DDA on Thursday signed an MoU with Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to undertake comprehensive documentation of historic structures across Delhi Ridge. The initiative will include listing and classification, development of heritage trails, installation of signage with the aim of preserving and promoting Delhi’s rich heritage. Spread over nearly 8,000 hectares, Delhi Ridge is divided into four zones, including northern Ridge, central Ridge, south central Ridge and southern Ridge, and is home to several historically significant yet lesser-known structures.

A senior DDA official said the collaboration is aimed at ensuring systematic conservation while enhancing public engagement with the city’s natural and cultural landscape. “This partnership with INTACH will help create a comprehensive inventory of heritage structures across Ridge and facilitate their preservation through informed planning and awareness initiatives,” the official said.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/dda-signs-mou-with-intach-for-ridge/articleshowprint/129987076.cms, April 1, 2026

Vedakumar highlighted efforts to ensure continuity of traditional skills across generations. Vedakumar Manikonda was on Thursday re-elected as governing council member of Intach, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, for a fourth consecutive term, securing the highest number of votes in the organisation’s history. His tenure is for three years. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Vedakumar said his work during his 42-year-long association with Intach had largely focused on protecting and promoting traditional artisans, particularly from districts, by supporting and encouraging them to sustain their crafts.

Vedakumar highlighted efforts to ensure continuity of traditional skills across generations. Citing an example, he referred to wooden string puppetry artists from Jangaon, where the son of a deceased artisan has taken up the craft.

“We have taken them to many districts and are now introducing these art forms in schools. Children are being taught the skills and later perform them,” he said, adding that several such initiatives are underway. Vedakumar has worked extensively in heritage conservation, including monuments, rock formations and intangible cultural practices across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. He has also played a role in advocating policies for heritage protection, including contributions to the Telangana Heritage Act, 2017.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/vedakumar-re-elected-to-intach-governing-council-for-fourth-term-with-record-votes-1945030, April 2, 2026

The appointment was announced in a release issued in Visakhapatnam on Friday. A retired Professor of Geology from Andhra University, Dr D Rajasekhar Reddy, has been appointed as the State Co-Convener of the Andhra Pradesh chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). His tenure will be for a period of three years, up to March 26, 2029. He is serving as Adviser for Geoheritage and Convener of the INTACH Visakhapatnam Chapter. In his new role, he will be responsible for coordinating INTACH’s activities across Andhra Pradesh, including programmes related to conservation, documentation, and awareness of cultural and environmental heritage. The appointment was announced in a release issued in Visakhapatnam on Friday.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2026/Apr/04/retd-au-prof-appointed-as-intach-state-co-convener, April 3, 2026

The walk started at 5.30 AM from the Dargah of Allama Fazl e Haq Khairabad, and touched heritage structures like the Ladies convict Barrack, Blessington, Govt Press, JNRM, location of signing of the instrument of surrender and culminated at the Battle of Aberdeen memorial. The walk was attended by students of Tourism dept of JNRM under the guidance of Mr. Rajasekaran, Members of Andaman Association of Tour Operators Mr. Vinod, Mr. Mohammed Rafiq and Mr. Biswajit and Andaman Nicobar Tour Operators Association, Mr. Salman, and Mr. N.B. Chetri along with a few walk-in participants from the Indian Navy Mr. Sanjay Solwat and Mr. Sandeep Malik, and a few school teachers from Kendriya Vidyalaya. Mr. Chanchal Singha Roy, a national awardee teacher also participated in the walk and very kindly narrated a short story “The Keeper of Silver Braid” on preservation of cultural heritage. And emphasized on why it was necessary to keep stories alive. The walk was conducted by Convenor, INTACH, A & N Chapter, Ms. Samhita Veda Acharyaa.

https://andamansheekha.com/154330/, April 4, 2026

A rare and deeply symbolic temple ritual performed in complete darkness during Maha Shivaratri has brought national recognition to a humble handloom weaver from Andhra Pradesh, with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) conferring its prestigious Martand Singh Memorial Award posthumously on Prudhivi Venkateswarlu of Chirala. Venkateswarlu passed away last year at the age of 73. The honour recognises Venkateswarlu's extraordinary six-decadelong dedication to performing the sacred ‘Paagalankarana' (turban decoration) ritual at the revered Srisailam Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple. The ritual, observed at midnight on Maha Shivaratri, is marked by a unique spiritual practice during which the entire temple town is plunged into darkness as power supply is switched off.

