Puri Heritage Walks Marks First Anniversary with Calls for Global Digitisation of Heritage

Puri: The Puri Heritage Walks marked its first anniversary at Sanskruti Bhavan, celebrating a year of promoting the rich cultural and historical legacy of the Sankha Kshetra—one of Hinduism’s four sacred “dhamas” and the revered abode of the Trinity. The event brought together eminent heritage experts, activists, and enthusiasts who underscored the need for preservation, awareness, and global outreach.

Renowned sculptor and Padma Vibhushan awardee Sudarshan Sahoo, the chief guest, stressed the importance of fostering heritage awareness among future generations. Historian Anil Dhir, delivering the keynote address, warned of the gradual destruction of ancient monuments and called for urgent measures to safeguard them.

INTACH State convener Biswajit Mohanty elaborated on the vision and objectives of the heritage walks, while Udaygiri Foundation president JP Jagdev highlighted the potential of digitising heritage preservation efforts and taking them to an international audience. Swami Subhananda Ji Maharaj of Mahiprakash Math urged the protection of historical facts to ensure their transmission to the next generation.

The Hindi edition of Heritage of Nabakalebara by researcher Surendra Kumar Mishra was launched during the event. Mishra also shared his insights on heritage research. Three notable heritage contributors—Bijaya Kumar Mohapatra, chief Vishwakarma Sevak of the Nandighosha Ratha, along with researchers Krushna Chandra Mishra and Sarangadhar Raiguru—were honoured with the ‘Aitihya Ratna’ award. Additionally, heritage activists from across Odisha, including Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, and Balasore, received the ‘Aitihya Shri’ and ‘Aitihya Bandhu’ awards.

Meritorious students from earlier school-level heritage quizzes and painting competitions were also felicitated. The annual souvenir Aitihya Gabakshya was released, adding another milestone to the celebration.

The event, coordinated by heritage researcher Pandit Sidharth Acharya and journalist Rajashree Sahoo, was organised under the guidance of advisor Debi Prasanna Nanda, conveners Biswaranjan Dehury, Sanjay Kumar Baral, and Dr Kumar Aurojyoti, with support from a dedicated team of heritage enthusiasts.