Heritage Conservation

Lokesh Ohri | Convenor | INTACH

What is Heritage Conservation?

There are many nuances of a Career in Heritage Conservation. Internet is brimming with pages on How to get into Heritage Conservation, while one should first understand What is a Career in Heritage Conservation. The internet is a great source of information on Heritage Conservation, but it is second best to learning about the same from a real professional.

With 23 years & 8 months of professional experience, Convenor Lokesh Ohri understands Heritage Conservation. Convenor Lokesh Ohri outlines Heritage Conservation as:

Heritage Conservation has two words in it. Heritage is something of value that we get from our past such as buildings, paintings, statues, fabric and so on. Now heritage needs to be conserved so the second word is conservation which is saving those objects or the art forms and preserving them for the future.

How Convenor Lokesh Ohri got into Heritage Conservation?

After working for a few years in Kolkata, I decided to come back to Dehradun because I wanted to teach. I was running a school as well as teaching in it but then over the years I realized that my real passion was in the field of Art and Culture so therefore I took up Heritage Conservation as a profession and started working for INTACH.

Convenor Lokesh Ohri's Talk on Heritage Conservation

The Journey of a Heritage Conservation Professional: Loke Shourie's Passion for Preserving Our Past Loke Shourie is a dedicated heritage conservation professional whose career reflects a profound commitment to preserving the history and culture of our world. With a diverse educational background that spans management, sociology, and art history, Loke has carved a niche for himself in this unique field. In this article, we will explore Loke's journey, the nature of heritage conservation, the education and skills required, the positives and challenges of the profession, and a glimpse into his day-to-day work. What Is Heritage Conservation? Heritage conservation is the practice of preserving and protecting cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, to ensure that future generations can appreciate and learn from the past. The field encompasses a wide range of activities, from restoring historic buildings and monuments to preserving art forms, folklore, and music. As Loke explains, heritage comprises valuable elements inherited from our predecessors, including architecture, art, and even traditional practices. This profession blends creativity with analytical skills, aiming to maintain the integrity and significance of cultural artifacts while adapting them for contemporary use. Education Art and History A strong foundation in art and history is essential for anyone pursuing a career in heritage conservation. Loke emphasizes that understanding different periods of art—classical, modern, and contemporary—is crucial in assessing the value of heritage objects. Knowledge of art techniques, styles, and historical contexts allows professionals to evaluate the authenticity and significance of the objects they encounter. Creative Fields Heritage conservation requires a keen interest in creative fields, which can encompass everything from architecture to cuisine. Loke points out that even professionals from unrelated areas, such as medicine or engineering, benefit from engaging with creative pursuits. For heritage conservationists, a robust grasp of creative disciplines aids in visualizing and proposing innovative solutions for preservation challenges. Culture and Performing Arts Cultural aspects, including performing arts, play a significant role in understanding heritage. Loke states that interest in varied cultural expressions enriches a heritage professional’s knowledge base and fosters creativity. Engaging with traditional arts provides insights into historical practices, which are essential when assessing the value and significance of heritage properties. Nature and Environment Knowledge of nature and environmental factors is pivotal in heritage conservation. By understanding how climate and natural environments affect heritage objects, professionals can suggest appropriate preservation methods. Loke illustrates this by discussing how moisture in different regions impacts the deterioration of old fabrics, highlighting the necessity of environmental awareness in the profession. Mathematics Mathematics, particularly geometry, proves vital for heritage conservationists. Loke notes that a fundamental understanding of shapes and spatial relationships helps professionals visualize sites comprehensively. This mathematical knowledge enables them to effectively communicate their ideas to architects and other stakeholders involved in restoration projects. Legal Provisions Navigating the legal framework surrounding heritage conservation is another critical area of expertise. Loke explains that professionals must be well-versed in various laws and regulations, such as the Archaeological Survey of India Act and various State Conservation Acts. Staying informed about legal provisions not only aids in preserving sites but also helps professionals advocate for heritage conservation effectively. Skills Keen Interest in Creative Things Creativity is the heartbeat of heritage conservation. Loke emphasizes that a successful heritage professional must possess a creative mind, allowing them to envision innovative solutions for preserving artifacts and sites. This creative outlook fosters a connection between history, art, and community, ensuring that valuable heritage is recognized and cherished. Analytical Analytical skills are paramount in heritage conservation, as professionals must assess situations quickly and effectively. Loke explains that heritage conservationists analyze various factors, including public interest, project budgets, and methods of preservation, to formulate cohesive plans that best serve the needs of both the object and the community. Sketching and Drawing The ability to sketch and draw is invaluable in this profession. Loke highlights that