Malvika Pathania, the newly elected national vice-chairperson of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), was felicitated at a function in Dharamsala on Friday. The Kangra and Dharamsala Chapters of INTACH jointly organized the event, where over 50 life members honored her for becoming the first woman from Himachal Pradesh to be elected to this prestigious national post.
Milestone for Himachal Pradesh
Narender Awasthi, president of the INTACH Dharamsala Chapter, described her election as a milestone for the state. He expressed confidence that her leadership would provide significant impetus to the conservation of Himachal Pradesh's rich cultural and natural heritage. Awasthi also acknowledged her continued support in organizing heritage workshops and awareness programmes.
Malvika's Commitment to Heritage Conservation
Malvika stated that her decades-long association with heritage conservation had deepened her commitment to preserving the nation's heritage. She noted that after Independence, the country's focus on livelihoods and development often took precedence over heritage conservation, making it crucial for the present generation to safeguard India's cultural legacy.
She highlighted INTACH's active engagement with schools and colleges to raise awareness about heritage conservation. Malvika emphasized INTACH's role in protecting monuments, sites, and traditions that fall outside the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Among key initiatives, she cited the restoration of the Sarah Temple, revival of Kangra miniature painting, promotion of bamboo crafts and traditional handicrafts, and skill development programmes for artisans. She also referred to conservation projects related to military heritage in Kasauli and Subathu, as well as the restoration of historic cemeteries.
Geo Diversity Park at Bhagsunag
LN Aggarwal, head of the INTACH Kangra Chapter, announced that the proposed Geo Diversity Park at Bhagsunag had received government approval. He said the park is expected to significantly strengthen the conservation of the region's geological heritage.
Ongoing Work of Kangra and Dharamsala Chapters
The meeting also highlighted the work of the Kangra and Dharamsala Chapters, established in 2004 and 2009, respectively. These chapters continue to promote Himachal Pradesh's tangible and intangible heritage through restoration, documentation, and public awareness initiatives. Their efforts contribute to preserving the state's unique cultural and natural assets for future generations.
