Symposium on Cultural Heritage and Tourism in Punjab organized by Chitkara University Punjab

On the fifth day of Heritage week in Punjab celebrated from 19th – 24th Nov, 2015 organized by Development and Research Organisation for Nature, Arts and Heritage (DRONAH) Foundation in association with UNESCO, New Delhi; Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Punjab Chapter, ASI Chandigarh circle and supported by Punjab Tourism; Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism (IDIPT) and Chitkara University Punjab – Symposium on “ The State of Cultural Heritage and Tourism in Punjab” was conducted in collaboration of Chitkara School of Planning & Architecture, Chitkara School of Mass communications and Chitkara School of Hospitality.

Chief Guest – Smt. Anjali Bhawra (IAS) Principal Secretary, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Govt of Punjab launched the Punjab Destinations Brochure and addressed the students of the three schools emphasising their role as future guardians of heritage. Prof. Kiran Joshi – Dean CCASA started the session with her welcome address followed by Video Presentation: “Imperilled Heritage — Quila Mubarak, Patiala” by Mr. Gurcharan Singh Chani, Eminent Theatre Person and TV Filmmaker. Presentation – “Cultural Heritage Policy for Punjab – A Paradigm for Sustainable Development” was by Ar. Gurmeet S Rai, Conservation Architect, Vice President ICOMOS India & Director, Cultural Resource Conservation Initiative (CRCI), New Delhi. Ms Tapasya Samal, Conservation Architect, DRONAH Foundation, Gurgaon – presented: “Ongoing Conservation Works under 13th Finance Commission” in Punjab. In Chair Prof. I.J.S. Bakshi, Dean, Chitkara School of Planning and Architecture commenced Panel Discussion: “The State of Heritage Tourism in Punjab” with his presentation and along with Panelists: Prof. Amit Bhatnagar – Dean Academics – Chitkara School of Hospitality; Dr. Ashutosh Mishra – Dean Chitkara School of Mass Communications and Prof. S. S. Bais – Principal – Chitkara School of Planning & Architecture who emphasized on how each profession be it Hospitality, Media or Architecture – play vital role in pillars of preserving and showcasing Culture and Heritage followed by active discussion between students and panelists that encouraged and motivated students to become active citizens and assume responsibility towards preserving Culture and Heritage of Punjab.