Shuvaprasanna founded the Arts Acre Foundation: International Centre of Creativity and Cultural Vision' in New Town, Kolkata. He has written, edited and published several books on art, literature and has been a regular columnist in various newspapers and journals. We caught up with him at the first-edition of
Times LitFest Kolkata
at the Tollygunge Club on Nov 25. Here are the exclusive excerpts:
What is your take on Kolkata's heritage?Kolkata is a relatively young city, barely over 300 years, but with a distinct architectural style that has evolved through both Islamic and colonial influences, predominantly British. In contrast, Bengal has a more ancient heritage that goes back to centuries. From the excavations at Chandraketugarh to Moghalmari to Jagrinagar, we have built heritage that goes back a long way.
What is WBHC doing to preserve this heritage? We have started cataloguing the built heritage in 23 districts of Bengal. Funds are being allocated for the preservation, restoration and renovation of these buildings.
What about colonial heritage?We have entered into collaborations, for instance with the National Museum of Denmark, to undertake the restoration of Danish buildings in Serampore. A similar project will be undertaken in Chandannagore. Eight buildings have been identified and talks are underway with the French to fund their restoration.
What will be the most exciting development to look forward to? I am very excited about heritage towns Nabadwip and Cooch Behar. The temples in Nabadwip were planned. We are now looking at how to provide proper infrastructure that can match the heritage and create a circuit. In Cooch Behar, the maharaja had appointed a foreign town planner to design the town. It is very unlike any town in Bengal.
When do we see these projects becoming a reality? Very soon. The respective DMs have prepared reports based on which IIT Kharagpur and IIEST have made presentations. We expect work to begin next year.
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