A Keonjhar Chapter of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) has been launched at the historic Durbar Hall of the district Collectorate. It was declared open by INTACH Odisha State Convener Amiya Bhusan Tripathy in the presence of Collector Ashish Thakre.
Chapter Convener Dr Ajay Kumar Nayak informed that the INTACH was founded in 1984 in New Delhi and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and former Minister KP Singh Deo were among its founder-members.
The chapter has been formed with 20 Life Members. Tripathy handed over the badges to all members.
In his keynote address, historian, researcher and writer Anil Dhir, the Co-Convener of INTACH Odisha Chapter, explained the mission of INTACH and elaborated the major achievements of Odisha State Chapter.
Dhir suggested that a District Museum be opened at Keonjhar with collection of artifacts that are lying in different museums all over the country. The rich tribal heritage of the different tribes of the districts should be documents and a proper interpretation centre should be put up. The rich geological heritage of the district too should be documented.
Collector Thakre assured all possible support from the district administration in implementation of INTACH’s mission for the district. DFO Dhanraj highlighted the geological and wildlife heritage of the district.
Eminent puppeteer Maguni Charan Kunar, who was decorated with Padmashri recently, was felicitated.
