The Department of Tourism and Travel Management, Central University of Jammu organized a One Day Orientation Programme on “Heritage Awareness for Student Volunteers” here today in collaboration with INTACH (Jammu Chapter). The event was organized to sensitize the students about the need to conserve and preserve the heritage and cultural legacy of J&K.

The programme was presided by Prof. Ashok Aima, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu. Sh. S. M. Sahni, KAS (Retd.), Convener INTACH Jammu Chapter, Smt. Purnima Dutt, Principal Director HECS, INTACH New Delhi and Jb. Saleem Beig, Convener INTACH, J&K State . Dr. C.M Seth, IFS(Retd. ) & Environmentalist, Prof. Sudhir Singh, GDC Udhampur, Dr. Lalit Gupta, renowned historian were present on the occasion.

Prof. Ashok Aima, in his presidential address emphasized on the need for conservation of heritage in Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated the importance of conservation of the rich culture of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that this collaboration would go far beyond the workshops and help in preservation of art and culture of the state. Nation building is reflected by the character of the nation and it is the people efforts and willingness of the people in building a prosperous country. The tangible and intangible aspects of culture play an important role in nations’ building he said. Further he emphasized on ownership concept for nation building.

Smt. Purnima Dutt in her address emphasized on the objectives of INTACH and laid emphasis on tangible and intangible aspects of heritage. The concept was elucidated by relevant examples. The network of heritage clubs working for sensitization was reiterated. She apprised about the films, handbooks, newsletters and volunteer training programmes. She narrated a story and mesmerized the audience.

In his keynote address Jb. Saleem Beg, INTACH, J&K, emphasized on the need of such programmes for current generation. He said along with knowledge base there is a need to create a socially empowered society and he announced complete support from INTACH to Central University of Jammu

Earlier in his welcome address Sh. S.M Sahni, welcomed the audience and informed that delegates from across the departments of Central University of Jammu and Schools, especially Heritage school are participating for the programme. He also informed that Department of TTM in collaboration with INTACH is the process of mapping the heritage sites of Jammu region. The live projects, he said are on the way. He further expressed his gratitude towards the Vice Chancellor for being proactive in his approach towards collaboration with INTACH.

The programme was spread across six technical sessions including general heritage built heritage, living heritage of Jammu, State / city’s natural heritage, languages of the state/ city and Volunteering. The sessions were conducted by the other eminent resource persons including Jb. Altaf Hussain, Mr. Satwant Singh Rissan and Dr. Suresh Abrol respectively.

The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Devanad, Dean, School of Business Studies Central University of Jammu. He expressed his satisfaction on the efforts of the department of Tourism and Travel Management, Central University of Jammu for organizing such programmes.

The proceedings during the day were conducted by Dr. Bharti Gupta and Dr. Poonam Gupta. The entire event was coordinated by Mr. Manjeet Singh