28th August

70 students/ 6 schools

School Principal Dr. Babita Bhardwaj gave the welcome address. Chairman Mr. Pawan Garg, Convenor, Mr. Suresh Guglani and Co convenor Mrs. Indira Khurana were present. Dyal Singh Public school won the quiz.

28th And 29th August 2025

The Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) of INTACH, in collaboration with the INTACH Nagaland Chapter, successfully conducted a two-day Teacher Training Workshop aimed at enhancing heritage education in schools. Held at the Don Bosco Institute for Development & Leadership, Dimapur, the workshop brought together 15 teachers from 9 schools, fostering dialogue and experiential learning around India’s rich cultural legacy.

Key attendees included Ms. Sentila T. Yanger (Convenor, INTACH Nagaland Chapter), Mr. Mefutiba AO (Co-Convenor), chapter members, and Life Members of INTACH. Representing HECS were Ms. Purnima Datt, Principal Director, HECS and Ms. Christina Shangne, Senior Programme Coordinator.

Day 1 Highlights

The workshop commenced with a welcome address by Ms. Sentila Yanger, who introduced INTACH’s mission and the initiatives undertaken by the Nagaland Chapter. She spoke passionately about the region’s intangible heritage, including the impact of UNESCO recognition and India’s role in nominating heritage elements for global acknowledgment.

Ms. Purnima Datt led an engaging session titled “What is Heritage?”, offering insights into India’s diverse cultural landscape and the importance of safeguarding it for future generations. Ms. Yanger enriched the discussion by sharing stories of traditional tattooing practices in Nagaland, rooted in local legends and identity, as well as the use of natural dyes, with a special focus on indigo and other indigenous color sources. Post-lunch, Ms. Datt presented on Heritage Education and Classroom Integration, introducing participants to key heritage components and strategies for embedding them into school curricula.

Day 2 Highlights

The second day began with a heritage walk around the historic Kachari Ruins, led by Ms. Datt and INTACH members. This immersive experience was followed by a warm-up activity to energize participants before the next session. Ms. Purnima Datt and Ms. Christina Shangne jointly conducted a session showcasing HECS publications, the Young INTACH website, national programmes, and the role of social media in heritage advocacy. Teachers then participated in group presentations, creatively highlighting Nagaland’s natural, material, and living heritage. One of the INTACH members also highlighted the significance of instilling the value of cleanliness and urged the teachers of educating children to extend the same practice of keeping our surroundings clean. The workshop concluded with the distribution of certificated and educational resources, followed by a heartfelt vote of thanks from Ms. Sential Yanger.

26th August

Zion School

98 students/ 9 schools

The INTACH Kodaikanal Chapter organised the National Heritage Quiz. The top five teams in the written round qualified for the final oral round.. The quiz was coordinated by chapter members Banu, Zarreen, and Reena. Guest speaker Mr. Suresh Kumar, a Silambam instructor, spoke on the history of this Tamil martial art Jeanna Vargheese and Hasini D from Bhavan's Gandhi Vidyashram, Kodaikanal secured the first prize.

24th August

J B Academy

150 students/ 15 schools
The event was organized under the guidance of Ms. Anuja Srivastava. Dr. Indroneel Banerjee, Co-Convener of the Ayodhya Chapter was the quiz master for the day. Chapter Convenor, Mrs. Manjula Jhunjhunwala, welcomed the guests, participants, and teachers-in-charge. Army Public School emerged as the winners of the quiz.

24th August

Mahatma Gandhi Inter College

92 students/ 9 schools
Welcome address was given by Mr. Achintya Lahiri co-convener. Dr. Ravindra Anand head of department of history, St Andrews post graduate College was invited to give address to students on heritage. The team of H.P.Children academy was declared winners. Members of INTACH, teachers and guardians were present and they appreciated the way in which awareness about heritage being done by INTACH.

29th August

100 students

Ayushman Sharma and Arjit Paliwal of Gyansthali Public School. They will participate for the state round to be held in Lucknow.

23rd August

Hayde Heritage Academy

102 students/ 11 schools

Chief Guest Shri. Sohan Saini (SDM), Kotdwar offered valuable suggestions, including involving education officers in future programmes to ensure wider participation of government schools. Guest of Honour was Shri. Yogendra Prakash Gilra, a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Valuers, A small exhibition “Kotdwar through the Lenses” was designed using his collection of old photographs of Kotdwar City, and he delivered a talk and addressed the students during the event.

23rd August 2025

Sri Sankara Vidyashramam School

66 teams from 20 schools
The Chennai Round of the India Heritage Quiz 2025 was held on 23rd August at Sri Sankara Vidyashramam School, Thiruvanmiyur, organised by HECS INTACH, Chennai Chapter. The quiz was conducted by senior INTACH member and quizmaster Ms. Sushi Natraj. Sixty-six teams from twenty schools participated in the preliminary round, and five teams qualified for the finals.

Anirudh Prem and Prabhav Nandan R. from PSBB Millennium School, Gerugambakkam emerged as winners and will represent Chennai at the Tamil Nadu State Finals.

23rd August 2025

Kalpataru Mangal Karyalaya, Wai

96 students/ 9 schools
The INTACH India Heritage Quiz was successfully held in Wai from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mr. Aditya Chounde was the Chief Guest for the event. The quiz comprised a written round of 20 questions followed by an oral final round. Six teams qualified for the finals, from which Gargee Kamlakar Dere and Sohana Sahalam Molla were selected to represent Wai at the State-level competition.

Meena Bhujbal School of Excellence

170 students/ 14 schools

The much-awaited INTACH Heritage Quiz 2025 was held on 22nd August at Meena Bhujbal School of Excellence, MET Adgaon campus, with MBSE as the venue partner. The event saw enthusiastic participation from 170 students representing 14 schools across Nashik and nearby districts. After intense written and oral rounds, SKD International School, Deola, emerged winners for the second consecutive year, represented by Avishkar Pawar and Ameya Nikam, both from Std. 10.

Vidya Pratishthan's

School of Architecture, Baramati

42 Students /11 schools
The INTACH India Heritage Quiz 2025 was held for the first time in Baramati. The written round consisted of 20 questions to be completed in 30 minutes, after which volunteers checked the papers. Mr. Piyush Shaha, spoke about India’s heritage, traditions, and the importance of heritage awareness. The event was coordinated by Dr. Seemantini Chaphalkar, who later discussed the question paper and announced the results. Principal Mr. Rajshree Patil distributed certificates of participation and appreciated the students’ enthusiasm. Pranjali Pravin Ghorpade and Shivendra Ganesh Jadhav of VP English Medium CBSE School secured the first rank.

20th August

Smt. Manoramabai Mundle College of Architecture, Seminary Hills

175 students /18 schools
The INTACH Nagpur Chapter hosted the Inter-City Heritage Quiz 2025. The event was held under the guidance of Dr. Madhura Rathod (Governing Council Member, INTACH New Delhi) and Mr. Manoj Jain (Co-Convenor, INTACH Nagpur Chapter). Quizmaster Mr. Anup Manchalwar conducted the session. Aaditya Rajurkar and Namman Tripathi of Bhavan’s Trimurti Nagar won the school category.

Qissagoi, Nashtaliq Calligraphy and Indian Classical Music

20th August 2025

Kathika Cultural Centre, Old Delhi, in collaboration with INTACH HECS, organized a cultural and educational workshop on 20th August for Urdu-medium school students and teachers of Old Delhi. The programme aimed to engage young minds with India’s heritage through storytelling, calligraphy, music, dance, and visual resources.

The day began with a lively Qissagoi session by storyteller ArshadWali and his group, where interactive word games and tongue twisters brought Urdu alive in a playful manner. Qissagoi session was also attended by the representatives Ms Vaishnavi and Ms Nanki Kaur, Programme Coordinator, HECS INTACH. This was followed by a Calligraphy Workshop conducted by Mr. Sudhir, introducing participants to the elegance of Nashtaliq script and offering them hands-on practice.

Students also experienced Indian classical music and dance performances, many for the first time, which gave them a glimpse of intangible heritage. A short screening of INTACH’s documentary “40 Years of INTACH” further emphasized the importance of cultural preservation.

The workshop concluded with light refreshments, leaving students and teachers enriched, engaged, and inspired to connect with their cultural roots.

Workshop Photographs

19th August

Students Health Home Berhampore

18 schools
The quiz was done in two stages: written and oral. Sargachhi RKM school stood first with JN Academy and Gokarna PM High School being declared joint second.

19th August 2025

Heritage Hotel Aram Crystal Banquet Hall, Jamnagar.

