Puri: The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) on Wednesday launched its Puri Chapter at the auditorium of the Central Sanskrit University, marking a significant step towards heritage conservation and cultural awareness in the district.
The chapter was formally inaugurated by Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida in the presence of Satyabadi MLA Om Prakash Mishra and several heritage enthusiasts, researchers and academicians.
Addressing the gathering, Parida expressed happiness over the formation of the new chapter and assured full support from the state government for heritage conservation initiatives. She also highlighted various tourism and cultural development projects being undertaken by the Odisha government.
Speaking on the occasion, INTACH Member Secretary Rabindra Singh said the organisation was founded in 1984 in New Delhi with the objective of promoting heritage awareness and conservation across the country. He noted that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and former minister K. P. Singhdeo were among the founder members of INTACH.
Puri Chapter Convener Subash Chandra Rath informed that the chapter has been formed with 50 life members and support from nearly 100 researchers, writers, temple servitors, artists and cultural activists from the district.
State Convener Biswajit Mohanty stressed the importance of documenting and preserving Odisha’s tribal and cultural heritage, while historian Anil Dhir raised concerns over increasing idol thefts and the deteriorating condition of heritage sites in Odisha. He called for the creation of a dedicated heritage crime cell within the Odisha Police.
The event also featured discussions on heritage preservation, tourism promotion and future conservation projects in the Konark region. Senior district officials, academicians, students, media persons and art lovers attended the inaugural ceremony.
With the launch of the Puri Chapter, INTACH now has 14 chapters across Odisha.
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