Shaping the Future of Cultural Heritage: Insights from Ahmedabad University’s Pioneering Programme

Ahmedabad University’s unique and pioneering program – Master of Heritage Management is opening new opportunities for youth interested in exploring culture and heritage. Let’s take a closer look at this program that is shaping a new generation of responsible professionals.

Heritage management is a relatively new discipline, but an important evolution that furthers global aspirations for economic development. Traditionally, heritage was perceived as a field focused solely on ‘conservation’ and ‘preservation.’ However, in our rapidly changing world, heritage has formed a network with business, creating new solutions for inclusive and sustainable development. Heritage has thus expanded beyond built heritage to encompass tourism, urban development, and intangible heritage like languages, music, customs, performing arts, and even ecology and climate change 

“The Master of Management Studies in Heritage Management Programme at Ahmedabad University is about revitalising forgotten stories and safeguarding our collective memory. It not only ignited my passion but also satisfied my thirst for history. Through our projects, I learned how to embrace our roles as custodians, shaping the future while preserving the past.”  

Sukriti Sen, CHM Alumni and Vice President – Asia Pacific, ICOMOS International Scientific Committee for Water and Heritage  

Multiple government-funded projects, to revitalise heritage sites, renovate water bodies, and preserve biodiversity through traditional knowledge systems combined with modern technology, and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention’s continued efforts to recognise and support both natural and built  heritage—like the 1600 m long The Western Ghats and Rani ki Vav in Patan, Gujarat—along with the recent  inclusion of the ‘Gita’ and the ‘Natya Shastra’ in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, recognising them as documentary heritage, stand as evidence of this phenomenon. Additionally micro-content creators have fuelled growing interest in heritage, leading to a phenomenal rise of heritage tourism. 

Building on this growing awareness of the importance of heritage, Ahmedabad University’s Master’s in Heritage Management is creating professionals, entrepreneurs, and experts in the field, dedicated to managing and celebrating heritage.  

Connecting Heritage with Entrepreneurship and Management  

The Master’s in Heritage Management programme offered by the Centre for Heritage Management (CHM), Ahmedabad University, is a fine mix of an interdisciplinary approach, hands-on learning, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship orientation. The multidisciplinary curriculum integrates history, archaeology, museology, conservation, and business management. It fosters a critical understanding of heritage and emphasises a holistic approach to sustainable development, combining heritage discourse with heritage practice. Students are exposed to a wider range of subjects such as finance, marketing, design thinking, project  management, new venture creation, as well as technology fields like machine learning.  

“(CHM)It imparts knowledge in conservation practices and modern technology, archiving and museology, cultural mapping and resource management along with heritage economics, finance, entrepreneurship and heritage administration.”  

Professor Molly Kaushal, Director, Centre for Heritage Management

As part of the 24-month programme, CHM provides invigorating experiential learning opportunities. One of these is the Practicum, an internship programme with cultural institutions, NGOs, and corporations, collaborating with industry professionals at the end of the first year. Apart from this, students also go for field immersion and field studies, during which they visit heritage sites and cities, indigenous communities, and professionals in the field.

The inputs during the programme encourage students to think critically about heritage governance and management, while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset for those looking to innovate in the cultural heritage space. The impact of this approach is exemplified by the alumni of the 10 -year-old program, who are making their mark across diverse sectors—from creative start-ups to careers in international cultural organizations, and from media & journalism to research and the arts.  

Heritage Management, for whom? 

The Heritage Management programme is a natural extension for graduates from the disciplines of History, Literature, Archaeology, Architecture, and Arts, Folklore, and Environmental Studies, allowing them to utilize their subject-specific understanding in a dynamic practice within the cultural-heritage realm. However, the interdisciplinary approach at CHM ensures openness and creative thinking, creating a potent backdrop for graduates from any discipline to join and explore this exciting field. Young individuals who are inclined towards history and tradition will find this programme fulfilling, as it will empower them to build bridges that take the world towards a better future by drawing the best from both traditional and Modern d knowledge systems. Graduates from Commerce, Business Management, Science, or Humanities all have an opportunity to find their calling through this programme.  

“The University’s diverse curriculum, faculty and vibrant campus life provided a strong foundation for my professional journey. The supportive community encouraged me to think critically and creatively, leading me to establish my venture.”  

Vasudha Saraogi, Founder NorthStar Impact Solution  

Career Prospects for Heritage Managers  

The prospects for Heritage Managers are abundant, and in today’s scenario, many exciting opportunities are emerging at an unprecedented pace for this discipline. The impact area of CHM alumni spans organizations such as UNESCO, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the Delphic Council, and government institutions like TRIFFED, IGNCA, and CMGGA. Placements and entrepreneurial ventures are also taking place in museums, art galleries, educational institutions, consulting firms, textile research, and social enterprises engaged in crafts and community development, among others. Additionally, many new opportunities are arising in media, content creation, urban design, curated and experiential travel, and culinary experiences. You can read our article for detailed information about alumni achievements. 

It is not an exaggeration to say that these are truly exciting times for heritage professionals in India.  The country has recently begun to realise the vast untapped potential of its tangible and intangible heritage. The record number of tourists, both domestic and international, at the recently concluded Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj showcased the world’s growing interest in Indian spiritual heritage and culture.  

Heritage Managers now have a wide canvas in front of them, ready to be filled with creativity and innovation.  

Know more about Ahmedabad University’s Master’s in Heritage Management programme here.