72 students/ 6 schools
Jamnagar Round, was held, at one of the city’s oldest heritage landmarks. Convener Mr. Suren welcomed the gathering and shared an insightful history of the hotel.The written round began at 10:30 a.m., followed by evaluations. The top-scoring teams entered three rounds of oral and rapid-fire questions, with five tie-breakers determining the finalists. After an intense contest, Asmitaba Parmar and Darshan Sonchhatra from SSSV Gujarati Medium School emerged as the winners and will represent Jamnagar at the State Level Quiz in Gujarat.

18th August

Delhi Public School

130 students/ 14 schools
INTACH Amritsar Chapter successfully organised the City Round of the National Heritage Quiz. Mr. Muhammad Bilal Farooqi, an expert heritage was the quiz master. The event was graced by Mr. Kamal Chand, Principal of Delhi Public School, as the Chief Guest, and noted historian Mr. Surinder Kochhar as the Keynote Speaker. Spring Dale’s Saurish Nagpal (Grade IX) and Sehajnoor Kaur (Grade VIII) secured the first position.

19th August

The Aryan International School Mr. Arihan and Mr. Aditya of Sunbeam School, Bhagwanpur won the quiz.

14^th AUGUST 2025

The FilmIt India workshop at Kochi was held on 14th August at Kerala Museum, Edapally. 57 students and 13 teachers from 11 schools of the city participated in it. The workshop was attended by Mr. Babu C. Rajeev (convenor Kochi Chapter), Ms. Aditi Nair (Director, Kerala Museum) and Mr. Biley Menon (co convenor Kochi Chapter). Mr. Menon gave the introductory remarks. He welcomed all the schools to the workshop and thanked the Kerala Museum was hosting the workshop and their excellent arrangements. He also spoke about INTACH and its mandate and focused on the work done by the Kochi Chapter. He then introduced Mr. Babu Rajeev. He also introduced the resource persons – Ms. Shikha Gupta, Ms. Sasha Singh and Mr. Abhishek Das and appreciated the exemplary work being done by the HECS division. Ms. Aditi Nair also welcomed the students to the workshop. In the first session, Mr. Abhishek Das spoke about HECS activities, followed by a detailed discussion on the FilmIt project and the themes for the current year. He engaged the students in a brainstorming session on the themes for the year. To provide context and inspiration, two films from the previous year were screened. Sasha opened the technical session by asking the students what they had liked about the films, which helped them reflect on the power of visual storytelling. She emphasized the role of films as a strong medium of communication and, through a presentation, explained the three essential stages of filmmaking – planning, shooting, and editing. She also introduced film techniques such as juxtaposition and over-the-shoulder shots, along with the importance of shot breakdowns, camera angles, sound, and lighting. Short video clips were used to make the concepts clear and more engaging. Following this, the students were given a short break to practise the shots and angles they had just learned, which allowed them to apply theory into hands-on learning.

In the final session, Shikha and Sasha focused on editing. They demonstrated the use of the 'Clip Champ' software which available free in the Windows operating system, explaining in detail how to create a storyboard, trim and split footage, add titles and credits, and enhance films with background audio. The process was illustrated with pre-recorded footage provided by Tuning Fork Films. The session gave students a practical understanding of how raw footage is transformed into a meaningful and impactful film. Following this, Sasha and Shikha answered all the queries which the students had. To conclude the workshop, Mr. Biley delivered the formal vote of thanks and presented a small token to the resource persons. A small token of appreciation was also given to the Kerala Museum by Abhishek on behalf of INTACH HECS. The workshop ended with the national anthem being sung by everyone.

Workshop Photographs

13^th AUGUST 2025

The FilmIt India workshop at Chennai was held on 13th August at Sri Sankara Sr. Sec. School, Adyar. 65 students and 15 teachers from 11 schools of the city participated in it. The introductory session was graced by host school Principal and Vice Principal Mrs. Vijayalakshmi and Mrs. Kavitha respectively. It was also attended by Ms. Sujatha Shankar, Convenor INTACH Chennai Chapter. The event began with a prayer song recited by a student of the host school. Mr. Abhishek Das welcomed everyone to the workshop and thanked everyone for attending. Mrs. Vijaylakshmi gave the welcome address and thanked everyone for attending the workshop. She thanked INTACH for organising such activities for schools and wished everyone the best. The INTACH film was screened next. Ms. Sujatha Shankar gave a brief about INTACH activities in Chennai and congratulated the students for making good films over the years. She talked about upcoming workshops in Chennai and asked the schools to participate. Abhishek began the first session by introducing INTACH and its HECS activities, followed by a detailed discussion on the FilmIt project and the themes for the current year. He also engaged the students in a brainstorming session around these themes. Afterwards, he introduced the resource persons – Ms. Shikha Gupta and Ms. Sasha Singh. To set the context, two films from the previous year were screened. Sasha started the technical session by asking the students what they liked about the films they had just watched. She highlighted the importance of films as a powerful medium of communication. Through a presentation, she explained the three key stages of filmmaking – planning, shooting, and editing. Sasha then elaborated on film techniques such as juxtaposition and over-the-shoulder shots. She guided the students through shot breakdowns, camera angles, and the role of sound and lighting, using short video examples for clarity. After this, the students were given a short break to practise the shots and angles they had learned. In the final session, Shikha and Sasha introduced the editing process. They demonstrated the use of the ‘Clip Champ’ software in detail, showing how to work with storyboards, trimming, splitting, adding credits and titles, and incorporating background audio. This was explained with the help of pre-recorded footage shot by Tuning Fork Films. Dr. S. Suresh, convenor INTACH Tamil Nadu State Chapter addressed the students and delivered the formal vote of thanks. The workshop ended with interactions of the students with the resource persons and group photographs.

Workshop Photographs

12^th AUGUST 2025

The INTACH Filmit Workshop 2025 in Hyderabad was organised at Gitanjali Devashray by HECS in collaboration with Intach Hyderabad Chapter. 95 students and 25 teachers participated from 25 schools of Hyderabad.

The workshop was graced by Mrs. Anuradha Reddy, convenor INTACH Hyderabad Chapter. The programme began with a welcome song performed by the students of Gitanjali Devashray. Mrs. Sujatha Ashwin, teacher from Gitanjali gave the welcome address. She welcomed all the schools and the resource persons - Ms. Shikha Gupta, Ms. Sasha Singh and Mr. Abhishek Das. Mrs. Anuradha Reddy spoke to the participants and discussed the activities undertaken by the Chapter and she appreciated HECS' efforts. The principal of the host school Mrs. Kasturi Chatterjee also attended and addressed the gathering. She welcomed all the participants and expressed her gratitude to INTACH and wished the students luck. This was followed by the screening of the INTACH film. Mr. Abhishek Das then started with the first session. He gave an introduction to the Filmit project and discussed the themes in brief detail.

The technical session was undertaken by Ms. Sasha Singh and Ms. Shikha Gupta. Ms. Sasha offered insights into the three key stages of filmmaking—Pre-production, Production, and Post-production—underscoring the importance of research, storyboarding, and visual planning. Students were introduced to cinematic fundamentals like Rule of Thirds and Framing Composition to enhance their storytelling.

Ms. Shikha delved deep into the craft of video editing, guiding students on how to structure raw footage into meaningful narratives, and explained the importance of transitions, background score, and narrative pacing.

During the refreshments break, the students were given an activity to practice the shots and angles they just learnt.

After the break, a hands-on demonstration was given on the editing software. Along with the entire editing process, assembly and selecting clips, voice modulation, sound mixing, colour correction, and exporting techniques were also explained. The editing process ended with the explanation of transitions, subtitles, credits, etc. and the successful creation of a short film. Students also participated actively in live Q&A rounds with the technical persons.

Mr. Abhishek then explained the process of uploading the films and answered the students’ queries. The workshop ended with a group photograph and a formal vote of thanks by Mrs. Anuradha Reddy.

Workshop Photographs

8th August

KL Mehta Dayanand Sr Sec School , Sec 16

136 students/ 15 schools

The quiz was conducted in two phases. Written round was held on an earlier date followed by the oral round on 8th August. The team from KL Mehta Dayanand Sr. Sec. School, Sec 16, Faridabad won the final.

GOA, 8^th AUGUST 2025

The FILMIT Workshop in Goa was organised by the Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) Division of INTACH and held at Sharada Mandir School, Miramar on 8th August 2025. It was attended by 82 students and 17 teachers from 12 schools across Goa.

The workshop began with a warm welcome from Ms Sharmila Umesh, Principal of Sharada Mandir School, who expressed her enthusiasm for the FILMIT Project and spoke about the tremendous learning opportunities it offers. She also appreciated the efforts of Ms Purnima Datt, Principal Director, HECS, and Ms Fatima, Convenor of INTACH Goa, in engaging schools through this initiative.

