INDORE, 13th July: “PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) is doing wonderful work to promote awareness about the importance of preserving our heritage by organizing heritage tourism conclaves throughout the country. I urge them and industry leaders in general, to lend a helping hand to support the tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh.” This message was given by the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Patel who was the Chief Guest at the 13th International Heritage Tourism Conclave organized by PHDCCI here on 12th July. The conclave was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board; Rajasthan Tourism; IRCTC and Indigo.
Present in the Inaugural Session were Ms. Urmila Shukla (IAS), Commissioner- Archaeology, Archives & Museums, Government of Madhya Pradesh; Mr. Arun Srivastava, Joint Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Mr. Anil Parashar, Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI; Mr. Sanjeev Agrawal, Chair – Madhya Pradesh Chapter, PHDCCI; Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chair – Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI; and Ms. Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI.
The Inaugural Session saw release of two reports – one by PHDCCI on the Conclave with messages from the Governor, Ministry of Tourism and the Chamber. The second report was made by KPMG in partnership with PHDCCI on the scope, challenges and recommendations for heritage tourism. A highlight of the Inaugural Session was a demonstration of the way intangible heritage is being preserved by children of the country. Students of Garima Vidya Vihar Senior Secondary School in Indore presented Shivstuti through the classical dance form of Kathak.
Content creators of Indore and local social media influencers Udte Kabootar also spoke about the work they were doing to preserve the stories and oral history of the city.
Inaugurating the Conclave, Shri Patel said that the state was not only rich in historical monuments, but also boasted a diverse cultural tapestry that included vibrant festivals, traditional arts and crafts. By promoting heritage tourism, we can foster a deeper appreciation of our cultural assets, drive economic growth and enhance the livelihoods of local communities, he said.
Ms. Shukla highlighted the role of Archaeological Survey of India in protecting and conserving the history, cultural monuments and antiquities of Madhya Pradesh. She elaborated on the initiatives that the government is undertaking for promoting heritage and culture by conducting various research activities like excavation, exploration, development of museums, conferences and workshops.
Mr. Srivastava spoke about the work being done by the Ministry of Tourism through initiatives such as ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and ‘PRASAD’ schemes. He also informed that India is set to host the 46th meeting of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi from 21-31 July which will have participation of members from 195 countries.
Mr. Parashar said that through International Heritage Tourism Conclaves, PHDCCI has made a significant impact on the ground by popularizing heritage destinations, increasing community participation in the preservation of historical buildings and advocating for policy changes that make our monuments more accessible and inclusive.
Highlighting the potential of promoting heritage tourism in Madhya Pradesh, Mr. Sanjeev Agrawal, said that the state is home to three Unesco World Heritage Sites: temples of Khajuraho, Buddhist stupas at Sanchi and the rock shelters of Bhimbetka. He further said that in recent years, Madhya Pradesh has seen a surge in both domestic and international tourists, drawn by the allure of its heritage, wildlife and cultural experiences.
Mr. Raju Sharma, Director – CSR, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd (IndiGo), presented a case study on the restoration of Lal Bagh Palace which was moderated by Mr. Himanshu Dudwadkar, Co-Convenor – Indore Chapter, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage.
A discussion on the role of women in preserving cultural legacy was hosted by Ms. Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, with guests Mr. Vaibhav Chauhan, Director of The City Palace, Jaipur and Jaigarh Fort and Ms. Anjchita Nair, Co-Founder & CEO, Cultre.
Mr. Ajay Verma, CEO – Heritage and Events, Sabhyata Foundation discussed on the role of enabling policies in preserving heritage with a focus on Red Fort. Author and historian Ms. Swapna Liddle shared her perspective on the public’s role in heritage preservation. Ms. Kishwar Desai, Chair of The Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust, presented a case study on the Partition Museum in Amritsar.
A panel discussion on the role of technology in preserving heritage had Prof. Mohan Raghavan, Head, Department of Heritage Science Technology, IIT Hyderabad, as the Moderator with panelists Ms. Priti Ramakrishnan, Co-Founder & COO, ImmverseAI and Mr. Raghava Krishna, Founder and CEO, Brhat.
The event concluded with a session on preserving heritage through art by Mr. Wajid Khan, Artist, Sculptor, Inventor, Patent Holder and hosted by Mr. Atul Singh, Chairman – MP Chapter, Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India.
Delegates had the opportunity to participate in the Rajwada Reminiscence Heritage Walk, curated by Mr. Ritik and Mr. Shashank, Co-Founders of Udte Kabootar, offering a unique exploration of Indore’s historical treasures.
Among the industry partners of 13th IHTC were Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), Udte Kabootar, Red FM 93.5 and Indore Talk; and was supported by PHDCCI annual sponsors, DLF Ltd; Jindal Steel & Power; KLJ Group; Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd; Marble City; MMG Group; Radico Khaitan Ltd; Uflex Ltd; Vestige; Eazy ERP Technologies; JK Tyre & Industries Ltd; Sagar Group of Industries; Superior Industries Limited; Samsung India Electronics; Oswal Greentech; Apeejay Stya Group; Blossom Kochhar Beauty Products Pvt Ltd; DCM Shriram; R E Rogers; Trident Group; Ajit Industries Pvt Ltd; Bhagwati Plastic and Pipes Industries; Central Coalfields Ltd; DD Pharmaceutical Ltd.; Hindware Sanitary; Jindal Steel; Modern Automobiles; P S BEDI & Co.