Keeping the Spirit of India Alive Forever!

World Heritage Day is not only a day to appreciate the delightful landmarks around us. The day which is commended each year on April 18 is intended to bring issues to light to secure our history and culture. International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) was behind commending a day called International Day on Monuments and Sites. The day came to be acknowledged as World Heritage Day and is celebrated by UNESCO member nations.

World Heritage is the mutual abundance of mankind. Protecting and preserving this significant asset requires the aggregate endeavors of the Community. This special day is an opportunity to increase the public’s awareness about the diverse cultural legacy and the efforts to protect & conserve it, as well as to bring its vulnerability to light.

We firmly believe that the tone of discussion around the heritage needs to be altered. Concern about dangers to and loss of heritage is imperative, however the news around heritage looks to be concentrated on damage alone to such an extent that a layman would feel helpless and stop caring. We believe that ownership of heritage belongs to every layman & not to government or association. And the owners should not stop caring.

Today we need to remind everybody that our heritage should be protected. This is an important step towards maintaining the beauty of our Nation and keeping the spirit of India alive forever.

So, what can you do to celebrate World Heritage Day?

Make Heritage Exciting, and here are an alternative for heritage owners – these are ways for us to contribute to & engage with heritage and stop feeling powerless.

1. Visit a Significant Monument and Contribute towards Its Restoration

The first step towards instilling respect for the local heritage in your mind is to visit a monument of cultural significance. Witnessing the glory of these ancient landmarks will help you understand better the urgent need for preserving and restoring these sites. The realization of how these gems of heritage are suffering due to human neglect will encourage you to play a role in the restoration efforts. You can contribute towards this cause in several ways, both by offering monetary support and by volunteering for restoration activities.

2. Create Awareness about the Importance of Conservation of Heritage

Educate the neighborhood communities regarding the crucial role that cultural heritage plays in defining their identities. Discuss how these heritage sites are symbols of their traditional roots and of the rich cultural diversity of the region. Arrange awareness campaigns that explain the susceptibility of these sites to damage at the hands of humans and environmental exposure. Conduct sessions for children to make them comprehend the ways in which they can prevent the degradation of these monuments and can help restore their former grandeur. Such initiatives motivate the local population to come together to protect and conserve these sites.

3. Volunteer At A Local Heritage Site

An excellent way to join this endeavor is to volunteer for the restoration activities at a local heritage site. Small actions like cleaning the premises, collecting discarded garbage, and putting up sign boards can play a major role in the protection and beautification of the monuments. The maintenance of these huge complexes is an arduous task for the limited staff, considering the amount of littering and damage these buildings are subjected to. If you devote just a few hours towards this noble cause then the goal of complete restoration is not hard to achieve.

4. Start A Conversation and Share Your Thoughts

The power of your words can be far-reaching. Half the battle is won if you start conversations that highlight the significance of heritage. Discuss with your friends and families about the need to protect our historical heritage. Engage a larger audience by writing articles and blog posts on this subject. Use social media platforms to bring the topic of the conservation of cultural heritage to the forefront. Once you share your thoughts on this subject, others will be encouraged to join you on this journey of preservation.