Ms Fatima introduced the Goa Chapter’s work, including projects on Reis Magos, books on food, poetry, and other aspects of Goa’s heritage. She spoke about how food traditions in Goa change with the seasons. Ms Datt then introduced the resource persons – Mr Vinod Sreedhar and Mr Anshul Uniyal, technical resource persons from Tuning Fork Films– and conducted a session on this year’s FILMIT themes, sharing their significance and encouraging students to think creatively about heritage storytelling.

Mr Vinod began his session with an engaging activity on shots inspired by ‘Superman’ films, inviting students to mimic poses from the movies. He spoke about how filmmaking can inspire and reach audiences everywhere, and students shared their thoughts on the importance of films in conveying messages. He then moved on to the details of filmmaking, explaining storyboarding, the stages of film production, and the equipment used, with emphasis on the importance of a tripod. He also covered editing and introduced software tools for the process.

A powerful film on the River Kaveri was screened, weaving mythology and environmental issues. Mr Vinod explained the process of shooting a good film, covering composition, the role of light and sound, camera angles, camera handling and grip, and types of microphones. Mr Anshul contributed insights on editing techniques and students contributed in the editing process alongside Anshul. Students also took part in an interactive ‘lights, camera, action’ activity.

The workshop concluded with a formal vote of thanks, followed by the presentation of books to the resource persons as a token of appreciation.

Workshop Photographs

7^th August 2025

The FILMIT Workshop in Jaipur was organised by the Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) Division of INTACH and hosted at Neerja Modi School on 7th August 2025. The event witnessed participation from 72 students and 25 teachers representing 15 schools across Jaipur. Mr. Nikhil Pandit, Co-Convenor of INTACH Jaipur, graced the event briefly and interacted with the host school’s faculty and the HECS team.

The workshop commenced with a warm welcome by Ms. Nanki Kaur (Programme Coordinator, HECS), who introduced the FILMIT Project, outlining its background and highlighting the broader initiatives undertaken by INTACH and the HECS Division. This was followed by a screening of an INTACH film.

Ms. Nanki then introduced the first three themes of this year’s FILMIT Project. The remaining two themes were elaborated upon by Ms. Aarushi Rana (Programme Coordinator, HECS). Both engaged with the students, encouraging them to explore the diverse forms of heritage that can be featured through film.

The resource persons for the day Ms. Himanshi Saini and Mr. Aditya Verma from the Tuning Fork team were then introduced. Ms. Himanshi shared her personal journey with INTACH’s filmmaking initiative from her school years and how it helped shape her career path in film. She encouraged students to remain curious and involved throughout the workshop.

Two student-made films from the previous year on Pav Bhaji and Sarkhej Roza were screened and discussed, giving participants insight into creative storytelling and heritage documentation.

The technical session began with an introduction to the basics of filmmaking, including its stages and essential tips to remember. After a short break, Mr. Aditya resumed the session with an in-depth discussion on capturing compelling visuals focusing on shot composition, angles, and juxtaposition. This was followed by Ms. Himanshi’s session on lighting and sound techniques.

To illustrate these concepts, a short film on supari processing was screened, which the students analysed to identify shot types. Himanshi and Aditya then further explained technical elements such as camera angles, lighting, looking space, headroom, and the importance of maintaining stability during filming. Additional short films were screened to reinforce these concepts. Later, the duo introduced the basics of video editing using beginner-friendly software, helping students understand how to assemble and polish their footage. To conclude the day, To wrap up, students collaborated to create a short film " The Bamboo Boy", which was screened at the end.

Ms. Chanchal Ahuja and Ms. Mitakshi Law delivered a vote of thanks to the Tuning Fork team and the HECS coordinators. The HECS team also expressed their gratitude to the participating schools and resource persons for their enthusiastic involvement and active contribution to the workshop’s success.

7^th August 2025

The FILMIT India Workshop in Mumbai was organised by INTACH’s Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) in collaboration with the IES College of Architecture on 07.08.2025. The workshop saw enthusiastic participation over 60 students with 16 teachers from 10 schools. The HECS was represented by Mrs. Purnima Datt, Principal Director, HECS and the IES Team was led by Ms. Shilpa Chandawarkar that included other participating architects as well. The session began with a warm welcome to all present, including Mr. Vinod and Mr. Anshul, followed by introductions and a brief overview of the day’s activities.

The workshop commenced with the screening of the INTACH film, which gave participants insight into the organisation’s work and its commitment to heritage education. Participants were then encouraged to engage in personal sharing and a brainstorming session that drew inspiration from unique cultural themes such as Pattachitra Janayu and unique Navratri traditions. Students discussed how meaningful and powerful stories can emerge from personal and cultural experiences. A short film on Pav Bhaji made by students of Don Bosco, Nerul was showcased to highlight how everyday elements such as food can be transformed into compelling stories. The discussion that followed reinforced the idea that films are a powerful medium of mass communication—they not only entertain but also inform, using visuals and sound to leave a lasting impact.

The core segments of the workshop focused on the filmmaking process. Students were guided through the three key stages—preparation, shooting, and editing. Emphasis was laid on the importance of preparation: choosing the right idea to develop it into a story, and visualising it through storyboarding. In the shooting section, the importance of planning a shot breakdown and having a list of required shots was discussed. The group reflected on how film is a visual medium, and good visual planning leads to engaging storytelling. A second student film was screened, demonstrating how thoughtful use of varied camera angles and detailed shots significantly enhanced the viewing experience.

Another impactful moment was the screening of the Kaveri film. Despite being in Tamil, its message on the journey of the river—from its creation to its present state—was universally understood. The film highlighted the emotional and visual strength of good storytelling. Sessions also covered the technical aspects of sound, the use of microphones, and the significance of clean audio in enhancing a film’s effectiveness. The final segment of the workshop was on editing. The facilitators emphasised that good editing brings clarity and flow to a film and is a crucial part of the storytelling process.

The workshop concluded by presenting a set of books to the IES team as a gesture of appreciation by Mrs. Datt. Mr. Anshul led a lively clapping activity to close the workshop on an enthusiastic note, followed by a formal vote of thanks.

Workshop Photographs

6^th August 2025

The FILMIT Workshop in Ahmedabad was organised by the Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) Division of INTACH and held at the Shreyas Foundation on 6th August 2025. It was attended by 72 students and 20 teachers from 12 schools across Ahmedabad. The workshop began with a warm welcome from Ms Lataben, Principal of Shreyas Foundation, who greeted the participating schools, members of the HECS team, and the Tuning Fork team. This was followed by a soulful rendition of Ravindra Sangeet.

Ms Vaishnavi (Programme Coordinator, HECS) then welcomed the participants and introduced the Filmit Project, speaking about its history and the wider work of INTACH and HECS. A screening of the INTACH film followed her address. Ms Christina Shangne (Sr. Programme Coordinator, HECS) introduced the resource persons – Ms Himanshi Saini and Mr Aditya Verma from the Tuning Fork team. Ms Vaishnavi then presented the five themes of this year’s Filmit Project, with the final two explained in detail by Ms Christina. Ms Himanshi shared her journey with INTACH’s film-making project from her school days and how it shaped her path in film. She encouraged students to stay interactive and engaged. Two student-made films from last year – on *Pav Bhaji* and *Sarkhej Roza* – were screened and discussed.

Mr Abhay Mangaldas, Chairman of the Shreyas Foundation, joined briefly and was introduced by Ms Utpalaben. He interacted with the students, reflecting on how technology has evolved and how it can be used for the greater good, before wishing them well.

The technical team then presented a short session on filmmaking, followed by a break. Post-refreshments, Mr Aditya resumed the workshop with a deeper dive into film-making techniques, covering visuals, composition, lighting, and sound. A short film on supari processing was screened for analysis of shot types. Himanshi and Aditya elaborated on camera angles, lighting elements like looking space and headroom, and the importance of stability. Additional short films reinforced these concepts.

Aditya and Himanshi introduced basic editing using accessible software. To wrap up, students collaborated to create a short film, which was screened at the end. Ms Utpalaben, Convenor of INTACH Ahmedabad, thanked the schools and resource persons for an enriching and engaging session.

Workshop Photographs

5th August

106 students/13 schools

Sri Gujrati Vidhyalaya, Kozhikode

The Quiz was held by INTACH-Calicut chapter. 53 Teams participated in the written round followed by 4 teams making it to the final round which was a visual quiz. Shreeya Thilak M. and Veda Baiju from Vedavyasa Vidyalayam won the first prize and will be heading to the state round.

