Heritage Communication

Sargam Mehra | Co-founder | Been There Doon That

What is Heritage Communication?

Heritage Communication is a great Career option. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find information about What Heritage Communication actually is. Most pages on the internet just talk about How to get into Heritage Communication. It is best to learn about Heritage Communication from a real professional, this is akin to getting it from the horse's mouth.

Co-founder Sargam Mehra has worked in Heritage Communication for 3 years. Co-founder Sargam Mehra outlines Heritage Communication as:

There is a difference between History and Heritage. It includes built and inbuilt heritage. It also includes the building, architecture, stories, folk rituals and practices of a place. It deals with familiarizing people with their own surroundings and making them aware of their own city.

How Co-founder Sargam Mehra got into Heritage Communication?

Since I was associated with INTACH, it inspired me to Co-found a Heritage walk group called "Been There, Doon That?."

Co-founder Sargam Mehra's Talk on Heritage Communication

The Journey of a Heritage Communicator: Sargam Mehra's Path to Ecological Awareness and Cultural Connection Sargam Mehra, a dedicated heritage communicator and researcher, stands as a beacon for those passionate about cultural preservation and ecological awareness. Her journey is one of curiosity, connectivity, and deep respect for the stories that shape the places we inhabit. In this article, we will explore Sargam's insights into the realm of heritage communication, the educational background that supports this career, the essential skills required, the positives and challenges encountered, as well as a glimpse into her daily life. By delving into these aspects, we aim to illuminate the significance of this unique profession and its role in bridging the gap between people and their heritage. What Is Heritage Communication? Heritage communication is the art of connecting individuals with their cultural heritage and environment. It encompasses a rich tapestry of rituals, built and unbuilt heritage, folk stories, arts, and everyday life narratives. Unlike history, which often focuses on significant events and dates, heritage communication seeks to engage people with the rich tapestry of life around them—its myths, its legends, and its living history. As Sargam aptly describes, the goal of a heritage communicator is to cultivate familiarity and appreciation for local narratives and ecology, thus fostering a deeper connection between people and their spaces. Education Remember Stories A foundational element in the practice of heritage communication is the ability to remember stories. Sargam emphasizes that these narratives, shared by locals, are vital for building connections and enriching the experiences of those exploring their heritage. By weaving together different stories from various areas, heritage communicators can create a holistic picture that resonates with audiences, making it essential to retain these accounts and understand their context. Cultural Knowledge Thorough knowledge of local culture greatly enhances the effectiveness of a heritage communicator. Sargam stresses the importance of being well-versed in the traditions, rituals, and customs of the area one works in. This in-depth understanding allows communicators to create more authentic and relatable narratives that resonate with the audience, thereby fostering a genuine connection to the place. History Sargam notes that while many people shy away from historical studies, a passion for history is intrinsic to heritage communication. The ability to distill historical elements from various sources—be it literature, films, or personal anecdotes—enriches a communicator's storytelling arsenal. Understanding history is crucial for interpreting and relaying the significance of heritage in a relatable manner. Balanced View Of Issues In the realm of heritage communication, presenting a balanced view on contentious issues is key. Sargam advocates for objectivity in storytelling, encouraging communicators to represent different perspectives fairly. This balance fosters critical thinking among the audience and allows them the space to come to their own conclusions. As a communicator, this neutrality can challenge personal biases, making it one of the more demanding aspects of the profession. Skills Travelling Skills A passion for travel often proves invaluable for heritage communicators. Sargam highlights that exploration opens the door to diverse cultures and practices, enriching their understanding and storytelling capabilities. Each journey not only adds to their repository of knowledge but also allows them to share these experiences in meaningful ways with the communities they engage with. People Skills The ability to interact comfortably with a variety of individuals is a crucial skill. Sargam emphasizes that heritage communicators must be adept at listening to people's stories and sharing their own. Establishing rapport with locals creates a more enriching experience and can uncover hidden narratives that deepen the context of the heritage being presented. Reading Skills Continuous education is critical in this field, making strong reading skills essential. Sargam often engages with literature related to heritage, culture, and local history, as it provides fresh insights and stories to share during their communication efforts. This constant pursuit of knowledge not only enhances their capabilities but also keeps them informed about evolving narratives. Eye for Detail Heritage communicators must possess a keen eye for detail, as stories can often be found in the most mundane elements of everyday life. Sargam explains that seemingly insignificant subjects, like a tree or a vendor, can hold valuable historical or cultural significance. Being able to identify and highlight these details can lead to compelling storytelling. Communication Effective communication is the cornerstone of this profession, requiring not just the ability to speak, but also to engage participants actively. Sargam stresses that storytelling must be interactive, encouraging input and questions from the audience to maintain engagement. A successful communicator must create an environment where sharing and dialogue are prioritized. Story Telling Storytelling is at the heart of heritage communication. Sargam explains that being an engaging storyteller requires not only creativity but also patience, as narratives may take unexpected turns. A strong storyteller knows how to keep the audience captivated while weaving in historical context and personal anecdotes to enrich the experience. Good Listener Listening plays a fundamental role in the communication process. Sargam notes that being a good listener allows a communicator to connect with individuals and extract their stories effectively. This patience and attentiveness ultimately contribute to more relatable and vibrant storytelling. Patience The journey of a heritage communicator demands immense patience. Sargam candidly discusses the challenges of changing entrenched habits