D Rajasekhar Reddy, convener of the INTACH Visakhapatnam Chapter, highlighted the city’s potential to join the prestigious UNESCO Global Geoparks Network (UGGP). During a seminar titled ‘Preserving Heritage: Opportunities and Challenges’ organised by the GITAM School of Humanities and Social Sciences History Department, he emphasised Visakhapatnam’s geological diversity, which spans over 1,500 million years, alongside its rich archaeological and cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for the UNESCO designation.

Dr Reddy outlined that UNESCO Global Geoparks are unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed holistically for protection, education and sustainable development. Currently, there are 213 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 48 countries, attracting global tourists and contributing to local economies. He stressed that recognition as a UNESCO Geopark would bring international attention to Visakhapatnam, boost tourism and invigorate the regional economy.

https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/pm-to-lay-stone-for-rly-zone-on-jan-8-935116, January 2, 2025

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Ambala chapter, conducted a national painting competition on Friday at Arya Girls College. Padma Shri awardee Brig (retd) DK Khullar was the chief guest and Dr Deshbandhu and Brig (retd) MS Tomar were the guests of honour on the occasion. As many as 123 children from 22 schools participated in the painting competition.

Colonel (retd) RD Singh, convener, INTACH, Ambala, said the children took keen interest in painting on the theme “Celebrating India”. They were required to make a poster and give a 200-word write-up. One could see them making paintings of Teej, Karva Chauth, ghoomar dance, and incorporating various facets of traditions, customs and rituals.

They were free to write in the language of their choice. RD Singh also briefed the audience on various activities conducted by the Ambala chapter. The chief guest complimented all the participants and their teachers. He also congratulated the Ambala chapter for winning the Best Chapter Award consecutively for the last six years. After the painting competition, Madhu Singh, member, INTACH, organised a quiz on famous food joints and lesser-known heritage sites of the region.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/ambala-intach-organises-national-painting-competition/, January 1, 2025

The Punjab chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art, Culture and Heritage (INTACH) has raised an alarm over the deteriorating condition of the state's natural heritage. In a letter addressed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, INTACH Punjab State. The Punjab chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art, Culture and Heritage (INTACH) has raised an alarm over the deteriorating condition of the state's natural heritage. In a letter addressed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, INTACH Punjab State Convener, Maj Gen (retd) Balwinder Singh, highlighted the urgent need to save and preserve vital natural resources, particularly rivers and water bodies, from increasing pollution. The letter emphasised the grave pollution levels in Buddha Nullah, the revered Kali Bein and the Kanjli wetland, referred to as the ‘lungs of the earth’.

The organisation called for immediate and strict action against officials who have failed to enforce pollution control measures, as mandated by the Central Pollution Control Board and the Punjab Pollution Control Board. “Nothing is more important for governance than the safety and well-being of the people of Punjab,” the letter stated, urging political leaders and bureaucrats to prioritise environmental conservation. Dr Sunny Sandhu, an INTACH member and a passionate environmentalist, expressed deep concern over the state of the Sutlej river. Sandhu, known for founding the Bhoomitra Beda Yatra initiative to conserve Punjab’s rivers, warned that the unchecked toxic discharge into the Buddha Nullah could exacerbate Punjab’s cancer crisis.

The letter called on the state government to implement directives from the Central Pollution Control Board and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), particularly those aimed at halting illegal industrial effluents. Maj Gen (retd) Balwinder Singh emphasised that preserving Punjab’s rivers and wetlands is vital not just for ecological balance but for the health and prosperity of its residents. Conservationists have been pressing for stricter monitoring, awareness campaigns and the rejuvenation of these water bodies to restore their ecological and spiritual significance. Meanwhile, the appeal comes amid growing concerns over the state's environmental degradation, with activists warning of long-term health, agricultural and cultural repercussions if immediate action is not taken to curb pollution in water bodies.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/intach-writes-to-cm-on-pollution-in-water-bodies/, January 1, 2025

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Ambala chapter has been recognised as the best among the 220 INTACH chapters across India. The prestigious Heritage Beacon Award was presented to INTACH Ambala Chapter Convenor, Colonel (retd) RD Singh. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Ambala chapter has been recognised as the best among the 220 INTACH chapters across India. The prestigious Heritage Beacon Award was presented to INTACH Ambala Chapter Convenor, Colonel (retd) RD Singh, for leading the chapter to this national recognition. Colonel Singh expressed pride in the achievement.