5^th August 2025

The FILMIT India Workshop in Vadodara was held on 5th August 2025 at Navrachana International School, Vasna. It brought together 85 students and teachers from 12 schools. The event was attended by INTACH Vadodara Chapter Convenor Mr. Sanjeev Joshi, Co-convenor Ms. Tarisha Desai, and the school principals from both CBSE and IB wings – Ms. Kashmira Jaiswal and Mr. Theophane D’Souza.

From INTACH's HECS team, Ms. Christina Shangne (Senior Programme Coordinator) and Ms. Vaishnavi Singh (Programme Coordinator) conducted the workshop, along with the technical team from Tuning Folks – Mr. Aditya Verma and Ms. Himanshi Saini.

The workshop began with a prayer song by the host school's students, followed by a warm welcome and introduction of the guests. Students also performed a creative tribute to the iconic film Sholay. Mr. Sanjeev Joshi addressed the gathering, and Ms. Christina Shangne officially opened the workshop by thanking the school for hosting it once again. She then introduced the FILMIT project and its objectives. An INTACH film was screened, followed by the presentation on the FILMIT India Project. Ms. Shangne explained the themes for this year – Natural, Built, and Material Heritage. Ms. Vaishnavi Singh took the students through the themes of Living and Personal Heritage.

The technical team then screened two short films made by students in previous years. These were discussed by Ms. Himanshi and Mr. Aditya, who also introduced the basics of filmmaking, including lighting, sound, different types of shots and angles, using images and video clips. The students showed great interest and asked questions about the filmmaking process and techniques.

To wrap up the workshop, an interactive editing session was held where students tried out basic editing exercises with the help of the technical team. The day ended with a vote of thanks from Ms. Shangne and the host school, wishing all students the best for their film projects. A group photo was taken with all the participating students and teachers.

2nd August

Palladium School

112 students/ 12 schools

Khushi & Ojas from O.P Jindal school stood first. Aarav and Devansh from O.P. Jindal came second.

4th August 2025

Main Auditorium, Atmiya University

250 students/ 18 schools

The INTACH Rajkot Chapter hosted the District Level Heritage Quiz. The quiz featured two rounds—a written preliminary and an oral final round. Between rounds, students were treated to a soulful Bhatigal folk music. The event was inaugurated by distinguished guests including Swastik Didi ,Dr. K. D. Ladva, Shri Jigneshbhai Rathod and more. The quiz was conducted by Quizmaster Hiren Acharya and anchored by INTACH member Niyati Shah. – Dev Depani & Aarav Pambhar of Genius English Medium School secured the first rank.

2^nd August 2025

The FILMIT Workshop in Amritsar was organised by the Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) Division of INTACH, in collaboration with the INTACH Amritsar and Punjab Chapters. Hosted at Spring Dale Senior School, Amritsar, the workshop saw enthusiastic participation from 63 students and 24 teachers across 6 Amritsar schools and 7 from other parts of Punjab.

The event began with a formal welcome and introduction of guests by students of the school and Ms. Purnima Datt, Principal Director, HECS INTACH. A lamp lighting ceremony and presentation of tokens to the dignitaries took place. Ms. Datt introduced INTACH’s vision and activities through a short film and spoke about the importance of heritage awareness among youth. She highlighted the organisation’s legacy, emphasised the need for creative engagement with heritage, and introduced the Filmit project’s annual themes. Ms. Nanki Kaur, Programme Coordinator, HECS, joined her in explaining the themes and encouraged participants to create films on local heritage.

The technical sessions were conducted by Mr. Ankit Pogula and Ms. Himanshi Saini from Tuning Fork Films. They began with a fun energiser activity, followed by the screening of two student-made films. Participants analysed them and discussed aspects of storytelling and technique. Mr. Pogula explained the basics of filmmaking, including topic selection, character development, and the three stages of production—preparation, shooting, and editing.

Ms. Saini introduced visual storytelling techniques, explaining camera angles such as high, low, wide, and POV shots. She spoke about the role of lighting, framing, group composition, and camera stability. To reinforce these ideas, more films were screened that illustrated practical techniques of visual storytelling.

After a break, Mr. Pogula discussed sound in filmmaking, explaining various methods of capturing quality audio and showcasing these through an illustrative film. The session was interactive, with students trying out techniques and asking questions. Editing was the final segment, where Mr. Pogula introduced user-friendly apps and walked participants through the editing process—assembling footage, adding text, music, and photographs, and finalising the film. Ms. Saini then demonstrated the steps hands-on, helping students collaboratively create a short film.

The dignitaries then shared some inspiring words. Prof. Balvinder Singh spoke about the symbolic meaning of the candle and urged students to reflect values like love and hope in their work. Maj. Gen. Balwinder Singh, Convenor, INTACH Punjab Chapter, encouraged students to celebrate Punjab’s cultural heritage through film. Mr. Gagandeep Virk, Convenor, INTACH Amritsar Chapter, stressed the power of film to inspire change and shape perceptions. He urged students to creatively document Punjab’s traditions and beauty.

Mr. Rajiv Sharma, Principal of Spring Dale Senior School, expressed gratitude to all participants, facilitators, and organisers for their collective effort. The workshop ended with a group photograph and felicitation of guests and the host school.
PHOTOGRAPHS:

1^st August

Alwardas Public School, MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam

208 students/ 23 schools

The Visakhapatnam City Level INTACH Heritage Quiz 2025 was held on 1st August 2025, in the presence of the Co-Convenor and members of the INTACH Visakhapatnam Chapter. The top four teams qualified for the final oral round. Navy Children School, represented by Ishaan Gupta and Ishita Gupta, emerged as winners.

1^st August 2025

The FilmIt India workshop at Kolkata was held on 1st August at Sri Sri Academy, Alipore. 78 students and 21 teachers from 15 schools of the city participated in it. Mr. Abhishek Das welcomed everyone to the workshop and thanked the host school. The host school teacher in charge Ms. Rita Dasgupta gave the welcome address. She thanked everyone for attending the workshop. Principal Mrs. Gargi Banerjee welcomed the students and thanked INTACH for organising this unique initiative for students. She remarked that her school has made a lot of films in the past and will continue doing so. She wished everyone the best for the workshop. The INTACH film was screened next. Ms. Kanchana Mukhopadhyay, Co-Convenor INTACH Kolkata Chapter also graced the occasion. She gave a brief about INTACH activities in Kolkata and congratulated the students. In the first session, Abhishek talked about INTACH and HECS activities. Then he spoke about the FilmIt project in detail and discussed the themes for the current year. He also did a brain storming session with the students related to the themes. He then introduced the resource persons – Ms. Shikha Gupta and Ms. Sasha Singh. Two films from the previous year were screened. Shikha started the next session by asking the students what they liked about the films that they watched. She explained the importance of films and it is a powerful medium. Through a presentation, the technical details of making a film were explained. The three different stages of making a film – planning, shooting and editing were explained. Sasha talked about techniques such as juxtaposition and over the shoulder shots. She explained shot breakdown, the different angles, importance of sound and lighting with the help of short videos. The students were given a short break where they practised the shots and angles that were explained to them. In the last session, the editing part of a film was discussed by Sasha and Shikha. The ‘Clip Champ’ editing software was discussed in detail. Through a pre-recorded footage shot by Tuning Fork Films, things such as storyboard, trimming, splitting, credits, titles, background audio, etc. were demonstrated. Ms. Rita Dasgupta delivered the formal vote of thanks. The workshop ended with interactions of the students with the resource persons and photographs.
PHOTOGRAPHS:

1^st August 2025

The FILMIT Workshop in Chandigarh was conducted by Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) Division of INTACH and held at Strawberry Fields High School, Chandigarh. It was attended by 61 students and 16 teachers from 9 schools of Chandigarh and 4 schools from Ambala. The workshop started with Ms. Purnima Datt, Principal Director, HECS INTACH giving the welcome address. She gave an introduction to the Filmit Project and spoke about its history, while appreciating the role of the convenors, teachers and students in various cities for keeping it active. This was followed by the screening of the INTACH film, after which, Ms. Datt started her presentation on the 5 themes of this year’s Filmit Project. Ms. Deepika Gandhi (Co-Convenor of INTACH Chandigarh Chapter) added her insights to the Built Heritage themes by talking about structures in Chandigarh on which films can be made such as the commemorative cubes, Sukhna Lake structures, Capital complex, Hand monument, Le Corbusier Centre, etc. She asked all to get in touch with her if they require any help. The last two themes were explained in detail by Ms. Nanki Kaur (Programme Coordinator, HECS INTACH).

