First of its kind, AICTE - ATAL Online Faculty Development Programme on ‘Heritage Management’ commenced at Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism (AITT), Amity University, wherein Prof. Manohar Sajnani (Dean Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism and Director AITT) in his opening remarks focused on organizations which are responsible for India's artistic and cultural heritage, including the Archaeological Survey of India, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage. About 200 Participants from 27 Different states and UT, consisting of 138 institutes & universities of India enrolled in this FDP including academic counsellors, vocational trainers, guest faculty etc.
During the first session by Prof. S. C Bagri, Professor at HNB Garhwal Central University Uttarakhand focused on historical aspects of India that how Indian history began with the birth of the Indus Valley Civilization and the coming of the Aryans, then Buddhist era during the time of the Mahajanapadas, unification of India under Ashoka, kingdoms and dynasties of The Chalukyas, The Pallavas, The Pandyas etc.
The session by Dr. Alka Maheshwari, Associate Professor, Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism, Amity University Uttar Pradesh Noida focused on the Ministry of Culture and its several Systems, Programs and Schemes that support funding, infrastructure and upgradation of protected and unprotected heritage across India such as National Culture Fund, Museum Upgradation Scheme, Financial Assistance for Development of Buddhist/Tibetan Arts and Culture.
Ms. Annabel Lopez, an architect and Heritage Management Consultant deliberated upon INTACH which has been instrumental in documentation and conservation of tangible and intangible heritage in the country and its divisions such as Architectural heritage Division, Art and material heritage, Natural heritage division, Heritage tourism, Heritage Education and communications.
Shri Subrata Nath, Additional Director General, National Museum, Min. of Culture, Govt. of India, New Delhi focused on the importance of heritage conservation as it helps in preserving tangible and intangible resources. Further he mentioned that Museum tourism has still not developed in India. Percentage of tourist footfalls is very less as compared to other countries. We need to create the awareness amongst the locals about the museums.
Prof. Ravindra Kumar, Former Vice Chancellor (officiating) laid emphasis on the importance of Mughal paintings, Islamic Architecture, Delhi Sultanate, UNESCO World Heritages of India.
Mr. Balakrishna Sinha, Indian forest service (Retd.) in his address laid emphasis on the Strategies for conservation of natural heritage and talked about major four Biodiversity Hotspots in India i.e. Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats and Sundalands.