In keeping with the belief of Lord Shiva as Digambara — one who transcends material coverings — Venkateswarlu used to perform the ritual in a state of undress, symbolising purity and detachment. In pitch darkness, he would climb the temple tower and ceremonially wrap the sacred turban, completing the centuriesold practice with devotion and precision.

The ritual is considered an integral part of the temple's traditions and has been performed with rare consistency across generations. VIPs jostle for a seating to witness the ‘Paagalankarana' ritual in darkness at Srisailam temple. A native of Jandrapet in Bapatla district's Chirala, Venkateswarlu balanced his life as a handloom weaver with his spiritual responsibilities, carrying forward a family legacy of service at the temple. His commitment ensured the uninterrupted continuation of the ritual for nearly 60 years, earning him deep respect among devotees and temple authorities.

"Venkateswarlu and his family members treated the honour of turban decoration as God's gift and weaved the cloth while observing fasting. It takes at least 100 days to complete the weaving of the deity's turban," said INTACH member Vijayalakshmi, who recorded the history of the ritual. The award was presented at the national conclave of INTACH. Venkateswarlu's son Subbarao received the honour on behalf of the family.

The recognition highlights not only an individual's devotion but also the role of traditional artisans in preserving India's rich intangible heritage. INTACH Nandyal chapter convenor MV Sivakumar Reddy, who steered the proposal to the national level, noted that such rare practices, sustained quietly over decades, form the backbone of temple traditions and deserve wider recognition.

"By honouring Venkateswarlu, INTACH has brought national attention to a unique spiritual practice that blends devotion, symbolism and cultural continuity," he said, adding that Vijayalakshmi spent several months preparing a comprehensive report on the ritual and submit it to the national awards committee. National Federation for Handlooms and Handicrafts (NFHH) president Macharla Mohan Rao said Venkateswarlu's legacy will continue to inspire and strengthen the enduring link between faith, tradition, and craftsmanship in India's temple culture.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/handloom-weaver-conferred-intach-award-posthumously-for-temple-ritual/articleshowprint/129705580.cms, April 6, 2026

A heritage walk titled “Kaali Paani Trail” was conducted across key historical locations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, bringing together students, tour operators, and heritage enthusiasts to revisit the region’s colonial past. Organised by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage Andaman and Nicobar Chapter in collaboration with the Department of Art and Culture, the walk covered a distance of three kilometres. It commenced at 5:30 am from the Dargah of Allama Fazl e Haq Khairabadi and concluded at the Battle of Aberdeen memorial. Participants moved through a series of historically significant sites, including the Ladies Convict Barrack, Blessington, Government Press, Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, and the location associated with the signing of the instrument of surrender.

The route connected multiple landmarks that reflect the layered history of the islands. Students from the Tourism Department of Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya joined the walk under the guidance of Rajasekaran. Members of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators, including Vinod, Mohammed Rafiq, and Biswajit, as well as representatives of the Andaman Nicobar Tour Operators Association, including Salman and N B Chetri, also took part.

Participants included individuals from the Indian Navy, Sanjay Solwat and Sandeep Malik, along with school teachers from Kendriya Vidyalaya. Chanchal Singha Roy, a national award-winning teacher, participated in the walk and narrated a short story titled “The Keeper of Silver Braid,” focusing on the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The narration highlighted the role of storytelling in keeping historical memory alive. The walk was led by Samhita Veda Acharyaa, Convenor of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage Andaman and Nicobar Chapter. The initiative aimed to create awareness about heritage conservation while encouraging community engagement with historical sites. The event reflected continued efforts to connect people with the region’s past through experiential learning and public participation.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/handloom-weaver-conferred-intach-award-posthumously-for-temple-ritual/articleshowprint/129705580.cms, April 7, 2026