The technical resource persons were introduced by Ms. Kaur – Mr. Ankit Pogula and Ms. Himanshi Saini, both from Tuning Fork Films. Ankit shared his journey with INTACH and his vision of creating educational films that are informative yet not boring. He encouraged participants to interact throughout the session. Himanshi also spoke about her own experiences in the field. Two student-made films on Pao Bhaji and Sarkhej Roza were screened and participants were asked to critically analyse these films, discussing what worked well and what could be improved.

Following this, the technical team presented a short PowerPoint session on filmmaking before the group broke for refreshments. After the break, Himanshi resumed the workshop with a detailed explanation of the film-making process. She introduced various techniques such as single visuals and juxtaposition, and delved into the principles of composition, lighting, and sound.

A short film on Supari processing was screened, and students were asked to analyse the types of shots used. Himanshi further explained shot types, camera angles, lighting elements such as looking space and headroom, and the importance of stability and grip. Additional short films were screened to explain these concepts. Ankit then took over to discuss sound recording in films, supported by the screening of a relevant film to illustrate the concept.

Later, Ms. Gandhi introduced Mr. Vivek Atrey (Co-Convenor of INTACH Chandigarh Chapter), who shared motivational insights and encouraged the participants to pursue creative storytelling.

Ankit and Himanshi then introduced the concept of editing. They guided students through the basics of film editing using accessible software tools. To conclude the session, participants worked together to create a short film, which was screened at the end.

Col. RD Singh, Convenor of INTACH Ambala Chapter then spoke to the audience and highlighted the importance of storytelling and preserving old memories in tangible and intangible forms. The workshop ended on a high note with a group photograph and a token of appreciation presented to the host school.
PHOTOGRAPHS:

31^st July 2025

INTACH Filmit Workshop 2025 was organised at Sunbeam School, Lahartara, Varanasi by HECS in collaboration with INTACH Varanasi chapter.

18 Schools from Varanasi participated along with five schools from Ayodhya i.e students and teachers.

The workshop was graced by Varanasi Convenor Mr. Ashok Kapoor and Co Convenors Mr. Nirmal Joshi and Mr. Anil Keshari. Sunbeam chairman Mr. Deepak Madhok also graced the occasion. The opening address was given by Principal of the host school Ms Perveen Quaiser. Mr. Kapoor also welcomed the participants and spoke about INTACH followed by the INTACH film.

Mr. Abhishek Das took the first session. He gave an introduction to the Filmit project and discussed the themes in brief detail.The technical session was undertaken by Ms. Sasha Singh and Ms. Shikha Gupta.

Ms. Sasha offered insights into the three key stages of filmmaking—Pre-production, Production, and Post-production—underscoring the importance of research, storyboarding, and visual planning. Students were introduced to cinematic fundamentals like Rule of Thirds and Framing Composition to enhance their storytelling.

Ms. Shikha delved deep into the craft of video editing, guiding students on how to structure raw footage into meaningful narratives, and explained the importance of transitions, background score, and narrative pacing.

After a short break hands-on demonstrations were given on the editing software. voice modulation, sound mixing, color correction, and exporting techniques were explained in addition to transitions, subtitles, credits, etc. Students participated actively in live Q&A rounds and small editing tasks.

Mr. Abhishek Das explained the process of uploading the films and answered students queries.The vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Nirmal Joshi.Later the Ayodhya schools were also taken to try hands on experience on textile looms.

27th July

65 students/9 schools

Sanvi Nayak and Sarbesh Meher of IDM Public School got the First prize.

30^th – 31^st July 2025

HECS INTACH organized the FILMIT India Technical Workshops for Delhi NCR schools on 30^st and 31^st July 2025. The event saw enthusiastic participation from 151 attendees, including 112 students and 39 teachers from 38 schools.

The workshops were led by technical experts from Tuning Fork Films—Mr. Ankit Pogula and Ms. Himanshi Saini and began with a welcome address by the HECS team followed by the screening of the INTACH film. Ms. Purnima Datt, Principal Director HECS, INTACH along with Ms. Nanki Kaur and Ms. Vaishnavi Singh, introduced the themes for the year 2025–2026.

Two films from the previous year project were screened to kick off the technical session. Mr. Pogula initiated a discussion on the films, encouraging students to share their reflections. He then presented the fundamentals of filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, clarity of subject, shot composition, camera angles, and music. Ms. Himanshi Saini elaborated on how different shots and angles influence narrative impact. Short films were screened to demonstrate these techniques, followed by a session on camera and microphone positioning to ensure high-quality audio and visuals.

After a short break, a hands-on editing session took off, where students participated actively participated. Mr. Pogula and Ms. Saini guided them through each stage of the editing process: Assembly of footage, Adding music and text, making corrections, Final export. Together with the students, the facilitators created a sample short film on Hareli, a traditional festival from Chhattisgarh. The collaborative effort culminated in the successful screening of the completed film.

The workshops concluded with a group photograph and the celebratory call: "Lights! Camera! Action!"

INTACH NATIONAL HERITAGE QUIZ 2025 - CITY ROUND

Ambala

23rd July
BD Sr. Sec. School, Ambala Cantt.
96 students/ 24 schools

INTACH members and dignitaries graced the occasion. Lt Gen. Ram Pratap (retd), was the Chief Guest. Dr Deshbandhu, a renowned educationist and President of the SD Sabha, and Brig Anand Karve, were the guests of honour. Mrs Madhu Singh was the Quiz Master. Army Public School, Ambala Cantt. stood first.

30th July

Little Scholars Matric Hr. Sec. School, Thanjavur

226 students/8 schools

The INTACH Thanjavur Chapter conducted the National Heritage Quiz 2025 on 30th July 2025. The event began with a welcome address by Dr. A.V. Natanasigamani, Correspondent and Life Member. Prof. Dr. B. Sheela from Tamil University,served as the special speaker. The written round was followed by a final oral round conducted by Quiz Master Sri N. Selvaraj. Sri K. Swaminathan, Coordinator of Heritage Clubs, delivered the vote of thanks. The City Level Winners were P. Viswanthan and Ba. Prithiv from Blossom Public School, Thanjavur.

29th July

Sant Nischal Singh Public School

92 students/8 schools

Yamunanagar Chapter conducted a quiz on July 29 with 46 teams from 8 schools participating. Arnav and Aarav Kalia of Swami Vivekanand Public School, Sector 17, Jagadhri won.

28^TH AND 29^TH JULY 2025

The two-day FILMIT Content Workshop, conducted by INTACH’s Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) on 28th and 29th July 2025, brought together 114 students and 39 teachers from 38 schools for an engaging exploration of storytelling, filmmaking, and cultural heritage.

The workshops began with a welcome address by Mr Abhishek Das and an introduction to INTACH by Ms. Purnima Datt, Principal Director, HECS. She elaborated on INTACH’s extensive work across 230+ chapters in India and highlighted HECS’s role in heritage education, including recent initiatives in lesser-known cities and translation of newsletters into regional languages. A short film about INTACH’s journey was screened to provide participants with a deeper understanding of its mission.

Ms. Datt introduced the FILMIT project, now in its 18th year, outlining its objectives, impact, and evolution. She presented this year’s themes: Natural Heritage, The Story of an Insect, State Symbols, Sustainable Farming and Gardening, Built Heritage, Sacred Spaces, Unique Architecture, Art and Material Heritage, Manuscripts, Living Heritage, and Personal Heritage.

Ms. Vaishnavi and Mr. Abhishek Das introduced Theatre Director Feisal Alkazi on each day. On both days, Mr. Feisal Alkazi led interactive and thought-provoking sessions. He challenged students to reflect on everyday heritage—be it heirloom objects, rituals, food traditions, or wardrobe stories—and transform these reflections into emotionally rich films.

Activities included monsoon-themed ideation, linking unrelated objects like carpets and jewellery, and brainstorming storylines using words derived from ‘HERITAGE.’ Through exercises like these, students were encouraged to think laterally and draw narratives from personal, cultural, and ecological experiences.

Examples from past student films—ranging from the story of ‘Pav Bhaji’ to emotional tributes to school staff—helped participants understand the depth and impact of storytelling through short films. Mr. Alkazi also shared creative writing techniques and prompts to build strong, original narratives while avoiding clichés.

The workshop concluded with the release of the book ‘Adopt a Performing Art’, presented by Ms. Nanki and launched by Mr. Nilabh Sinha Principal Director Art and Material Heritage Division, Mr. Alkazi, and Ms. Datt. The publication reinforces INTACH’s commitment to preserving India’s living traditions and making heritage engaging for the youth.

Across both days, the workshop served as a platform for participants to develop filmmaking skills while deepening their understanding of heritage in all its dimensions. The sessions left students inspired, equipped with creative tools, and eager to tell stories that matter.

