By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 2 Dec: The Dehradun Chapter of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), in collaboration with the Forest Department of Uttarakhand, is hosting a two-day teachers’ training workshop to promote awareness and education on the importance of heritage. The event, being held on 2-3 December 2024, brings together educators, forest department staff, and heritage experts for an engaging series of presentations, discussions, and interactive activities.
On the first day of the workshop, today, attendees gathered for a series of insightful sessions aimed at enhancing their understanding of natural and cultural heritage. The proceedings began with a welcome address by Anjali Bharthari, Co-Convenor of INTACH Uttarakhand, and an Introduction by Bharti Jain, Convenor of INTACH Dehradun. In her welcome address, Anjali said that the programme has been curated to give a holistic overview of the built, natural and cultural heritage of the country and specifically of Dehradun city.
Purnima Datt, Principal Director of HECS (Heritage Education and Communication Service), INTACH, New Delhi, led the orientation, which included the screening of films and a detailed session on “What is Heritage – Natural, Built, and Living”. Dr Dhananjay Mohan, (PCCF and HOFF), Forest Department, Uttarakhand, delivered an engaging talk on the region’s rich environment and ecological history and the role of teachers in taking this forward for the holistic development of students. He said that such education will make students stand out in the crowd. Vidya Srinivasan, Chairperson of SPIC MACAY, provided an insightful talk on the performing arts of the country.
Vijay Bhatt from the Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti delivered an informative slide presentation on the canals of Dehradun, connecting Dehradun’s heritage with its historical infrastructure.
Further, Apurva Gour, Co-Convenor of the Dehradun Chapter, presented on the unique heritage of Dehradun. In addition, the session included an “icebreaker activity”, a presentation by HECS on heritage education methodology, an introduction to teachers’ kits and the formation of Heritage Clubs in schools. The day concluded with group activities that aimed to further engage participants in practical aspects of heritage education, preparing them to integrate these lessons into their classrooms.
The second day of the workshop will include an immersive heritage walk, offering a hands-on opportunity to explore the rich heritage of Dehradun. The field visit will be conducted at the photo gallery of the Forest Research Institute. This workshop is part of INTACH’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the significance of heritage among young learners and the community, fostering a deeper connection with the environment and cultural history said Bharti Jain, Convenor INTACH, Dehradun.
In attendance were 40 teachers from schools across Dehradun, as well as staff from the Uttarakhand Forest Department, who are involved in outreach and educational programmes across the region. Anjali Bharthari said that the workshop’s focus is to equip educators with the knowledge and resources to implement year-round heritage activities within schools, with each participating school receiving a comprehensive resource kit provided by HECS. Such workshops will also be organised across the state in the coming days through our chapters in the various districts.