He said, “It is a matter of great pride and honour that the INTACH Ambala Chapter has been recognised as the top chapter in the country at the Heritage Beacon Awards. Two local schools, DAV Riverside and Army School, also secured top positions in the awards, making this recognition even more special for the region.” He added, “We are humbled and grateful that our efforts have been recognised. INTACH Ambala chapter has always focused on the value of education and preserving our rich culture and heritage, especially for the youth. We will continue our work with the same dedication and commitment we have shown since 2001.” The Ambala chapter has been instrumental in fostering awareness about heritage preservation while empowering younger generations with knowledge of India’s cultural legacy.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/intach-ambala-chapter-wins-top-national-honour/, January 3, 2025

A significant archaeological discovery has come to light in Newa, Pulwama, where a Neolithic burial site has been uncovered during an inspection by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The site, located at Karewa (Wodder) in Newa village, was reportedly exposed during road expansion and documented on October 9, 2024. The ASI team, led by Superintending Archaeologist Rahul Ramesh Bhosle, identified a series of 11 pits, eight of which contained bone remains accompanied by red ochre decorations, potsherds, and slab stones. These burial artifacts align with known Neolithic traditions, suggesting that the pits served as ancient burial sites. The findings align with characteristics of Neolithic burial practices. The pits’ unique location and features raise questions about their cultural significance and connections to known Neolithic sites like Burzahom, the superintending archaeologist reveals. Further investigations, conducted between October 10–15, 2024, involved research scholars and local workers.

Preliminary findings indicate a significant opportunity to deepen understanding of Neolithic traditions in the Kashmir Valley, emphasizing the need for continued exploration in this archaeologically rich region. The report, including geographical, geological, and cultural details, was submitted for further analysis and action. After which (Rahul Ramesh Bhosle), Superintending Archaeologist (I/c) wrote to the Director EE about the Chance Discovery of Pits at Karewa of , Village Newa District Pulwama. Director Archives, Archaeology & Museums (AA&M), Jammu and Kashmir, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha has formally requested the District Development Commissioner (DDC), Pulwama, to take immediate measures to safeguard a recently discovered Neolithic site at Newa in the Pulwama district. In a letter dated December 31, 2024, under reference No. DAMA-2905-09/AMA-312, Sidha emphasized the site’s historical importance following its discovery by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI’s communication, dated December 18, 2024, highlighted the site’s significance, calling for urgent steps to protect it until its formal declaration as a protected monument under relevant laws. Sidha’s letter outlined several specific measures.

He urged that the site be placed under the watch and ward of the jurisdictional magistrate to ensure its protection. Additionally, he recommended the installation of multilingual signboards in Urdu, Hindi, and English to inform the public of the site’s importance and to restrict unauthorized access. The Director also called for issuing restriction orders within a 200-meter periphery around the site to prevent encroachments and unauthorized activities. Furthermore, he requested the provision of revenue documents and a detailed site map to aid in further administrative and preservation efforts. The Director stressed the need for prompt action and requested a report on the measures undertaken to secure the site. Pertinently, the discovery of this Neolithic site in Newa, Pulwama, is a significant archaeological breakthrough for Jammu and Kashmir, offering potential insights into prehistoric human activities and settlements in the Kashmir Valley. Officials say the preservation of such sites is crucial for understanding the cultural and historical legacy of the area.

https://kashmirobserver.net/2025/01/03/neolithic-site-discovered-in-pulwama/, January 3, 2025

The district administration had asked the Rajkot Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to begin a heritage education campaign among students of select schools in the district. The aim is to foster awareness and appreciation of cultural heritage among school students. The programme began on Tuesday. The organization was invited by the Rajkot district administration to curate the programme for this campaign. The initiative emphasizes regional heritage, focusing on the rich cultural and historical legacy of Rajkot and the Saurashtra and Gujarat regions. The 18 PM Shree schools identified in Rajkot district for this programme are sponsored by the Union govt. Students of Classes 6 to 8 at these schools are included in this programme.

According to INTACH, the campaign features visits to prominent heritage sites such as Watson Museum, Lang Library, Mahatma Gandhi Museum and KaBa Gandhi no Delo, allowing students to experience the region's history and culture first-hand. Rajkot district collector Prabhav Joshi said: "This programme will highlight the importance of our regional heritage, ensuring that young minds develop a deep appreciation for it. Introducing such initiatives at schools will have a positive impact on heritage awareness and its maintenance for future generations."

The campaign is also part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes holistic student development by integrating cultural education into the curriculum. Riddhi Shah, convener of the Rajkot chapter of INTACH, stated that this campaign includes heritage walks and site visits to iconic sites, which will help students connect with the historical and cultural richness of Saurashtra. Workshops and interactive sessions, creative competitions and capacity building for educators are also part of the campaign.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/regional-heritage-campaign-begun-for-school-students/articleshowprint/117062309.cms, January 6, 2025

Rows of fresh red-leafed poinsettias lined the red carpet at Mumbai's oldest museum whose teakwood doors reopen to the public after four years on Thursday. "A city's richness is not assessed through its tall buildings, fancy roads, or wealthy residents but through its museums," said chief minister Devendra Fadnavis during the inauguration of the newly renovated Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Byculla (East) on Wednesday. Highlighting the 154-year-old institution as the state's oldest and India's third oldest museum, Fadnavis emphasized that the revamped space—with freshly painted green walls and white columns—will boost Mumbai's tourism.

