The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was founded in 1984 in New Delhi with the vision to spearhead heritage awareness and conservation in India. Today, INTACH is recognized as one of the world’s largest heritage organizations, with 200+ Chapters across the Country. In the past 40 years, INTACH has pioneered the conservation and preservation of not just our natural and built heritage but intangible heritage as well. Headquartered in New Delhi, it operates through various divisions such as Architectural Heritage, Natural Heritage, Material Heritage, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Heritage Education and Communication Services (HECS), Crafts and Community Cell, Chapters, INTACH Heritage Academy, Heritage Tourism, Listing Cell and Library, Archives and Documentation Centre. Join us in commemorating the remarkable journey of the INTACH as it marks four decades of dedicated service in conserving India’s rich cultural heritage on 27 January 2024.
Through a captivating short film, we invite you to embark on a cinematic exploration that chronicles INTACH’s transformative path from 1984 to 2024, showcasing its emergence as a beacon of excellence in the field of heritage conservation. The film unfolds the narrative of INTACH’s journey, highlighting its pivotal role in safeguarding India’s diverse heritage landscape. From architectural marvels to intangible cultural traditions, from natural wonders to intricate crafts, INTACH’s footprint in preserving and promoting India’s heritage is vividly depicted.
Throughout the film, viewers will be immersed in the stories of INTACH’s various chapters and divisions, witnessing the impactful initiatives undertaken in architectural heritage restoration, art and material heritage preservation, intangible cultural heritage documentation, craft revival, and conservation of natural heritage sites. Moreover, the film sheds light on INTACH’s extensive work in heritage education and capacity building, nurturing the next generation of heritage custodians.
At the heart of INTACH’s journey lies its dedicated team of professionals and volunteers, whose unwavering commitment to conservation and protection shines through every frame of the film. Their tireless efforts and passion for safeguarding India’s cultural legacy serve as a testament to INTACH’s enduring mission.
As we celebrate INTACH’s 40-year milestone, we invite you to witness the story of conservation, innovation, and resilience. Together, let us honour the past, cherish the present, and pave the way for a vibrant future enriched by India’s cultural tapestry. Join us in celebrating INTACH – 40 years of conserving the past, for the present, and for a vibrant future.
Along with this, INTACH also marks its 4 year presence in Nepal following appointed in December 2019 by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of the Government of India for the conservation of 12 earthquake-affected cultural sites in Nepal. INTACH also took on the crucial role of supervising and monitoring projects on behalf of the Government of India, ensuring a meticulous and effective approach to the conservation efforts in Nepal. INTACH has established its Nepal Office in Kathmandu at CLPIU [Building], Babar Mahal, featuring a core technical team of Conservation Architects, Architects, and Engineers. The office, led by a resident Headquarter-trained Project Manager (Conservation Architect) maintains close collaboration with INTACH Headquarters in Delhi. This strategic setup ensures effective coordination and synergy between the on-ground technical expertise in Nepal and the overarching support from the headquarters, enhancing the organisation’s capabilities and impact.
As we mark our four-year milestone in Nepal this December, our journey has been defined by resilience in the face of challenges. Operating amid a backdrop of a national lockdown, regional epidemics, and grappling with the scarcity of materials and contractors lacking prior experience in retrofitting and cultural heritage restoration, INTACH has successfully overcome these hurdles. In a testament to our commitment, two projects; Napi Chandra Mahavihara and Jestha Varna Mahavihara are completed. Despite the adversities, the ceremony stands as a symbol of triumph, reflecting the collaborative spirit between INTACH and the local community.
INTACH has orchestrated a series of impactful initiatives, underscoring its dedication to knowledge dissemination and capacity-building. Over the course of the project, more than five mass training and capacity programs have been conducted, witnessing substantial attendance. These programs have served as dynamic platforms for fostering expertise and promoting a shared understanding of heritage preservation practices.
Furthermore, INTACH has spearheaded comprehensive full-time internships and traineeships, cultivating the skills of over 25 professionals hailing from diverse backgrounds. This concerted effort aligns with the organisation’s overarching goal of nurturing a skilled cadre equipped to address the multifaceted challenges associated with heritage conservation.
In a collaborative spirit, INTACH has forged strategic partnerships with esteemed local institutions, including Kathmandu University and the Nepal Art Council. These alliances, coupled with engagements with local startups, amplify the impact of the organisation’s training and capacity program. Through shared expertise and a collective commitment, INTACH and its partners are actively contributing to the enhancement of Nepal’s cultural heritage conservation efforts, ensuring a sustainable legacy for generations to come.
In the heart of the Kathmandu Project Office, the dedicated core team of conservation architects and engineers at INTACH has exhibited unwavering commitment amid the daunting challenges posed by both the global pandemic and local complexities. Their tireless efforts stand as a testament to their dedication, ensuring that the project seamlessly adheres to INTACH’s core principles in conservation.
As we express our gratitude, we hold a collective hope that INTACH’s contributions will extend beyond post-earthquake recovery, becoming a cornerstone in fortifying Nepal’s future endeavours in heritage conservation. Through collaborative efforts and shared commitment, INTACH aspires to play a pivotal role in safeguarding and enriching Nepal’s cultural legacy for generations to come.
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