Nalanda: The world-renowned ancient Nalanda Mahavihara is set to strengthen its efforts towards cultural heritage conservation, with the process of establishing a new Nalanda Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) officially underway.
The initiative gained momentum following the recent visit of INTACH Chairman Ashok Jairaj Singh to Nalanda and Nawada, during which he gave a positive assurance regarding the establishment of the new chapter.
Sharing details, Dr. Shiv Kumar Mishra, Bihar State Co-Coordinator of INTACH and former Director of the Bihar Sharif Museum, said the globally recognised organisation is dedicated to documenting, preserving and protecting cultural heritage sites that may not be covered under the official lists of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) or state archaeology departments.
He said INTACH is the world’s largest heritage conservation organisation, with 248 chapters operating across India and abroad.
According to Dr. Mishra, INTACH has played a significant role in several landmark conservation projects. At the request of the Government of India, the organisation undertook the conservation of the Durbar Hall at Rashtrapati Bhavan. It was also honoured by UNESCO this year for its efforts to preserve heritage structures damaged during the devastating earthquake in Nepal.
INTACH currently has active chapters in Patna, Darbhanga, Purnea, Gaya, Nawada, Bhagalpur, Begusarai and Madhubani districts of Bihar. Beyond conserving monuments, the organisation is also working to revive traditional arts and endangered scripts.
Dr. Mishra highlighted INTACH’s efforts to preserve the ancient Kaithi script of Bihar through training workshops conducted in several districts. With the organisation’s support, government officials are now being trained in the script, which is expected to assist in land survey-related work.
The proposed Nalanda Chapter aims to preserve the district’s rich cultural heritage while encouraging younger generations to develop a deeper appreciation for their history and traditions.
To facilitate the formation of the new chapter, Dr. Bachchan Kumar Pandey, Coordinator of the INTACH Nawada Chapter, has been authorised to oversee the process. Chandan Kumar, a member of the organisation, has been entrusted with coordinating with heritage enthusiasts, historians and intellectuals across the district.
Established in 1984 on the initiative of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, INTACH has grown into one of India’s leading organisations dedicated to the conservation and promotion of the country’s cultural and architectural heritage.