"Museums offer a window into a city's cultural history and heritage," he said. "They help future generations understand how a society was built and how its progress unfolded." Established in 1855 as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the museum opened to the public in 1857 at Town Barracks. Built in the grand Renaissance Revival style, its Palladian architecture with high Victorian interiors make it stand out. "No other building in the country is quite the same," said Tasneem Mehta, managing trustee and honorary director of Dr Bhau Daji Lad museum, adding that the museum boasted 3,000 visitors a day in the early 20th century, serving as a cultural gateway to the evolution of Mumbai's modern ethos and the emergence of an Early Modern aesthetic movement that would redefine Indian art and architecture. Initially named ‘The Victoria and Albert Museum, Bombay', it was renamed after scholar Dr Ramachandra Vitthal Lad--popularly known as Dr Bhau Daji Lad--in 1975. "Dr Bhau Daji Lad was not only a doctor but also a dedicated social worker who spent his life preserving historical relics.

His efforts in collecting and donating valuable items laid the foundation for this museum, which has carried his name for the last 50 years," said Fadnavis in his speech. For many years post-Independence, the museum fell into disrepair as it was considered a colonial relic. In 1997, while searching for a location to establish a conservation laboratory, INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) convenor Tasneem Mehta visited the museum and found that the external façade as well as the interior walls were highly damaged. Algae were visible in most places of the exterior façade, plant growth had penetrated deep into the building's core and poor lighting created a gloomy atmosphere. So, in 2003, INTACH Mumbai approached the MCGM (Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai) to revitalize the museum. The Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation agreed to donate half the funds and MCGM contributed the rest. A tripartite agreement was signed for 15 years for the complete restoration. This landmark public-private partnership earned the museum a UNESCO cultural heritage conservation award in 2005. At the reopening on Wednesday, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani reminisced about a visit to the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg with Fadnavis in 2017. On seeing the Hermitage, the world's second largest after The Louvre in France, "the CM had wondered why Maharashtra could not have a museum of that scale," said Gagrani, adding that the walls of the museum in Byculla are painted celadon green, the same shade as the Hermitage.

"Celadon green is the colour of contemplation," said Mehta. The recent renovation addressed structural deterioration caused by harsh weather. "The paint was peeling, slabs were weakening, and plasters were leaking," said Sudarshan Shirsat of BMC's heritage cell. Restorers worked carefully to avoid damaging artefacts, especially during repairs to the tympanum, a semi-circular decorative feature. "We wanted to keep the 24-karat gold gilding on the ceiling and columns intact," said Shirsat. New stencil work complements the existing gilding, reviving the museum's historic splendour. A key moment was when Fadnavis pointed to the Indus Valley civilization as one of the oldest in the world. "Our country has a rich history that is over 10,000 years old. Wherever you go, you will find remnants of our rich civilization. Our misfortune is not all of it was preserved. It's our duty to conserve the path to progress for future generations," said Fadnavis.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/citys-oldest-museum-reopens-after-4yrs-new-look-draws-parallels-with hermitage/articleshowprint/117063288.cms, January 7, 2025

A study by the Tamil Nadu archaeology department has revealed that more than 90% of the ancient graffiti marks found at 140 archaeological sites in the state, including Keeladi, have parallels or similarities with those of the Indus Valley civilisation that existed from around 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. Researchers analyzed 15,184 graffiti signs inscribed on potsherds unearthed from these sites, discovering that some signs had exact parallels while others had near similarities. "The exact shapes and their variants found in south India and Indus scripts indicate that they were not accidental," said archaeologist K Rajan, one of the report's authors.

He said the Indus script or signs likely evolved over time rather than disappearing without a trace. The study highlighted several common symbols between southern India and Indus Valley (also known as the Harappan civilisation), including upward-facing arrows with triangle or flower-shaped heads, fish signs in both stylish and exact forms, U- shaped signs, plain circles, ladder symbols, square boxes (plain and divided), X-shaped signs, and swastika-like signs in both clockwise and anti-clockwise forms. Other common marks included flower signs, inverted Y-like signs, Z-like signs, A-like signs, and star signs. "The recent radiocarbon dates indicate that when the Indus Valley experienced the Copper Age, south India was in the Iron Age. In this sense, the Iron Age of south India and the Copper Age of the Indus were contemporary.

If they are contemporary, there is a possibility of cultural exchanges either through direct or intermediate zones," Rajan said. Excavations at sites like Sivagalai, Adhichanallur, and other locations in Tamiraparani river basin have provided recent iron dating that may push back the timeline of the Iron Age in southern India by several centuries. Rajan highlighted the importance of documenting the graffiti inscribed potsherds, saying this documentation would be made available to researchers for further deciphering. Archaeology department joint director R Sivanantham, who is a co-author of the report, said: "The occurrence of a large number of carnelian and agate beads, as well as high-tin bronze objects, particularly from Iron Age graves, gives a clue about the contacts as carnelian, agate, copper, and tin have to come from the north."

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/graffiti-in-ancient-tamil-nadu-sites-similar-to-indus-valley-civilisation-signs-study/articleshowprint/116973837.cms, January 10, 2025