in Kashmir.

The delegation also highlighted concerns regarding water management in the Mughal Gardens of Kashmir in the context of climate change and stressed the need for sustainable conservation measures. The Chief Minister assured the visiting delegation that the government remains committed to the preservation, protection and promotion of the rich artistic, cultural and architectural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.

https://boldnewsonline.com/cm-omar-abdullah-meets-jk-bank-ncc-and-intach-delegations-at-raabita-office/, May 27, 2026

A rare dragonfly returns after 110 years and a hidden gecko appears in Assam, offering hope for conservation in India. In the lush landscapes of India's Northeast, long-term and consistent conservation work is paying off in unexpected ways. Just this week, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared news of a small lizard-like creature spotted in Goalpara district. Meanwhile, researchers in the neighbouring state of Arunachal Pradesh found a rare dragonfly that hadn't been seen in the state for over a century.

Nature continues to reveal new wonders from Assam
The first confirmed record of the bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus bapme) in Assam from Urpad Beel highlights the extraordinary biodiversity our ecosystems support.

Our continued conservation efforts are helping preserve these
pic.twitter.com/AMt54odzE6— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 28, 2026. These are not just random discoveries one stumbles upon, or discoveries that only stir up emotions in researchers and scientists. The emergence of new and century-old species is a sign that something is working, and that nature is capable of recovering and reaping benefits of the steady protection of forests and wetlands.

NEW SPECIES IN ASSAM'S WETLANDS
The bent-toed gecko, known scientifically as Cyrtodactylus bapme, turned up in the hills around Urpad Beel, which is a wetland area. Originally described a few years ago from nearby Meghalaya, this marks the first confirmed record of the gecko in Assam. And it has been a long time coming. Locals and officials have worked hard to safeguard these mixed habitats of water and forest edges, where many creatures make their homes. Geckos like this one are masters of camouflage, blending into rocks and leaves by day and becoming active at night. Furthermore, their presence signals that the ecosystem remains healthy enough to support specialised animals that depend on clean, safe, and undisturbed spots.

RETURN OF THE DRAGONFLY
Not far away, in Arunachal Pradesh's Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve, a team of researchers spotted the Long-tailed Duskhawker dragonfly during a routine survey last October. This insect, with its impressive flight and keen eyesight, was last documented in the state back in 1914. Its return after 110 years feels almost like a reunion with a long-lost neighbour. Researchers photographed it along a remote road inside the park and shared the news in a scientific journal.

Dragonflies need clean water and healthy forests to survive. And they need to survive as they act as natural pest controllers and serve as important signs of environmental quality.
Seeing a dragonfly not seen in a region for over a century reminds us how protected areas like Namdapha keep entire webs of life alive.

INDIA'S NATURAL HABITATS NEED PROTECTION
Both the discoveries came from dedicated field surveys in regions known for the incredible variety. Northeast India sits in one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, home to everything from mighty elephants and clouded leopards to countless smaller creatures that often go unnoticed. Similar efforts elsewhere in India have helped species like the Great Indian Bustard or certain turtles in the Western Ghats by focusing on habitat protection and regular monitoring. These small wins matter because many plants and animals still lack proper study. When we guard wetlands, rainforests, and hills, we give hidden species a chance to thrive, and sometimes reveal themselves after decades.

Everyday actions, like reducing pollution in rivers or preventing unchecked development, support the same balance that brought back this dragonfly and welcomed the gecko to Assam's records. As more such stories emerge from the Northeast, they bring hope that, with continued care, nature will keep surprising us with its resilience.

https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/rare-dragonfly-returns-after-110-years-gecko-discovery-assam-arunachal-conservation-success-2918506-2026-05-28, May 29, 2026