Prof. K. Arjun Rao, director of the Heritage department, said public participation was the strongest support for preserving heritage sites
Hyderabad:Heritage walks, talks, a treasure hunt, quiz programme, and a clean‑up drive at the State Museum and Irrum Manzil marked World Heritage Day celebrations here on Saturday.
Participating in the event, A. Vani Prasad, special chief secretary (YAT&C department), said safeguarding monuments was everyone’s duty. “The government is promoting tourism as a growth engine, and heritage sites must be well‑preserved. Knowing our history is a matter of pride and identity. Through heritage sites we can understand what our people contributed to the world,” she said.
Prof. K. Arjun Rao, director of the Heritage department, said public participation was the strongest support for preserving heritage sites. He announced that a certificate course in archaeology will be introduced in June to help students gain skills and improve employability.
Sajjad Shahid, convenor of INTACH Telangana, stressed the need to tap private and CSR funding for conservation. “The best way to protect heritage is to start by creating awareness at home and in local areas,” he said.
During the event, Dr P. Nagaraju, deputy director (Museums), released the Pajjur Excavation report, while archaeologists Dr E. Siva Nagi Reddy and Dr Nagaraju presented their research work Telangana lo Kalachuri Shasanalu.
Meanwhile, the Quli Qutub Shah Urban Development Authority, in collaboration with the Roads and Buildings department and Deccan Archive, organised a cleanup drive and treasure hunt at the Errum Manzil Palace, with 60 volunteers participating. QQSUDA administrator Gouthami P highlighted the importance of collaboration and announced an annual calendar of monthly heritage awareness events.
INTACH Hyderabad presented Heritage awards to the Institution of Engineers, CDM House Secunderabad, Osmania University’s Chemistry building, CSI Wesley Church Secunderabad, Navigation Training School Begumpet, and Puri Jagannath Temple.
GHMC commissioner R. V. Karnan, inspecting restoration works at Sardar Mahal, said the façade had been restored and internal works were underway.
A quiz on the life and legacy of Nizam VII Mir Osman Ali Khan was organised by the Nizam’s Museum to promote historical awareness among school students.
