NEW DELHI: As part of the Government’s assertion to help countries especially of the global south in capacity building, understanding, managing and conserving heritage properties, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) will impart training to individuals or experts working in the field of archeology from abroad so that they can understand nuances of preparing a detailed dossier, protection plan and other reports to seek coveted UNESCO World Heritage tag.
According to the culture ministry officials, the training would be given at Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology located in Noida. The officials said that the idea to facilitate and pass on the expertise India has gained, to other countries especially small nations for conservation and preservation of their heritage sites, which go unnoticed.
“There are many heritage sites in small nations of the global south or African countries which should be inscribed on the World Heritage List. However, given the limited resources and knowledge, they are not able to make a case for the same. Over the years, particularly in the last 10 years, we have acquired efficiency, expertise and mastery in dossier making, which requires groundwork and documentation before submitting nomination for a site. We have about 50 submissions pending before the UNESCO’s World Heritage (WHC) Committee. Therefore, we have decided to help those countries and will also provide funds,” said officials, privy to the development.
The Institute is designated for the training functions under the ASI. It provides archaeological opportunities furthering the understanding of the archaeological and historical past of the Indian subcontinent. It develops training programmes both for in-service professional and pre-services connoisseurs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week announced that India would contribute USD one million to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, which would be used for capacity building, technical assistance and conservation of world heritage sites. He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the World Heritage Committee meeting being held in the country for the first time.
Referring to competence and proficiency in dossier preparation, while addressing a press briefing on the sideline of the WHC meeting in Delhi, union culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also explained that India has got expertise over the years and is accustomed to the process, the country can submit six nominations in a day if it is allowed by the UNESCO.