WORKSHOP PHOTOGRPAHS

25th July 2025

Navikaran Academy

110 students/11 schools

After the written and oral rounds of the quiz, Aman Yadav and Naman Sahu of Vrindavan Vidyalaya emerged as the winning team.

Shimla, 24th July 2025

The Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS), in collaboration with the INTACH Shimla Chapter, organised a College Heritage Volunteer Training Workshop on 24th July 2025 at Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Shimla.An MOU has been signed with the college for furtherign heritage initiatves. The workshop saw enthusiastic participation from 126 college students.

The resource persons for the day were Ms. Maalvika Pathania (State Convenor, INTACH Himachal Pradesh Chapter), Mr. Raaja Bhasin (Convenor, INTACH Shimla Chapter and State Co-convenor, INTACH Himachal Pradesh), Ms. Purnima Datt (Principal Director, HECS INTACH), and Ms. Christina Shangne (Senior Programme Coordinator, HECS INTACH).

The event began with a welcome address, followed by an opening remark by the Principal, Dr. Anurita Saxena. She expressed her gratitude for the initiative, calling it a valuable opportunity for students to engage meaningfully with heritage and culture. She hoped the workshop would inspire long-term learning and appreciation.

Ms. Maalvika Pathania shared her deep passion for heritage and preservation, emphasizing that heritage education is not just about the past - it’s about identity, belonging, and understanding what we value. She highlighted the cultural richness of Himachal Pradesh and shared powerful examples from earlier heritage initiatives.

Ms. Purnima Datt’s session explored the diverse heritage of India, taking participants through the four key aspects of heritage - natural, built, material, and intangible - using engaging visuals and relatable examples. A short film showcasing INTACH’s 40-year journey was also screened.

Mr. Raaja Bhasin delivered an engaging presentation on the history of Shimla, enriched with archival images. He traced the city’s transformation during British rule, explained its role as the summer capital, and spotlighted significant architectural landmarks. His talk brought history to life with compelling storytelling and visual detail.

Ms. Purnima Datt and Ms. Christina Shangne then introduced the concept of volunteerism, outlining the various ways students can contribute as heritage volunteers in their institutions and communities. This was followed by a group activity where students shared their reflections and ideas on heritage volunteerism.

The workshop concluded with a felicitation ceremony and a group photograph, marking a day of meaningful dialogue, discovery, and inspiration for all participants.

The Celebrating India poster-making and essay-writing competition, organised by INTACH’s Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS), hosted its national winners for a three-day educational trip and felicitation ceremony in Delhi from 9 to 11 July 2025. Winners from across the country- including Amritsar, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Dimapur, Guwahati, Jamnagar, Saraipali, Solapur, Thrissur, Gurugram, and Delhi, participated in the programme.

Day 1 began with an orientation session at the INTACH office. Ms. Purnima Datt, Principal Director, HECS, introduced the students to INTACH’s work in the field of heritage conservation. The participants also met Mr. Ravindra Singh (Retd. IAS), Member-Secretary, INTACH, who spoke about the important role students play in preserving heritage. He presented the Young INTACH Badge and the Heritage Club Passport to the winners. The day continued with a visit to the INTACH Conservation Lab, followed by a guided heritage walk at Lodhi Gardens.

Day 2 featured a guided tour of the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya, showcasing key events and figures from both pre- and post-Independence India. After this the group had lunch and visited the three museums at the Sanskriti Kendra: the Museum of Everyday Art, the Museum of Indian Terracotta, and the Museum of Textiles. Here the group was joined by the Chairman- Mr. Ashok Singh Thakur.

Day 3 included a guided visit to Sunder Nursery and the Humayun’s Tomb Interpretation Centre. The programme concluded with the Felicitation Ceremony at the INTACH office. All 11 winners presented their posters, shared the stories behind their work, and received awards from the Chairman, the Member Secretary, and the Chief Guests Dr. Swapna Liddle and Prof. Sohail Hashmi. The event wrapped up with a group photo and a lunch- honouring heritage, creativity, and the achievements of young minds.

16th July

Dwarka High School

34 students/ 10 schools

The program began with a warm welcome by the Headmaster, Dr. Banibrata Mondal, and the teachers of the host school. The quiz was conducted by Quiz Masters Srimati Lopamudra Sen and Shree Tarit Roychoudhury. Jaydeep Mondal and Jyotirmoy Ghosh of Labpur Jadablal High School won.

1^ST – 2ND JULY 2025

HECS, INTACH in collaboration with INTACH Ahmedabad Chapter conducted a Textile Teacher Training workshop on 1st and 2nd July 2025. The workshop was held at Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum and was attended by 44 participants from 19 schools.

The workshop began with a welcome and introduction by Ms. Utpala Desai, Convenor of the Ahmedabad Chapter. The textile education teacher training workshop began with Ms. Purnima Datt,Principal Director, HECS INTACH introducing the session with a story of the Buddha and reflections on the value of recycled textiles. Participants were invited to share stories of textiles from their own homes, revealing connections to their heritage. Following this, a film on INTACH was screened, after which Ms. Datt began her session on ‘What is Heritage’ and Everyday Objects. She explored the links between textiles and natural, built, material, and living heritage, including the role of a thread in India’s vast and diverse history. She also spoke about everyday objects and their importance as heritage in our lives.

The second session was conducted by Ms. Sujata Parsai, Director, LD Museum, Ahmedabad. Her in-depth presentation focused on trade textiles. Her historical overview covered textile evidence from the Indus Valley to global trade routes and how Indian cloth became the currency of the pre-modern world. She explained how India’s ancient Indian weavers produced high-quality, eco-friendly textiles without electricity or chemicals. Cultural exchanges through textiles were also illustrated with examples.

Ms. Shilpa Patel, Chairperson, Crafts Council of Gujarat introduced their new efforts (since 2023) to document and promote textiles, aiming to integrate textile education into school curriculums and observe ‘Handloom Day’ on August 7. This was followed by a textile game created for the teachers by HECS.

After lunch, Ms. Vineeta Nahar conducted a hands-on session on tie-and-dye (Bandhani) and patola weaving, explaining their connections with our architecture and culture. Ms. Datt then gave a short presentation on the types of sari drapes found across the country. Teachers were then divided into four groups and given their topics (Textile Fabrics, Khadi, Textiles of Gujarat, and Historical Dressing of Gujarat).

Day 2 began with a guided tour of the LD Museum led by Ms. Sujata Parsai and Ms. Priyanka Kundu. Participants observed Jain manuscripts, miniature paintings, and sculptures showcasing textile details. The group also visited the Indus Valley Civilisation gallery.

In the final session, Mr. Pranav Gupta from India Recycles presented on sustainability in textiles. He explained his NGO’s work in reusing textiles. He urged teachers to organise textile collection drives in their schools.

The workshop concluded with presentations from all groups and the felicitation ceremony, followed by a thank-you note from Ms. Utpala Desai. Mr. Kalpesh Dalal, the Co-convenor of the Ahmedabad Chapter, highlighted the importance of textile heritage and community engagement as well.

PHOTO

24^th-25^th June 2025

Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS), INTACH, in collaboration with INTACH Pune Chapter, conducted a two-day Teacher Training Workshop on 24th–25th June 2025 at VidyaPratishthan’s School of Architecture (VPSOA), Baramati. 29 schools and 54 teachers participated from Baramati, Bhor, Supe, Indapurand the surrounding regions.

The inaugural session began with an introduction on the significance of heritage Prof. RajshreePatil, Principal of VPSOA, who also warmly welcomed all participants, resource persons, trustees, and chief guestsMs. Purnima Datt (Principal Director, HECS), Ar. JuiTawade, MsSupriyaGoturkar (Co-Convenors Pune Chapter) and Ms. Vaishnavi (HECS Programme Coordinator). Prof. Rajshreespoke of the relevance of architectural heritage and the role of educators in building awareness among the youth. Mr. Ashok Prabhune, Advocate and Chief Guest, expressed gratitude to VPSOA for hosting the programme and reflected on INTACH’s mission. He emphasized how living in harmony with heritage improves the quality of life and wished the workshop great success.

Session 1 was conducted by Dr. SeemantiniChaphalkar, who provided deep insights into the local heritage of Pune and Baramati. She shared her experiences of heritage documentation with INTACH Pune and Solapur Chapters and emphasized the architectural wealth of Baramati, with references dating back to the 11th–12th centuries. Dr. Chaphalkar highlighted the importance of community participation in protecting local structures and illustrated her points through inspiring examples, including the revival of interest in Solapur Fort. She introduced the concept of natural and built heritage, discussed the Sahyadri region's ecology, and underlined Baramati’s rich historical timeline — from the Yadava dynasty to the Marathas. Her talk also covered important sites such as Bhuleshwar Temple, SiddheshwarMandir, and Jejuri, and popular literary figureKaviMoropant.

