‘Fight babudom to save heritage’

KOLKATA: Money is hardly a constraint for heritage conservation and restoration. What is required is indomitable passion and boundless energy to fight the regressive ‘babudom’ (bureaucracy) that is holding back India’s growth prospect. These words came from none other than the legendary Aman Nath, who almost singlehandedly showed how ruins can be romantic and wealth-generating. His story — how he converted the ruins of Neemrana fort into heritage hotel — is folklore. Nath was speaking at the symposium on how to get the best out of your heritage property organized by Murshidabad Heritage Development Society (MHDS) in association with CREDAI Bengal and iLead. His words were echoed by Rajiv Patel, who has changed the face of Ahmedabad by adopting a unique economic model for heritage structure where the property owner and the restorer are mutually benefitted.“It is a huge struggle to retain the old buildings as government babus want demolition. Demolition fills up their pockets; a new construction fills up their pockets for the second time,” said Nath. Both Patel and Nath found Azimganj and Jiaganj in Mursidabad unique heritage destinations for foreign tourists “hungry for new places”. Foreign tourists, particularly from the West, are exploring India like never before. “With Greece, Rome and Egypt reaching saturation, India is the next goldmine for global heritage tourists. In this respect, Murshidabad holds a very unique advantage,” said Pradip Chopra, president of MHDS.To give tourism in Murshidabad a fillip, a community-based heritage tourism development model is required, said R K Anil, the mastermind behind the Incredible India campaign. “Besides its great history and havelis, Murshidabad has amazing array of handicraft, textile, cuisines and music. These intangible heritage components must be woven intelligently to offer an unmatched tourism experience,” he said. Once it is done, word spreads like wildfire and you have the number to sustain your projects, said Nath. Micro-level initiative can make the difference. “Open two rooms for tourists. Have a decent arrangement. Don’t compromise with your cultural tradition. Tourists love to be Roman in Rome. Let them do what you do. Keep your story board ready. The amazing stories of your havelis need to be told. Hire local historians. Bring out old documents and even earliest family photographs. Your job is done,” said former bureaucrat and adviser to INTACH, Jayanta Sanyal.