By Our Correspondent
PURI:The Puri Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage was launched today at the Sri Sadashiv Campus Auditorium of the Central Sanskrit University. The Chapter was declared open by the Smt. Pravati Parida, the Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha in the presence of Shri Om Prakash Mishra, MLA, Satyabadi.
In her welcome address, Dr. Adyasha Das, the Co-convener of the Bhubaneswar Chapter gave a preview of the status of tourism, eco-tourism, pilgrim sites and the vital role which the State’s heritage can play in boosting tourism. Shri Rabindra Singh IAS (Retd), Intach’s Member Secretary, informed that INTACH was founded in 1984 in New Delhi with the vision to create a voluntary organisation to stimulate and spearhead heritage awareness and conservation in India. Former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and former Minister K. P. Singhdeo were among the founder members of INTACH.
Shri Subash Chandra Rath, the Convener of the Puri Chapter informed that the Chapter has been formed with 50 Life Members with support and involvement of nearly 100 well-wishers comprising researchers, writers, heritage activists, temple Sevayats, artists and representatives of cultural, educational and social service organisations of the district.
Dr. Biswajit Mohanty, the State Convener of Odisha, lucidly explained the mission of INTACH and its four decades of glorious journey as India’s premier organisation of its kind that has got global recognition. He further elaborated the major achievements of Odisha State Chapter and offered all possible guidance and support in undertaking projects for the district. He also said that the rich tribal heritage of the different tribes of the districts should be documented and a proper steps taken to preserve tribal culture.
In his address, eminent historian, researcher and writer Anil Dhir, the Co-Convener of Odisha Chapter, lamented on the precarious state of the Heritage of Odisha and elaborated on the spate of idol thefts that are occurring. He emphasised the need for setting up a dedicated cell in the Odisha Police for heritage related crimes. He said that proper listing of all the heritage, both tangible and intangible, should be undertaken and a detailed survey of all the districts should be made. The rich Geological Heritage, natural heritage and wildlife too should be documented.
Expressing her happiness over the formation of the Puri Chapter, the Deputy Chief Minister assured all possible support from the government in implementation of INTACH’s mission. She highlighted the various schemes and projects that the Government of Odisha had undertaken for boosting tourism. Shri Om Prakash Mishra, MLA waxed eloquent on the rich heritage of Puri district and the need to preserve the age old traditions as mentioned in the ancient texts. Dr. Minati Rath, the Director-in-charge of the Central Sanskrit University proposed the opening up of a Heritage Club at the University and offered Intach all support in its endeavours. Shri Sanjay Baral, the Co-convener of the Chapter gave a vote of thanks and presented a road map on the planned activities in Konark region.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior officers of the district administration, media persons and several eminent people of Puri including educationists, students, researchers and art lovers. This is INTACH’s fourteenth chapter in the state.