or perspectives in communities. This slow process requires a steadfast commitment and the belief that small changes can lead to larger societal transformations. Positives Meeting New People One of the greatest joys of being a heritage communicator is the opportunity to meet new people regularly. Sargam relishes the connections formed through storytelling and sharing experiences, often turning fleeting encounters into lasting friendships. These relationships enhance one’s sense of community and purpose. Travelling Travel is an inherent benefit of this profession. Sargam highlights how each exploration brings forth new landscapes and stories waiting to be discovered. The thrill of uncovering hidden gems—both in nature and culture—enriches her experience, making travel one of the most enjoyable parts of her job. Exciting Stories Sargam finds immense satisfaction in uncovering captivating stories that might otherwise remain untold. From romances to historical encounters, the narratives that come to light expand her knowledge and keep her audience engaged. Each interaction can reveal fascinating insights into the human condition and the cultural fabric of a community. Acceptance Being recognized for the work done in heritage communication brings a profound sense of achievement. Sargam shares that receiving gratitude from community members validates her efforts and highlights the profound impact her work has on people's lives. This acceptance fosters pride and motivation to continue her mission. Change in Society A significant positive aspect of heritage communication is the ability to effect change within society. Sargam takes pride in witnessing shifts in perspectives and behaviors among community members, reflecting the gradual yet meaningful impact of her work on environmental consciousness and cultural appreciation. Green Spaces Working as a heritage communicator often places individuals in nature. Sargam enjoys the daily connections made with green spaces during her walks and interactions. This connection with nature not only enhances her well-being but also raises awareness about the importance of preserving these environments. Respect The respect garnered in society for the role of a heritage communicator is a rewarding aspect of this career. Sargam often notes that, despite facing criticism, the appreciation she receives reinforces the value of her contributions to local heritage. Challenges Acceptance as a Profession One of the foremost challenges in heritage communication is gaining acceptance of the field as a legitimate profession. Sargam frequently encounters skepticism, as many believe that traditional careers like engineering or medicine are more viable. This ongoing battle for recognition can be disheartening yet drives her resolve to advocate for the profession. Changing people's mindset Changing entrenched mindsets is another hurdle faced by heritage communicators. Sargam describes how deeply rooted habits can be difficult to alter, particularly when it comes to environmental practices. It requires sustained effort, education, and engagement to slowly shift public attitudes toward preservation and appreciation. Being Objective The challenge of maintaining objectivity while sharing stories is crucial and often taxing. As Sargam points out, presenting both sides of a narrative, especially those with conflicting viewpoints, is essential in heritage communication. Upholding neutrality sometimes means setting aside personal beliefs, which can be a delicate balance to maintain. Getting People Out of Comfort Zone Encouraging people to abandon their cars and embrace more eco-friendly modes of transportation can be tough. Sargam notes the pushback received from those accustomed to their conveniences. Changing this behavior often necessitates creative strategies and persistent encouragement to motivate people to engage more physically with their surroundings. Fighting for Preservation The ongoing fight for the preservation of buildings and green spaces is an everyday challenge. Sargam passionately discusses her commitment to advocating for the protection of heritage structures, often witnessing the loss of cultural landmarks. This continuous battle makes conservation efforts feel like a relentless uphill journey. A Day Of Heritage Communication A typical day for a heritage communicator like Sargam begins with invigorating walks through the local landscape. She dedicates time to exploring new trails, ensuring that her connection with nature remains strong. After these explorations, Sargam prioritizes healthy eating, instinctively shifting toward natural foods as part of her commitment to wellness. Engagement with the local community is a cornerstone of her work. She spends her afternoons interacting with various individuals, from vendors to local historians, gathering stories and sharing experiences. These conversations are rich with opportunity, shedding light on the past while fostering connections within the present. Once back at her office, Sargam dedicates time to documenting heritage. This involves working on projects that emphasize responsible tourism and the importance of preserving heritage sites, using literature and records to enrich her knowledge. By prioritizing reading and research, she continually enhances the narratives she shares within her community. With each day, Sargam Mehra contributes to the vital role of heritage communication, instilling a deep-seated appreciation for cultural connections and ecological responsibility in those she encounters. Her dedication to this field signifies the importance of heritage communication in fostering community ties and safeguarding the legacy of our past for future generations.

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How to get into

Heritage Communication?

If you are want to get into Heritage Communication, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Heritage Communication is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Heritage Communication, what education and skills you need to succeed in Heritage Communication, and what positives and challenges you will face in Heritage Communication.

Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in Heritage Communication.

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Your LifePage Career Advisor facilitates your guided introspection so that you systematically explore various Career options to arrive at a well thought out Career choice.

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LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.

Links for this Talk

Co-founder Sargam Mehra's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/sargammehra

LifePage Career Talk on Heritage Communication

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/heritage-communication

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20170627-0002

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj9dbFyijWo

(Heritage Communication, Sargam Mehra, Been There Doon That, Heritage Conservation, Story Telling, Communication, Conservation, Heritage Study, Heritage Preservation)

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