Our sutradhaars debate over the news of plans to build the Indian Institute of Heritage in the country, and wonder if they will make the cut
This picture has been used for representational purpose
Pheroze, this is enough to feed a wedding!” exclaimed Lady Flora as her friend, Sir PM began to spread out goodies from a massive picnic basket at their preferred bench inside Horniman Circle Garden. “There is so much to choose from, and all of it looks delicious,” she continued, soaking in the Parsi homemade fare from mutton dhansak to prawn patio and patra ni machhi. Sir PM wanted to combine the celebrations for Independence Day and Parsi New Year with his friend that evening, and what better way than food to seal the deal.
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“I better stop this, else the inches will add up. I cannot afford to look out of shape especially from that pedestal where so many tourists and Bombaywallahs gaze at me,” Lady Flora checked herself after she had polished off three chicken pattice on the trot. Sir PM was beaming; after all, he missed this kind of celebration last year when most sensible citizens were treading gingerly into the outside world.
Sipping on pudina-adrak chai, Sir PM decided to sound like the one in the know, for a change. “Lady, have you heard the latest on the heritage font? So, there was a statement made in the power corridors of New Delhi by the culture minister that there is a serious plan to establish the Indian Institute of Heritage. “Are you serious, Pheroze!?” Lady Flora remarked; her shrill tone was only barely cut by the tolling bells of the cathedral in the background. “Tell all,” she prodded. “So, the honourable minister informed the Lok Sabha — that’s like your House of Commons — that this world-class university would be established in Noida — which is an extension of Delhi. He added that it would offer higher education and research in areas that are connected with heritage and conservation,” he added, feeling extremely important after sharing the news.
“This is quite something, Pheroze. Who would have imagined that we, as heritage landmarks, would live to see this day,” chuckled Lady Flora. “Well, my lady, I must say it’s an encouraging step; at least now curious minds who have an eye for heritage and are keen on pursuing it from an academic standpoint, can actually sign up for these courses. I really hope this idea takes off,” Sir PM shared, adding, “I wonder how the syllabus will be prepared, and if they will have the best visiting faculty. Imagine the world’s most respected conservation architects and archival experts exchanging notes with their Indian counterparts, and together offering this knowledge to our students!”
Lady Flora seemed to have been caught in a moment; Sir PM realised that she hadn’t noticed the mawa cake slices that he had laid out from what seemed like a bottomless picnic basket. “You’re lost in thought; may I ask what is causing it?” His friend replied in a jiffy, “Pheroze, I hope this idea is fully fleshed out though, if you know what I mean. The authorities who write the rulebook and create courses must ensure it does a 360-degree view of our heritage — from every corner of India. Courses must be structured such that it offers the real and entire picture,” she rattled off. “What do you mean exactly?” Sir PM wanted to hear more. “See, the institute’s curriculum shouldn’t just look at studying about the heritage of famous landmarks like Taj Mahal, Gateway of India and Charminar. Instead, it should emerge as the breeding ground to nurture research about this wonderful country’s untapped, lesser-chronicled sites and locations — from Meghalaya’s living tree bridges to Cochin’s Mattancherry Palace and beyond. Your country is blessed with such diverse and age-old heritage and if research can dig up facts and studies on a state-wise, region-wise and district-wise basis, this institute can become the preserver of this heritage,” she elaborated.
She was spot on and now Sir PM wanted to add to her views. “I feel that they should allow for a certain freedom when it comes to choosing subjects and courses. It shouldn’t be limited to young people only. Nowadays, and to echo what our friend Viegas was saying, older people have also been taking up courses and degrees. Age is no longer a factor and more and more universities across the country are welcoming there. This institute should also follow this approach. In fact, and this is strictly between you and me, I was thinking of heading there myself when it’s all ready to check if they might admit a retired administrator and lawyer like myself,” he smiled. Lady Flora looked surprised but not shocked. “My word, Pheroze, you read my mind! I was thinking of the same thing. This sounds so very exciting and I cannot wait to see it take shape from an idea into a brick-and-mortar centre for inspired ideas and free-flowing education. And yes, hopefully someday, we can rekindle our academic pursuits back on campus,” she signed off as the two decided to set out on a walk as the rain-soaked precinct of Fort basked in all the heritage and history; it was, after all, their favourite classroom for over a century.
mid-day’s Features Editor Fiona Fernandez relishes the city’s sights, sounds, smells and stones...wherever the ink and the inclination takes her. She tweets @bombayana
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