Sikkim’s Heritage Walk Concludes with renewed Call for Cultural Preservation
The 10-day long ‘Heritage Walk’ workshop, organized by Sikkim State Archives under the Culture department, has concluded with a fruitful culmination of discussions, site visits, and knowledge-sharing on the importance of cultural preservation. The workshop, a key feature of the Kuzu Cultural Festival commemorating 50 years of Sikkim’s Statehood, brought together heritage experts, government officials, and cultural enthusiasts from April 1 to 10, 2025.
The closing ceremony was attended by Debashish Nayak, known as the “Heritage Man of Ahmedabad,” founder and former director of the Centre for Heritage Management at Ahmedabad University. Other notable attendees included Rim Dorjee Lepcha, chief engineer of the Culture department, Gary Chopel, chief town planner of Gangtok Municipal Corporation, renowned ecologist and heritage expert Usha Lachungpa, and several other dignitaries and resource people.
The primary objective of the workshop was to promote cultural education, community engagement, and heritage tourism in Sikkim, while also exploring opportunities for income generation linked to heritage assets. The event aimed to strengthen efforts towards the preservation and conservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Chopel’s address highlighted the importance of documenting and protecting Sikkim’s built heritage, which is intrinsic to the architectural style of the region. He showcased the Cultural Mapping Resource Project, launched by the Culture department in 2003, which identified and listed sites of historical and cultural significance across the State.
The curated ‘Heritage Walk’ featured several sites, including the Raj Bhavan, Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, State Archives, White Hall, and the Tsuklakhang Palace. These site visits provided participants with valuable insights into the narratives embedded within these structures and their significance in shaping the cultural identity of Sikkim. Chopel emphasized the urgency of conservation, stating that “heritage is always at war with time.” He highlighted the importance of acting now to protect Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/heritage-walk-wrapped-up-with-renewed-call-for-cultural-preservation
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