HECS session began with the screening of the INTACH film followed by a session on What is Heritage by Ms Purnima Datt where she asked participants about their favourite heritage sites in Baramati.

Post lunch, Ar. Jui from INTACH Pune Chapter led a session titled Glimpses of Pune’s Heritage, emphasizing the city's layered history-from academic and political movements to military heritage. She talked about Pune’s first public Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, iconic landmarks like Shaniwar Wada and Aga Khan Palace, and the city’s diverse architecture, including Venetian Gothic and Indo-Saracenic styles. She also highlighted Pune Chapter’s extensive work - food and craft walks, built heritage listings, revival of the Pune saree, and sacred grove documentation.

This was followed by a session on Heritage Education by Ms. Purnima Datt, where students were explained in detail how to set up heritage club in schools and engaging students in experiential learning activities. This was followed by explanation of Group Activity.

Day 2 commenced with a heritage walk to significant sites in Baramati — Siddheshwar Temple, KashiVishveshwar Temple, and MoropantMemorial by DrChaphalkar and Mr Joshi highlighting how these structures, though not widely documented, reflect Baramati’s unique heritage and need preservation through community awareness.

Post Heritage Walk HECS resources were discussed by Ms Purnima and Ms Vaishnavi. The workshop concluded with group presentations where teachers shared their insights, and creative interpretations of heritage through role play, storytelling, and visual displays. The event ended with a felicitation ceremony for the participants and expressions of gratitude to the host institution and the organising team.

Workshop Photographs

Celebrating World Environment Day

On World Environment Day, INTACH Saraipali Chapter, in collaboration with the Forest Department, organized a vibrant series of activities at Sages Saraipali, promoting the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution."

Events included a public awareness rally, tree plantation, lectures, painting, and a quiz competition. Overwhelming participation came from school students, teachers, Forest Department officials, NCC cadets, Red Cross members, Scouts, and the general public, all united in pledging to protect the environment.

Eco Club Instructor Yashwant Kumar Chaudhary emphasized avoiding single-use plastics, conserving water, and planting trees. The rally, led by Forest Range Officer Pratyush Tandey, carried slogans like “Save the environment, plant trees” through the city to Jai Stambh Chowk.

Inspirational talks by principals and educators highlighted the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution and promote biodiversity. The "One Tree for Mother" campaign saw the planting of fruit-bearing and shady trees, with past saplings' growth celebrated by participants.

The event concluded with prize distribution and a heartfelt vote of thanks by Pushpanjali Choudhary, reinforcing the message: "Go Green – Breathe Clean."

Heritage Walk

On Sunday, the Amritsar Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) hosted a free Heritage Walk, drawing enthusiastic participation from locals and over 50 school teachers. The walk began at the Partition Museum, where INTACH Convener Gagandeep Singh Virk urged attendees to pledge their commitment to preserving the city’s heritage. Guided by Gurvinder Johal, participants explored Amritsar’s historic architecture, enriched by insights from historian Surinder Kochhar, a pioneer of heritage walks in the city. Aimed at equipping educators with cultural knowledge to pass on to students, the event blended education with local flavors. Along the route, participants enjoyed pooris, lassi, jalebis, and concluded with Amritsari kulfi, celebrating the city’s culinary heritage. This walk not only brought Amritsar’s rich past to life but also strengthened community engagement in safeguarding its legacy.

Report on "Know Your Heritage" Workshop

On 9th May 2025, INTACH Jamshedpur Chapter and Kalamandir–CCAF hosted the Know Your Heritage workshop at Narbheram Hansraj English School, engaging over 300 enthusiastic students in celebrating cultural heritage through creative, hands-on learning. The event began with a formal inauguration by the school Principal, followed by lamp lighting and remarks highlighting the importance of heritage preservation.

Workshop Highlights

Pottery Workshop: Led by Khagendra Nath Mahato, students and teachers created clay pottery while learning its cultural relevance.

Pytkar Painting: Guided by Ms. Raimat Mardi, students explored this traditional Jharkhandi folk art, crafting vibrant paintings with cultural themes.

INTACH members and school teachers collaborated to support the event, including a heritage awareness session by Mr. Vipul Verma and Ms. Noushin Shoab, emphasizing the value of cultural identity and conservation.

The workshop was a meaningful success, combining education, tradition, and community participation to inspire young minds about India’s rich cultural roots.

Celebrating World Heritage Day

World heritage Day celebrations for the year 2025 conducted in Rotary English medium School Anantapur in association with Heritage club Rotary English medium School Anantapur. Smt Dr. V. Rajita Assistant Director Archaeology and Museums Government of Andhra Pradesh is the Chief Guest of the function. INTACH Anantapur chapter organised monuments poster exhibition. Smt. V. L. Sreevalli special officer Rotary English medium School organised coins exhibition. Students of Heritage club Rotary English medium School performed two skits one on love of mother and another on famous industrialist Ratan Tata.

All the participants of the program took Swachh Bharat pledge on the occasion lead by Chief Guest. On the occasion Chief Guest was felicitated. Program concluded with the national anthem.

13th – 14th June 2025

The Heritage Education and Communication Division (HECS) of INTACH, in collaboration with the INTACH Bharuch Chapter and Rotary Club, Bharuch, organized a two-day (13th – 14th June) Teacher Training Workshop at the Rotary Club, Bharuch. The workshop saw the participation of 95 teachers from 95 Schools across the city. Key attendees included Ms. Pilloo Sarosh Ginwalla, Co-Convenor of the INTACH Bharuch Chapter, Ms Sujata Mukund Rao, Co- Convenor, Ms. Archana Patel, Addl. Co. Convenor, along with the Ms. Rachana Poddar, President, Rotary Club, Bharuch and Ms. Swati. K. Raol, District Education Officer, Bharuch District. Representing HECS, INTACH were Mr. Abhishek Das and Ms. Christina Shangne.

The workshop began with a prayer. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Rachana Poddar. Ms. Pilloo Ginwala, Convenor Bharuch Chapter addressed the participants and shared the purpose of the workshop and welcomed the team from INTACH HECS. The Guest of Honour was Ms. Swati Raol, in her address, wished her best to the teachers and thanked the INTACH and Rotary team for organizing this workshop.

The first session was undertaken by Mr. Ashwin Modi (architect) on ‘Bharuch, a Hindu Town beyond Myth and Map’. He provided valuable insights on Bharuch town. The next session was done by Mr. Abhishek Das and Ms. Christina Shangne from HECS INTACH. Mr. Abhishek gave an introduction about INTACH and its functions followed by the screening of a short film on INTACH. Thereafter, he discussed about the different types of heritage in his presentation. Post lunch, a presentation was given by Mr. Mahesh Thakkar, INTACH member and principal of Narayan Vidhya Vihar School. He spoke on Dashaashwamegh Ghat: Story of Lod Vaman and Mahabali Raja. It was very well received by the audience. The HECS team then gave a presentation on the importance of Heritage Education, its methodology and discussed various activities that can be undertaken in the classroom. As a practical example, a role play activity was conducted with the teachers, wherein, two teachers volunteered to play the role of a traditional historical inkpot and a modern day ball point pen. They discussed their merits and importance. Afterwards, the teachers were divided into four groups for their group activity for the following day.

Day 2 began with a presentation delivered by Divyajeet Sinh Zala on the city of Bharuch. He took a virtual heritage walk of Bharuch as it was not possible to go for a physical site visit due to the large number of participants. Some of the heritage sites mentioned were Dutch Crematory, Jumma Masjid, Parsi Agiyari, Grave Of British Soldier With His Horse etc.

A film on the HECS division was screened, after which the HECS team spoke about setting up Heritage Clubs in schools. They discussed a range of activities that could be conducted, the available resource material, HECS publications, social media initiatives, and the ‘youngintach’ website. Following this, the teachers presented their group activities through songs, PowerPoint presentations, and short films. These showcased the rich heritage of Bharuch and were both creative and informative.

Next, Ms. Rizwana Talkin Zamindar from the Shree Bharuch District Sujani Production and Sale Co-operative Society gave a detailed presentation on the Sujani craft. She, along with a craftsman, also displayed a variety of handmade Sujani apparel, highlighting the intricacies of the craft.

A felicitation ceremony was held thereafter, followed by a group photograph. The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Sujata Rao, Co-Convenor of the INTACH Bharuch Chapter, and lunch was served to all participants.

School Heritage Clubs – Nurturing Well-Rounded Students

One of the notable accomplishments of the INTACH Ambala Chapter is the successful establishment of over 30 active school heritage clubs. Principals and teacher in-charges have shown great enthusiasm, and students are gaining immensely from their involvement in various heritage-related activities, including the engaging Young INTACH contests.

