Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 21 

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage Kashmir Chapter organised heritage awareness and volunteer training workshops at two colleges in Srinagar as part of efforts to promote heritage education and conservation among students, officials said on Wednesday.

The one-day workshops were conducted in collaboration with the Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) division of INTACH at Government College for Women M A Road and Amar Singh College.

According to a statement issued by the INTACH Kashmir Chapter, the programmes aimed to sensitise students about the importance of preserving Kashmir’s cultural heritage and encourage their participation as heritage volunteers.

The workshops began with welcome addresses by the principals of the two colleges, who highlighted the importance of involving young people in heritage conservation efforts.

An INTACH heritage film was also screened during the sessions.

Purnima Datt conducted sessions introducing students to the concept of heritage and its role in shaping social identity and collective memory.

Senior conservation architect and art historian Sameer Hamdani delivered lectures on Kashmir’s architectural heritage and stressed the need for its preservation.

Saleem Beg also addressed participants and discussed changing dimensions of cultural heritage and opportunities for youth engagement in the sector.

Post-lunch sessions focused on heritage volunteerism and the role students can play in spreading awareness and safeguarding cultural resources. Students also participated in interactive group activities and discussions on heritage-related themes.

The INTACH Kashmir Chapter thanked the principals, faculty members and students of both colleges for their participation and cooperation.

The organisation also acknowledged the support of Convener Altaf Hussain and Co-Convener Habibullah Bhat for supporting heritage education initiatives in the Valley.