Welcome everyone! Today, we'll
explore ICOMOS India's North East Zone, dedicated to safeguarding the region's
vibrant cultural and natural heritage. ICOMOS, the International Council on
Monuments and Sites, works worldwide to preserve our shared past. Let's see how
the North East Zone contributes to this mission!
The North East Zone encompasses
the rich tapestry of Assam & its seven sister states: Arunachal Pradesh,
Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. We work tirelessly
to protect the zone's numerous heritage sites and ensure their stories echo
through generations.
The Northeast boasts a fascinating
history, evident in its diverse cultures, ancient traditions, and architectural
marvels. From monolithic sculptures to vibrant festivals, the region is a
treasure trove to explore!
ICOMOS India - North East Zone is
committed to safeguarding this legacy. We believe the past has valuable lessons
for the future, and by preserving our heritage, we enrich the lives of
generations to come.
Get ready to be amazed! This
region is home to breathtaking natural landscapes, magnificent temples, and
captivating tribal villages. Each site whispers tales of resilience, artistry,
and cultural significance.
The North East is a place brimming with rich heritage, from
ancient sites to vibrant traditions. However, we also face challenges.
Transportation and communication access may not be as readily available as in
other parts of the country.
This doesn't stop our passion for preserving our heritage! We
continue our work as volunteers, driven by a deep love for our past. But let's
be honest, financial limitations can sometimes hold us back from contributing
as much as we'd like to ICOMOS and the wider community.
Here's where our local strengths come in. We have incredible
stories, breathtaking places, and talented experts among us. These are
treasures we can share! By organizing workshops, heritage walks, and even
publishing books, we can raise funds right within our communities. A portion of
these funds can then be donated to the National Committee, allowing us to
contribute both financially and through our knowledge.
This approach benefits us in more ways than one. It allows us to
share our rich heritage with the world, but also helps build trust within our
local communities. You see, some folks associate us with larger organizations
like UNESCO. They might think we work with vast funds from abroad, funds that
unfortunately, have a reputation of being misused sometimes.
By raising funds through local events, we can show people the
truth: we are dedicated volunteers, working with passion and resourcefulness to
preserve what truly matters – our heritage. Not only does this ensure
transparency, but it also strengthens the bond between us and the people we
serve.
This past year, the North East
Zone has been busy! We've undertaken various initiatives to promote and protect
heritage. Let's delve into some of our key activities.
Road
Map
We have exciting plans for the
future! Join us as we explore initiatives promoting:
- Universal Music (Apsara Dance, Gamelan Music, Prabandha
Songs) - Celebrating the unifying power of music across cultures.
- Uses of Herbal Medicines - Exploring the traditional healing
wisdom of Southeast Asia.
- Vernacular Architecture in Assam - Preserving the unique Assam
Type build styles that reflect the region's cultural identity.
- Preserving Bihu's Legacy (International Collaboration) -
Bringing Bihu to the global stage through a collaborative webinar.
- Delphic Council and Bihu's Future - Partnering with INTACH to
ensure Bihu's continued significance.
- Heritage Bridge Document - Protecting the historic steel bridges
of Assam, ensuring their stories live on.
Conclusion
ICOMOS India - North East Zone is
dedicated to safeguarding the region's heritage for a brighter tomorrow. We
believe collaboration is key! Join us in our mission to preserve the past and
enrich the future.
**"Colleagues, I want to address
a potential threat to a heritage site in Northeast India. Kaziranga National
Park in Assam, a renowned World Heritage Site, faces a plan to build a
five-star hotel within its eco-sensitive zone, partnered with international
companies. This chosen area is crucial for wild elephant grazing. This project
raises concerns because it contradicts several principles of our Cultural
Tourism Charter, particularly numbers 2.5, 2.6, 4.1, 5.2, and 6.1. We, the NE
Zone want a short discussion on it in this AGM.
As ICOMOS India, we've always offered
our expertise to serve our nation and its people. We believe in the proverb
'Testing does not diminish the value of gold.' However, the current situation
suggests a gap in perception by the government, public, and bureaucracy
regarding our role.
Therefore, I propose that this AGM
discuss this issue and establish clear protocols for our members' interactions.
Let's work together to bridge this perception gap and ensure our valuable
contributions are recognized."**
Thank you for your time and
interest! Let's work together to ensure our heritage continues to inspire
future generations.
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