visual representations of objects and sites enable heritage conservationists to communicate their vision effectively to fellow professionals and clients. Accurate sketches serve as a vital tool in detailing restoration processes and guiding the work of craftsmen. Visualization Being able to visualize a restored site or object is a key skill for heritage conservationists. Loke notes that drawing on one's knowledge of art history and cultural practices, professionals can create a mental image of what a site or artifact will look like post-restoration. This foresight is crucial for gaining the support of stakeholders and securing necessary funding for conservation projects. Management Management skills play a significant role in the field of heritage conservation, where balancing human and material resources is essential. Loke's background in management has proven beneficial in overseeing multiple projects, ensuring that they run smoothly and remain within budget. Effective management also aids in fostering teamwork and collaboration among various professionals involved in conservation efforts. Positives Combination of Science and Art One of the most appealing aspects of heritage conservation is its unique blend of science and art. Loke defines the profession as an intersection where analytical skills meet creative expression. This multifaceted approach not only enriches the work of conservationists but also leads to culturally and historically significant outcomes that benefit society as a whole. Travel Heritage conservation presents opportunities for extensive travel. Professionals like Loke often find themselves traveling to picturesque locations, exploring different cultures and sites, and engaging with local communities. This dynamic aspect of the job not only satisfies a wanderlust but also enhances the professional's understanding of diverse heritage practices worldwide. Satisfaction The creative satisfaction derived from restoring and preserving heritage is profound. Loke expresses that seeing a project come to fruition and witnessing the revival of neglected sites or objects brings immense joy. The positive societal impact of their work, contributing to cultural enrichment and awareness, adds to the overall fulfillment derived from this profession. Competition As a relatively nascent field, heritage conservation presents less competition compared to more established professions. Loke notes that with increasing awareness of the importance of heritage preservation, professionals are beginning to gain recognition, making it a burgeoning domain ripe with opportunity for skilled individuals. Challenges Mindset One of the most significant challenges in heritage conservation is the ingrained mindset of the public and policymakers, who often prioritize modern development over preserving heritage. Loke highlights the necessity of changing public perception to foster appreciation for cultural heritage, particularly in a country with a rich historical tapestry like India. Problem of Plenty The abundance of heritage sites presents a unique challenge; with so many valuable structures to preserve, it can be difficult to prioritize efforts. As Loke shares, the challenge often lies in convincing clients and communities of the worth of these sites amidst a modern landscape that can overshadow their significance. Public Apathy Public apathy toward heritage preservation is another hurdle. Loke describes how people often overlook the value of their cultural heritage, focusing instead on immediate benefits like new construction. This mindset can hinder conservation efforts, as professionals work to ignite enthusiasm and awareness about the importance of heritage conservation. Awareness Finally, there remains a general lack of awareness about the heritage conservation profession itself. Loke states that many people do not recognize the value that skilled professionals can bring to preserving cultural heritage. Educating the public about this field and its potential impact on society is crucial for fostering appreciation and support. A Day Of Heritage Conservation A typical day in the life of a heritage conservation professional like Loke begins early, often around 5 AM. Mornings are usually spent reading and refining knowledge in preparation for the day's challenges. The workday involves meetings with teams, assessing various ongoing projects, and managing emails regarding consultations and site visits. Regular travel to sites is essential, where Loke engages with stakeholders and evaluates the progress of conservation initiatives. These visits often present challenges, such as acquiring materials or working with skilled artisans, requiring adaptability and quick thinking. Although the work can be relentless and demanding, the satisfaction derived from completing impactful projects drives Loke’s passion for heritage conservation. Heritage conservation is not just about preserving the past; it's about fostering a connection between history and the present, enriching our understanding of who we are. Loke Shourie's journey through this profession epitomizes a dedication to cultural preservation that benefits both individuals and society. The blend of creativity, art, and rigorous analysis in heritage conservation highlights the profession's vital role in maintaining the fabric of our collective heritage for future generations.

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How to get into

Heritage Conservation?

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

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Links for this Talk

Convenor Lokesh Ohri's LifePage:

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

LifePage Career Talk on Heritage Conservation

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

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20170628-0002

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbCJ-G3p5WU

(Heritage Conservation, Lokesh Ohri, INTACH, Conservation, Heritage, Conserving, Conserve, Reconstruct)

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