Heritage Conservation Will Happen Through Public Awareness, Not Just Government Efforts: Speakers at Seminar

Udaipur: Heritage conservation cannot be ensured solely through government initiatives; it requires active participation and awareness among the general public. This was stated by Prof. Meena Gaur, former Head of the Department of History at Mohanlal Sukhadia University.

She was addressing a seminar on the theme “Heritage Conservation: Our Priority” organized by the Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Samiti, Udaipur, on Saturday, where she attended as the chief guest. Prof. Gaur said that heritage is not merely a physical entity but also an emotional connection, and therefore a sense of responsibility toward its preservation must be awakened among people. She emphasized that public awareness campaigns are necessary to safeguard heritage.

The seminar was organized on the occasion of a Holi Milan gathering. The keynote speaker, Prof. Parmendra Dashora, Vice-Chancellor of Mangalayatan University, Mathura, said that heritage is not limited to stone monuments or artifacts; our traditions are also an important part of our heritage. Traditions such as the worship of Sheetla Mata during weddings or the ritual of Pathwari worship while departing for or returning from pilgrimages are examples of cultural heritage.

He noted that these traditions have evolved over time, yet their antiquity establishes them as heritage. According to him, changes in traditions according to the needs of different eras have always occurred and continue today. The real responsibility lies in understanding and explaining the deeper messages embedded in these traditions.

The program was held at the auditorium of Vishwa Samvad Kendra in Hiran Magri. The seminar was chaired by Prof. Jeevan Singh Kharkwal, Director of the Literature Institute of Rajasthan Vidyapeeth. District General Secretary Chainshankar Dashora also shared his views during the program.

Guests were welcomed by Dr. Manish Shrimali, Minister of Chittorgarh Province. The program was conducted by Dr. Mahamaya Prasad Chaubisa, President of the Udaipur Metropolitan Unit of the Itihas Sankalan Samiti, while Deepak Sharma, Metropolitan Minister, delivered the vote of thanks.

Among those present on the occasion were Provincial Organization Minister Ramesh Shukla, Gauri Shankar Dave, Pramod Sharma, and other dignitaries.