Heritage Managers: Guardians of India’s Cultural Treasures

By preserving cultural assets, heritage management professionals enrich community life and enhance the nation’s appeal. Read on to discover how alumni from the Centre for Heritage Management, Ahmedabad University are contributing to this transformative work.

Protecting heritage and cultural assets not only preserves the past but also paves the way for a more vibrant and sustainable future, benefiting not just communities and the nation, but humanity as a whole in today’s interconnected world. Explore stories of the alumni from the Centre for Heritage Management (CHM), who through roles as diverse as policymaking, craft marketing, archival practices, disaster planning, creative enterprise, and art curation, serve at the frontlines of transforming India by safeguarding and revitalizing its rich culture and heritage.

Priya Gosain: Diving Deep into Urban Conservation

Hailing from Haryana, Priya Gosain earned her bachelor’s degree in architecture in 2017, during which she developed a deep appreciation for built heritage. After her graduation, she worked as an architect with DRONAH, where she recognized the importance of not only preserving heritage structures but also the need for implementing their management. Motivated by this realization, she pursued a master’s at CHM.

Currently, Priya serves as a Consultant and Heritage Expert with PDCOR Limited, a joint venture of the Government of Rajasthan. Her role entails developing a heritage master plan for the walled city of Jaipur, designated a UNESCO World Heritage City in 2019. Priya’s fascination lies in exploring how international policy translates to the preservation of heritage cities in India. She finds fulfilment in the dynamic nature of conservation and management, which requires traveling and immersing herself in different historic urban environments.

Priya reflects, “In India, every city is a heritage city, each with its own story and culture.” This sentiment highlights her deep-rooted belief in the intrinsic value of cultural heritage across the country. Fuelled by her passion and curiosity, Priya aspires to extend her expertise to other historic urban landscapes in India and abroad and further collaborate with organizations such as UNESCO at some point in her career.

Nikhil Parashar: At the Crossroads of Governance and Heritage 

Nikhil Parashar, also working in the government sector, is particularly interested in policy-making and governmental mandates. Originally from Jaipur, Nikhil holds bachelors’ degrees in commerce and interior design.

Seeking a deeper understanding of heritage management in India, Nikhil apprenticed with a master craftsman in Jaipur and completed a short course at the National Archives of India. These formative experiences informed his decision to join CHM.

After completing his master’s at CHM in 2019, Nikhil joined Jaipur Rugs Foundation, where responsibilities included social development of artisans and craft marketing. He also spent two years with TRIFED, which supports tribal forest gatherers and their indigenous knowledge through a breadth of programmes.

At present, Nikhil is an Independent Consultant with the Ministry of Textiles in Delhi. His role spans from supporting policy making to engaging with global agendas for local and national communities to exploring sustainability practices, such as reducing textile waste and protecting land resources. He assisted in organizing Bharat Tex 2024, a maiden event that emphasizes trade, investment, and sustainability within India’s textile industry. Nikhil looks forward to continuing to work with the Government of India in different capacities to build a better society, sustainable jobs and resilient communities.

Aanchal Mehta: Translating Experience into Enterprise  

Aanchal Mehta, a 2019 CHM alum, discovered her passion in heritage management during her bachelor’s of architecture. After completing the master’s programme, she propelled onto an exciting and diverse trajectory.

Aanchal joined Lucknow-based Dharatal on a project with the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, identifying cities in Madhya Pradesh that leverage creativity for sustainable urban development. She worked on assignments such as field visits to Gwalior to investigate how classical music heritage is passed down to new generations. Aanchal also contributed to a disaster risk reduction project for Ahmedabad’s walled city, working on heritage preservation strategies. Most recently, she worked with INTACH Heritage Academy in Delhi to develop a postgraduate curriculum in heritage studies.

Currently, Aanchal finds herself in the exploratory phase of launching her own venture at the intersection of heritage and sustainability. “Thanks to the course and the diverse experiences thereafter, I have a clearer view of what I want to do with my future,” reflects Aanchal. “It has made it very easy to embark on an entrepreneurial journey.”

Rushikesh Rane: Building an Online Marketplace for Artists and Aficionados 

Then there is 2023 graduate, Rushikesh Rane, who has chosen to dive into world of art and culture. With a bachelor’s degree in history, an advanced certificate in archaeology, and a diploma in heritage management, Rushikesh was driven to the master’s programme at CHM by a desire to intimately connect with communities, culture, and living heritage.

He currently serves as a Field Executive at Asign.art, working closely with collectors, galleries, and artists to build an ecosystem around a unique online platform that offers a variety of tools and technologies to the community for buying and selling art. Rushikesh’s work involves curating and managing a vast array of artwork, each with its own narrative and influence. He relishes the opportunity to learn and engage in projects that are typically reserved for more seasoned professionals. Looking ahead, his aspirations include leading an organization dedicated to promoting art and culture.

Niharika Shah: The Art of Curation

A veteran of the art domain, entrepreneur Niharika Shah, native to Ahmedabad, joined the course in 2015 after spending a decade at the Kanoria Centre for Arts as a studio coordinator and then gallery director. She holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and economics and a diploma in marketing management.

In the world of curation, she encountered many contemporary artists using traditional techniques and knowledge, igniting her interest in craft, intangible heritage, indigenous knowledge, and a deeper exploration of curating traditional art.

In 2018, after completing the course, she founded her company, Invent Art. The venture focuses on promoting both emerging contemporary artists and traditional craft artisans. Annually, they curate one or two large exhibitions annually and are currently developing an online marketplace.

Niharika speaks of the great possibilities in art and heritage management and shares that one day she hopes to create a Santa Fe-like hub in Ahmedabad to showcase the artisans of Gujarat.

Rising Demand: The Growing Career Opportunities in Heritage Management

Although heritage management is still emerging as a mainstream profession, future possibilities are highly promising. The surge in museums, archives, art galleries, smart cities, temple corridors, and upcoming tourism circuits, alongside an increased interest from both the private sector and the government initiatives indicate that profession is growing in prominence.

Nikhil offers that heritage management has tremendous opportunities if one has a go-getter attitude. Aanchal adds that passion for heritage is a must, asserting, “It’s the driving force. The role is more about understanding the issues around heritage and picking up where you can give your inputs and bring change.”

From the Classroom to Conservation: Alumni Reflections on Master’s in Heritage Management at CHM

All the alumni express that the Master’s Programme in Heritage Management at CHM effectively prepared them with the skills, confidence and perspective crucial to forging their individual career paths.

The diversity in backgrounds and specializations within each cohort cultivates an enriching learning atmosphere, fostered by peer learning, engaging discussions, reflective sessions, and exposure visits. Furthermore, the programme leverages insights from experts who define the profession. The programme empowers students to manage heritage in their respective areas of interest. “This course touches on every aspect of heritage and opens up a lot of doors,” says Niharika. “It’s a skill intervention in your own practice and will guide you on how you can do something meaningful.”

For some, the Heritage Management Master’s Programme and the journey onwards extend beyond the realm of heritage. Priya reflects, “The course hasn’t only helped me academically and professionally it has taught me how to negotiate, grow in perspective, understand others, and live life better.”

If you looking to explore an MBA in Heritage Management, reach out to the Centre for Heritage Management at Ahmedabad University.

 

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Read in detail about Emerging Careers in Cultural Heritage Management here.