Mumbai University receives UNESCO award for heritage conservation

Mumbai University receives UNESCO award for heritage conservation

Efforts such as the one to restore Rajabai tower make a decisive impact on the local economy: UNESCO

The Mumbai University on Wednesday received the prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific award for the cultural heritage conservation work undertaken at the Rajabai Tower and the library block.

The ceremony, which was attended by dignitaries from the government, university, and heritage conservation stakeholders, began with a welcome speech by Dr. Suhas Pednekar, vice-chancellor, who spoke effusively about the ensemble of Victorian and Gothic architecture in Mumbai, particularly the Rajabai tower, and praised the support by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), who funded it, and the restoration work by the Indian Heritage Society.

Dr. Pednekar mentioned the importance of conservation of heritage structures and lauded the public-private partnership efforts in it. The library building is a ground-plus-one structure whereas the clock tower, the main icon of the building, is 280 feet high and consists of seven storeys. The tower is built abutting the library building and provides entrance to the library through a porte cochère at its base. 

Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, who is also the Chancellor, accepting the award on behalf of Mumbai University, said, “The reason why individual private citizens do not take part in such initiatives is because they either do not feel proud about our vast heritage, or are too occupied with their everyday lives.”

Brinda Somaya, managing director of architectural firm Somaya and Kalappa Consultants, who worked on the restoration project, said, “The Rajabai tower embodies our shared heritage, identity, and pride. Although it was built under the patronage of the British, it was at the time one of the tallest structures in the city, at a towering height of 250 feet. Such projects retain our shared place in the nation. And if we do not preserve our past, we have no future.

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Anita Garware, chairperson, Indian Heritage Society, said such projects are in serious need of not just funds, but contributions by private organisations, and individuals. She thanked Subramanian Ramadorai, former CEO and managing director of TCS, for agreeing to fund the restoration.

N.G. Subramanian, the chief operating officer of TCS, spoke of the “confluence of cultures” that India is, and the magnificence of its fine art and architecture. “We feel a sense of shame when they are not maintained well. It is crucial that we preserve our rich indigenous traditions and balance it with our radical technological progress,” he said.

Vinod Tawde, the State Higher and Technical Education Minister, batted for the need for heritage structure literacy among students to ensure their collective participation in its preservation. 

The director and representative for the UNESCO New Delhi Cluster Office, Eric Falt, appreciated the innovative use of local craftsmanship, and hoped that non-government stakeholders too would make efforts to maintain such heritage monuments.

“Such efforts make a decisive impact on the local economy, and rakes specific socio-economic dividends. Mumbai has its special place in the country. It has won 19 awards for heritage conservation, along with other regions in the country, where the number of UNESCO World Heritage sites have been steadily rising,” Mr. Falt said.

Source | https://www.thehindu.com