INTACH Punjab conducted a workshop for all his conveners, co-conveners and advisory committee members of Punjab on 'Heritage and Citizen Training'. The two-day workshop aimed to impart training to all conveners and co-conveners so that they can then conduct similar workshop at the district-level. Brig Sukhjit Singh (retd), from the erstwhile royal family of Kapurthala, mentioned that there is an urgent need to conserve the cultural heritage. He advised everyone to put their best to pay attention to this important aspect which is often neglected. He said that action must be taken before it is too late, as once our heritage is lost, reviving it becomes extremely difficult. He particular mentioned the condition of Sainik School, which is housed in Jagatjit Palace which is on the cultural design having a remarkable Indo-Saracen architecture and is modelled after the Versailles Palace. He mentioned that Central and state government must take immediate action to carry out conservation. Maj Gen Balwinder Singh, INTACH Punjab Convener, said that INTACH has already submitted the Detail Project Report (DPR).

However, allocation of funds is still awaited. All the conveners of the state chapters gave their presentation and their vision to improve the cultural heritage at the chapter level. INTACH Advisory Committee member Kiranjot Kaur, who is also SGPC member and a passionate historian, gave an absorbing talk on pressing issues which Punjab must be addressed on urgent basis with particular reference to depletion of water, increase of salinity of soil and decrease in forest cover. Seema Chopra, another Advisory Committee member, spoke about campaign to bring the awareness in younger generation. Balvinder Singh, an architect who spoke on how we must take care of our tangible culture.

Lt Gen Amrik Singh Bahia, senior advisory committee member, spoke on Punjab’s military heritage, providing a detailed account spanning the Mughal era, colonial period, participation in the World Wars, the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and its current status. Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (retd), state convener, INTACH, mentioned that this effort was done with the help of INTACH Central office Delhi, HECS division under principal director Purnima Datt. He also said that this was golden opportunity for everyone to sit together and address the important issues pertaining to the cultural heritage.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/intach-punjab-holds-workshop-on-heritage-and-citizen-training/amp, April 10, 2026

The Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) division of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is organising an all-India poster competition ‘Tree of Life’ for school students of Classes 7 to 9.

The competition will be held at the Saraswati Vilasom Palace, West Fort in Thiruvananthapuram on April 18 from 10 a.m. The students will have to also write a supporting write-up.

The poster should depict any one indigenous tree or shrub with unique characteristics like leaves, barks, flowers or fruits that is found in the students’ region, along with the life found on and around the tree. The entry to the competition is free. Registration can be done by sending an email to: [email protected].

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/intach-to-organise-painting-competitio/article70869737.ece, April 13, 2026

The Mayurbhanj chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has urged the state govt to establish a ‘fossil park’ along the Budhabalanga river near Baripada, citing the site’s immense scientific and geo-heritage value. The site, known locally as the ‘Baripada Fossil Beds’, stretches across Satpautia, Usurudihi, Itamundia and Mukuramatia villages and is believed to contain well-preserved marine fossils dating back 12 to 15 million years to the Miocene epoch.

Scientific studies indicate that the region was once part of a shallow marine environment connected to open seas. The fossil assemblage includes shark teeth, rays (batoids), fish remains, molluscs and microfauna, pointing to a highly diverse prehistoric marine ecosystem. Researchers said these findings provide crucial insights into past climatic conditions, marine transgressions and the palaeo-environmental evolution of eastern India. During a recent field visit, INTACH members discovered fossilised remains of crocodiles, turtles, partial skulls and bones of marine creatures embedded in the sandy riverbed.

Locally referred to as ‘asura hada’ or ‘demon bones,’ the site is often avoided by villagers due to traditional beliefs. Anil Dhir, convener of INTACH’s Bhubaneswar chapter, said the site holds key evidence of life forms that existed millions of years ago and deserves urgent protection. “Preserving this heritage is not only a scientific responsibility but also a visionary step towards promoting Odisha as a global geo-tourism destination,” he added. Dhir pointed out that while India has 16 fossil parks, four managed by the Geological Survey of India and others featuring dinosaur and vertebrate remains, none focus on marine fossils. “If the Baripada site is granted geoheritage status, it could become the country’s first Marine Fossil Park,” he added.

