STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Aparna Tandon, an internationally acclaimed conservator who works for United Nation’s ICCROM based in Rome, Italy, delivered a special extension lecture on ‘Cultural heritage, social disruptions and development’ at Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu.
The lecture was organised jointly by the Departments of Lifelong Learning (DLL), Sociology and Psychology in collaboration with the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu.
Tandon who has studied at Harvard University, is a Fulbright and Inlaks scholar who is leading ICCROM’s international capacity development programme on disaster risk management and its flagship training on First Aid to Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis. Tandon has also worked extensively in regions like Syria, Iraq, Nepal, Philippines, Iraq, Mosul, Haiti, Sudan etc.
Dr Anupama Vohra, Associate Dean, DSW, Dr. Kavita Suri, Director and Head, DLL, Dr Hema Gandotra, Officiating head, Sociology were also present at the occasion besides the students of Rural development, Sociology and Psychology.
In her interactive lecture, Tandon explained the complex interaction between cultural heritage, social disruptions that occur due to conflicts and disasters, and sustainable development.
Based on her extensive experience in recovering damaged cultural heritage amidst large scale disasters and intense conflicts, the UN expert who has spent past 20 years in the field, explained how safeguarding cultural heritage which is connected with people’s lives can help societies to recover, build social cohesion as well as resilience.
The lecture concluded with a short discussion with the students of the three departments which can help them to further research on various cultures and sub-cultures of J and K and help to reduce polarisation in the State.
The students came up with several issues during the short interaction.
The programme was conducted by Sonakshi Ganotra while Diksha Andotra presented vote of thanks.
