Shriji felicitating the Vocalist - K. Venkateshwara

Shriji addressing the distinguished guests along
with the performing artists

Mr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar with guests

Guest at Aaskha

Wed, 20 Nov

Fourth Biennial Conference of the Indian Heritage Cities Network - Foundation (IHCN-F)

As the urban landscape is racing towards winning hearts globally, our precious heritage seems to have become a fading memory. Too many changes being brought about way too rapidly is shocking the country's heritage and further greying the socio-economic ecosystem that once used to be India's blooming flower.

Serving the raised concern, The Indian Heritage Cities Network was founded in September 2006 with the support of UNESCO, New Delhi, with endorsement from the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India. IHCN held its Fourth Biennial Conference in Pune between 20th and 22nd November. The theme of the conference was 'Economics of Living Heritage Cities'.

IHCN now comprises of 27 Indian member cities, 7 French member cities and regional partners, several university and institutional members and a number of NGO partners. Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation is one such NGO partner to IHCN.

Speaking about the session, where best practices from the world over were shared, which will help local urban bodies to formulate their heritage policies. Mr. K S Raykar, Executive Director of IHCN, said, "Living in a country with a rich heritage, we need to take steps to ensure that our priceless heritage is preserved". Alternate ways to secure funds to conserve heritage and measure the economic impact of heritage was discussed at the conference. Since PMC is one of the host bodies, a special assessment plan for the city's heritage was unveiled at the end of the conference.

"In order to inculcate a sense of appreciation for heritage sites among students, a competition was organised by IHCN. For students of architecture, a special competition on designing a living heritage revitalisation plan was also announced. Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur, Chairman and Managing Trustee, Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, Udaipur had sanctioned INR 2 lakhs in support for IHCN-F Biennial Student Competition 2013.

Ms. Deepthi Sasidharan, Director, Eka Resources, Pune represented as a resource person from Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), Udaipur for IHCN-F 2013 Pune International Conference.