Rashmi Rajya Laxmi Bhanj Deo, convener of INTACH’s Mayurbhanj chapter, wrote to the state authorities seeking declaration of the area as a state geo-heritage site to ensure its legal protection. She also proposed setting up a fossil park, along with an interpretation centre and a curated museum to showcase the region’s fossil diversity. INTACH has also recommended fencing the area and banning sand mining to prevent further degradation. Experts believe the Baripada fossil beds, described as a 12-million-year-old natural archive of Earth’s history, hold immense potential for scientific research, education and sustainable tourism if preserved and developed appropriately.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/intach-urges-state-to-set-up-marine-fossil-park-in-mayurbhanj/articleshowprint/130021802.cms, April 14, 2026

When the British massacred innocent people gathered for a peaceful meeting at Jallianwala Bagh in 1919, it turned into a horrific bloodbath, leaving behind wailing infants, grieving widows and blood-soaked ground. Among the survivors, Attar Kaur and Rattan Devi emerged as symbols of quiet defiance. They refused to accept the compensation offered by the British, calling it "blood money." Their stand received support from several national leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi.

Family members of Attar Kaur and her husband, Bhagmal Bhatia, who was killed in the 1919 massacre, were honoured at a special remembrance event organised by INTACH Amritsar. Marking Khalsa Sajna Diwas and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre anniversary, INTACH Amritsar, along with its partner organisations, organised a deeply moving ceremony at Jallianwala Bagh to honour the families of the martyrs. On the occasion, the Tarn Taran chapter also announced the launch of a Heritage Education Programme for students.

Meloni Devi and Manohar Lal Bhatia, the great-grandchildren of Bhagmal Bhatia and Attar Kaur, were present at the event. Sharing their family’s story, Manohar Lal Bhatia said that Attar Kaur was pregnant when she accompanied her husband to Jallianwala Bagh on that fateful day. After the massacre, she stayed beside her husband’s body. INTACH Amritsar Convenor Gagandeep Singh Virk also honoured diplomat and author Navdeep Singh Suri, whose grandfather, noted Punjabi novelist Nanak Singh, was a witness and survivor of the massacre. “Bibi Attar Kaur set an inspiring example of pride and self-respect by refusing the compensation offered by the British government — a sum of around Rs 25,000.

Her stance continues to inspire generations,” said Virk, adding that it was a solemn and inspiring moment to remember these great individuals. Suri shared how his grandfather immortalised the pain of the massacre in his timeless works Khooni Vaisakhi and Lahoo Bhijje Bol. These works were later translated into English by Suri himself, helping bring this historical truth and emotional legacy to a global audience. “Standing on that same sacred ground where my grandfather survived the hail of bullets is truly overwhelming,” he said. Virk added that great revolutionaries like Udham Singh emerged from the blood-stained soil of Jallianwala Bagh and later avenged the atrocity in London. Historian Surinder Kochhar shared insights with students on the significance of the tragedy and its global condemnation.

Retired Principal and Sikh thinker Harinder Kaur Riar paid heartfelt tributes to the martyrs, while eminent social worker Indu Arora appreciated the initiative. Around 70 students from various schools and institutions attended the event. Standing on the historic ground, they paid homage to the martyrs and pledged to keep this tradition alive every year. In his message, Maj Gen Balwinder Singh, INTACH State Convener, said that INTACH Punjab is making dedicated efforts to bring the cultural heritage of Punjab to the national and global stage.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/students-walk-through-history-at-jallianwala-bagh-with-intach/, April 15, 2026

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Mayurbhanj Chapter has urged the Odisha government to establish a fossil park along the Budhabalanga river near Baripada to preserve 12-million-year-old marine fossil beds and promote geo-tourism. Authorities have overlooked this ground-breaking paleontological discovery for decades, failing to act despite its documented importance.

The site is a treasure trove of well-preserved prehistoric marine life, petrified and ossified, buried in the sand of the riverbed. The few fossils that have been studied represent a diverse array of marine species and offer a vivid glimpse into life millions of years ago. The region, commonly referred to as the “Baripada Fossil Beds," extending across Satpautia, Usurudihi, Itamundia, and Mukuramatia villages, preserves a remarkable assemblage of marine fossils dating back approximately 12–15 million years (Miocene Epoch).

