Unhappy over lack of Govt attention
The INTACH Ganjam Chapter on Saturday expressed deep concern that revival and conservation of Ganjam’s glittering past and glory are not being taken up due to lack of political will and Government attention.
A meeting held here under the chairmanship of chapter chief Sudhansu Pati discussed various issues concerning protection of old heritage structures of Ganjam and Gajapati districts. INTACH State head AB Tripathy and State advisor Anant Mahapatra graced the occasion as guests.
Some of the artifacts in Ganjam district are the famous Ashokan rock edicts at Jaugada, Potagarh near Ganjam town, Biranchi Narayan Temple, known as wooden Konark, at Buguda, Budhakhol near Buguda, Palur Hill near Kanishi, Mahurigarh and Malatigarh near Aska and Krishnagiri Hill at Khallikote.
“Since the rock edicts at Jaugada are fading, there is a need to re-write them and translate them into Odia, English and Hindi,” noted writer and historian Sudarshan Acharya said.
Dr Pati called upon all to be self-disciplined soldiers and create awareness in both rural and urban areas in Ganjam district regarding protection of the age-old monuments in their respective places.
Tripathy also appealed to all the members and heritage activists present at the meeting to be more concerned and alert for listing of rich heritage sites, which would ultimately be helpful to create a better picture of Ganjam with reference to its rich past and forgotten days.
Anant Mahapatra called upon youths to come forward to preserve the old values and rich heritage of Ganjam. Among others, Prof Pramod Sahu, Prof RP Sharma, lawyer Susil Padhy and RK Sahu participated in the meeting.
On this occasion, a few new members, including Prof BC Choudhury, Nishank, Prof Santosh Das and Narayan Mahankuda, joined the Indian National Trust for Art and Culture (INTACH).