Patna: A high-level meeting was held in Patna on Thursday to outline a forward-looking strategy for preserving Bihar’s vast and diverse cultural heritage. Organised by the Department of Science, Technology and Technical Education, Government of Bihar, the session focused on harnessing technology to document and safeguard the cultural richness of the state’s rural heartlands.
The centrepiece of the discussion was the “Heritage Herald: Geospatial Platform for Culture & Heritage Management” project, presented by Dr Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kerala. The initiative proposes a digitally enabled, geospatial system designed to preserve village heritage through interactive tools, community engagement, and cultural tourism development.
The project’s vision is to blend scientific, social, and economic insights to create sustainable, inclusive models for cultural heritage conservation. It aims to document village histories, promote tourism, and support livelihoods through smart heritage villages and Cultural Experience Management (CEM) systems.
Key stakeholders in the meeting included Shri Udayan Mishra, Director-cum-Special Secretary of the Department of Tourism, along with officials from the Department of Art, Youth and Culture. Representatives from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham also provided technical insights into the project’s goals, which include deploying a mobile and web platform for showcasing cultural assets and managing village heritage sites.
“Technology is a powerful ally in preserving our identity,” said Shri Ahmad Mahmood during the meeting. “The proposal presented by Dr Maneesha and her team reflects a comprehensive and modern approach to conservation.”
The Tourism Department pledged its full support, with Shri Mishra assuring assistance in identifying key cultural sites for inclusion in the pilot phase.
The initiative is expected to stimulate rural tourism, improve local employment opportunities, and deepen appreciation for Bihar’s village heritage among younger generations.