Scientific investigations have established that this region was once part of a shallow marine environment connected to open seas. The fossil assemblage includes shark teeth, batoids (rays), fish remains, molluscs, and microfauna, representing a highly diverse prehistoric marine ecosystem. These findings provide crucial insights into past climatic conditions, marine transgression events, and paleo-environmental evolution of eastern India. The locals have named the fossil bed as “Asura Hada” (demon bones), and shun the place. On a field visit to the site, the INTACH team uncovered numerous fossilised remains of crocodiles, turtles, partial skulls, as well as fossil bones of marine creatures.

According to Anil Dhir, the Convener of INTACH’s Bhubaneswar Chapter, the site tells fascinating stories about the evolution of life in the region over the past tens of millions of years.

Preserving this heritage is not only a scientific responsibility but also a visionary step toward promoting Odisha as a global geo-tourism destination. Dhir further said that out of the 16 fossil parks in India, the Geological Survey of India manages four fossil parks, three of which are forest fossils and one vertebrate. Besides these, there are 12 more fossil parks with dinosaur and vertebrate remains, but none for marine life. If the Baripada Fossil Site is given the Geo-heritage tag, it will be the first Marine Fossil Park of the country. Maharani Rashmi Rajya Laxmi Bhanj Deo, the Convener of INTACH’s Mayurbhanj Chapter, has written to the authorities to declare the place as a State Geo-Heritage Site to ensure legal protection and conservation.

Setting up of a proper Fossil Park and Interpretation Centre, with a curated Fossil Museum showcasing the fossil diversity, will promote scientific research and preservation of the in-situ fossil exposures. The entire area should be fenced and sand mining not allowed. The Baripada Fossil Beds represent a 12-million-year-old natural archive of Earth’s history, offering immense potential for research, education, and sustainable tourism.

https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/intach-seeks-setting-up-of-fossil-park-in-baripada-1064813, April 16, 2026

Mapping military heritage across the state, INTACH aims to reclaim history of sacrifice & remembrance. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Punjab, has undertaken a major project to map all villages that nurtured soldiers who fought in the World Wars. In a recently held military and literary festival at Ferozepur, INTACH Punjab State Convener Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (retd), while speaking on “Preserving military heritage and legacy of participation of Punjab in the world”, said INTACH would gather village-level data pertaining to the participation of soldiers and volunteers in the World Wars. Punjab has had one of the most influential military legacies in the country, wherein both World Wars are concerned: Within the British Indian Army, Punjabi soldiers were martyred in various European cities; and Sikh soldiers were the highest in number among Indians.

Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (retd) said Punjab’s military legacy needed archiving, and tracing this legacy across villages would be a way to do so. Harpreet Bhatti, INTACH Gurdaspur Convener, shared methodologies for the mapping at the village level. “This effort is not merely about revisiting the past; it is a mission to restore identity, dignity, and recognition to generations of soldiers whose sacrifices transcended borders but faded within their own homeland.

Several panchayats, and individuals, in Punjab have put up plaques to commemorate World War soldiers who hailed from their respective villages. But proper documentation remains missing," he said. During both World Wars, Punjab became the recruiting grounds for the British Indian Army, with its soldiers constituting almost 40 per cent of the over 1.3 million Indian soldiers in the body. “Among them, 75,000 died and more than 65,000 were wounded in World War I. During World War II, the contribution of Punjabi soldiers expanded further as the Indian Army became one of the largest contributory forces in history.

Despite their courage and resilience, the stories of these soldiers are often overshadowed by Eurocentric narratives of the wars. Now, their names, inscribed on scattered memorials across continents, rarely find a place in local histories, or collective consciousness back home," said Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (retd). One of the most pressing challenges in preserving Punjab’s military heritage is the missing oral histories of the men who were sent to war.

"By highlighting the role of Punjabi soldiers in international conflicts, INTACH broadens the understanding of Punjab’s place in world history," the Punjab Convener added. INTACH said it advocated for the restoration of these sites as well as the establishment of new memorials at the village level, which would serve as physical reminders of sacrifice; educational resources for future generations; and spaces for community engagement.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/tracing-the-road-from-punjabs-villages-to-world-war-valour/?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle, April 17, 2026