“Many times during the process of conservation the condition of the object taken for conservation deteriorates. We must focus on minimising the same. Because, it is not merely the conservation of that object but the conservation of knowledge associated with it. So, we should not treat it as material conservation but as knowledge conservation. Preserving heritage is important,” opined Prof Pratapanand Jha, Dean Academics, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi. He was talking at the commencement function of Post Graduate Diploma in Preventive Conservation at city based Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI). Dr Achal Pandya, HoD, Conservation, IGNCA, Sudhir Vaishampayan, Secretary and Dr Pradeep Apte, Vice President Regulatory Council of BORI were present on the occasion.
“After successful implementation at IGNCA, New Delhi this program was launched at Baroda last year, this year it was launched at BORI Pune and next year we will start this program at Gujarat Vidyapith,” Jha added.
“We are happy to start this post graduate diploma which will provide a comprehensive overview of heritage conservation, its philosophies and history. It will touch upon aspects of traditional and scientific conservation methods, restoration and preservation of our tangible heritage (material culture) and the resources of the Indian Knowledge System. About 16 students are admitted to the first batch of this post graduate diploma in preventive conservation being held at BORI Campus with help from IGNCA,” said Sudhir Vaishampayan.
Achal Pandya said, “The preventive conservation science is not very old; it started as late as 1952 in Belgium. The approach used in imparting conservation techniques is more towards teaching the don’ts. So, when we use chemicals in preventive conservation the focus is more on what should not be done and on the damage control. Good job opportunities are available in the area of conservation for skilled personnel.”
“IGNCA started the heritage conservation courses in 2017 and so far 5 batches have come out. The same course would be implemented at BORI. In fact the students at BORI will benefit more due to the legacy of BORI in heritage conservation,” Pandya added.
“Technology helped spread the knowledge acquired by BORI through many years of research. It was the situation of pandemic that prompted use of technology, especially the digital platforms created on the internet that helped in creating interest about these subjects from the Indian Knowledge System among the people at large. BORI would like to be a part of ever evolving conservation relevant to its work,” said Pradeep Apte.
