Keonjhar: The Keonjhar Chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was launched at the Durbar Hall of the Collectorate on Tuesday.
The Chapter was declared open by INTACH’s Odisha State Convener AB Tripathy in presence of district collector Ashish Thakre. The Keonjhar chapter has been formed with 20 Life Members and involvement of nearly 100 well-wishers comprising researchers, writers, heritage activists, artists and representatives of cultural, educational and social service organisations of the district.
Tripathy handed over the badges to all members and recollected his association with the district. In his welcome address, the Convenor of the Chapter Dr Ajay Kumar Nayak said INTACH was founded in New Delhi in 1984 with the vision to create a membership organisation to stimulate and spearhead heritage awareness and conservation in India. Former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and former Minister KP Singhdeo were among the founder members of INTACH.
In his key-note address, eminent historian, researcher, writer and co-convener of INTACH Odisha Chapter Anil Dhir explained its mission and achievements. He also offered all possible guidance and support in undertaking projects for Keonjhar.
Dhir suggested that a district museum should be opened at Keonjhar with collection of artifacts that are lying in different museums across the country. “Proper listing of all the heritage, both tangible and intangible, should be undertaken and a detailed survey of the monuments of the Baitarani River valley should be made. The rich tribal heritage of different tribes of the districts should be documented and an interpretation centre set up. The rich geological heritage of the district too should be documented,” he said.
Collector Thakre assured all possible support from the district administration in implementation of INTACH’s mission. Keonjhar DFO Dhanraj also spoke. Eminent puppeteer Maguni Charan Kunar was felicitated on the occasion.