Several schools have set up dedicated heritage rooms, walls, and corners, which are being well-maintained. The Chapter Convenor has personally visited some of these and appreciated the efforts. Many schools have also started maintaining 'Heritage Registers'—a valuable record of their heritage initiatives and students’ achievements.

The fact that six of our heritage clubs, along with numerous students, have received awards from HECS this year is a clear reflection of the growing interest in heritage awareness and value-based education in the region.

As a reference, the chapter is pleased to share the Heritage Register of DAV Riverside School, Ambala Cantt—diligently maintained by Madhu Singh Ma’am, Monika Ma’am, and Anjana Ma’am. The register is thoughtfully compiled and regularly endorsed by the Principal.

13th May, 2025

Heritage Education and Communication Service, in collaboration with National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) organised a workshop on 13th May, 2025 for NCERT’s Kala Utsav winners who were invited to Delhi to participate in a Nurturance Programme cum Enrichment Programme, Pratibha Samvardhan in camp mode at the National Bal Bhavan (NBB).

The day began with a heritage walk to Lodhi Gardens, where around eighty participants—students and teachers—were introduced to the historical and ecological significance of the site. Led by walk facilitators Ms. Nanki Kaur, Ms. Vaishnavi Singh, Mr. Deepanshu, and Mr. Abhishek Das, the walk included visits to key monuments in this order- tomb of Mohammad Shah, Bada Gumbad, Sheesh Gumbad, and the tomb of Sikandar Lodhi. The participants also explored the garden’s rich biodiversity, observing rare flora and fauna.

Following the walk, participants arrived at the INTACH headquarters. After a short break, the session began in the Multipurpose Hall. They were welcomed by Mrs. Purnima Dutt, Principal Director of HECS, who congratulated the participants and introduced INTACH’s educational initiatives. She highlighted the role of Heritage Clubs across 150 cities, student-led newsletters, and regional outreach efforts. A short film on INTACH’s conservation work and achievements was screened, offering further insight into its mission.

Mrs. Dutt then conducted an engaging session on heritage, covering tangible, intangible, and natural aspects. She spoke about India's cultural diversity, ancient landscapes, regional architecture, material heritage, and food traditions. A highlight of the session was an interaction with an award-winning Chhau dancer from Jharkhand, who shared his experience of performing and preserving this traditional art form.

The workshop concluded with a guided tour of INTACH’s Conservation Laboratory, led by Ms. Merrin Anil and Ms. Ratan Kaur Rainu. Participants learned about the techniques used to preserve various materials such as textiles, paintings,marble statues, and artefacts. The session was highly interactive, with the participants showing keen interest in conservation practices. The day offered a meaningful blend of experiential learning and cultural education, leaving participants inspired to engage more deeply with India’s heritage.

8th and 9th May 2025

Heritage Education and Communication Service(HECS) in collaboration with Sikkim Chapter was invited to be a part of the Kuzu Cultural Festival's – Sikkim Literature Festival. The team from HECS was cordially invited to be a part of the panel at Sikkim Literature festival and give a session of Heritage Education as well as do a specialised session on Tree of Life for middle school students. The HECS team also conducted a teacher-training workshop in collaboration with Sikkim chapter, part of INTACH charter.

Panel Discussion and Tree of Life Workshop, 8th May

The Sikkim Literature festival, a part of the larger Kuzu Cultural Festival (which is being organised in the state to celebrate 50 years of statehood) began with a felicitation ceremony of all the dignitaries that attended the inauguration. The festival was organised at Manan Bhawan, by the State central Library. The festival was formerly inaugurated by Mr GT Dhungel, Minister of Health and Family Welfare department and Culture department, who was joined by other dignitaries. The festival was curated by Ms Mary Therese Kurkalang with support from Mr Raman Shresta. In the second panel that was on the Children’s Literature and the role of books amongst the Youth, Ms Nanki Kaur, Programme Coordinator, HECS, INTACH gave an enlightening presentation. She spoke about ‘What is Heritage?’ briefly and explained why Heritage education is important, especially amongst the Youth.

In the next specialised session on ‘Tree of Life’, HECS representatives Ms Nanki Kaur and Ms Smriti Malhotra, Programme Coordinator gave a short workshop on the importance of preserving trees. The workshop was specially designed for the middle school students of Gangtok. In attendance were around 45 students from classes 6-8, with 4 teachers from 3 schools.

Ms Smriti Malhotra introduced the HECS division. She asked students what they believe heritage is, which led to great engagement. This was followed by an introduction to trees and natural heritage by Ms. Nanki Kaur. After this, a senses game was explained to the students which involved them putting their hands into a bag full of things linked with trees and guessing what they ate while being blindfolded. The items included peepal leaf, lemon, cardamom, branch, neem leaf, almond, pinecone, a seed, clove, and a piece of a bark. Ms. The session concluded with the students being given colouring worksheets on leaves and forest scenery, as well as being explained about creating a scrap book of trees.

Panel Discussion

Tree of Life Workshop for Students

8th and 9th May 2025

The teacher training workshop conducted by HECS Team was attended by 40 teachers from 20 schools across the region. The workshop began with a welcoming speech by Dr Charishma Lepcha, Sikkim convenor. It was followed by a session by Dr Anira P Lepcha, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Sikkim University. She went on to explain about heritage and the different facets of heritage in great detail, highlighting the unique and local heritage of the state and how it can be taught in classrooms. Then a session on ‘What is heritage?’ is carried out by Ms Nanki in much detail and Ms Smriti Malhotra went on to explain the tangible and intangible forms of heritage. Next, the teachers were given a presentation on heritage education and all the tools the teachers can make use of explaining about heritage. About HECS division was also explained by both the representatives followed by an engaging group activity by the teachers. The workshop successfully wrapped up with a felicitation ceremony and a group photograph.

Teacher Workshop

24th-25th April 2025

Heritage Education and Communication Service in collaboration with INTACH Varanasi Chapter conducted a 2-day Teacher Training Workshop in Little Flower House, Nagwa, on 24th-25th April 2025. The workshop was attended by 46 participants from 24 schools.

The workshop began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, where esteemed guests, including Ms. Aditi Gulati (Deputy Director, LFH), Mr. Nalin Gulati (Director, LFH), INTACH members, Convenor Mr. Ashok Kapoor, Co-Convenor Mr. Nirmal Joshi, speakers, and other dignitaries, were invited to light the lamp. Ms. Anita Agarwal, Vice Principal of Little Flower School, Nagwa, welcomed everyone resource persons and Ms Vaishnavi and Ms Nanki from HECS team. She highlighted INTACH’s work, particularly in Varanasi, and emphasized the importance of heritage education, encouraging teachers to promote it in their schools.

Mr. Ashok Kapoor, Convenor of INTACH Varanasi, also addressed the audience. He noted the strong presence of INTACH members and shared his journey of leading heritage initiatives in the city. He introduced the Peshwa Haveli project and briefed the audience about the heritage walk scheduled for Day 2 at the site.

Mr. Akhilesh Kumar, an expert guide with over 30 years of experience, spoke about the built heritage of Varanasi, focusing on the city’s rich religious traditions and temples, especially the 12 Adityas. HHe emphasized the importance of preserving Varanasi’s lesser-known heritage and shared his ongoing efforts to locate and protect these sites. His engaging session ended with an interactive discussion with the audience. This was followed by the screening of the INTACH film in Hindi.

After this, the HECS team started their session on What is Heritage. The first 2 aspects of heritage were spoken about by Ms. Vaishnavi (Programme Coordinator) while material and living heritage was explained by Ms. Nanki Kaur (Programme Coordinator). Ms Vaishnavi and Ms Nanki laid emphasis on the diversity of flora and fauna, architectural remains and culture and tradition that India encompasses.

Post Lunch, Mr. Raj Kumar, a Navy veteran spoke about the cultural significance of food in Varanasi, highlighting how no one sleeps hungry in the city’s vibrant lanes. He discussed the famous sweets and street foods like kachoris, malaiyo, and Banarasi paan, tracing their rich history and unique flavors. Through anecdotes about iconic places like Ram Bhandar and Kachori Gali, he illustrated how food reflects the diverse traditions of Bihar, Bengal, and Banaras. He concluded by emphasizing that Banaras' food heritage is a colorful tapestry of history, community, and tradition.

Later HECS team talked about Heritage Education and stressed on the proactive role of teacher and how indulging students in various activities will help them learn about their heritage. Later curriculum and setting up of heritage club and HECS resources was explained. The session concluded with the explanation of the group activity.

Day 2 commenced with a heritage walk at the Peshwa Haveli, Raja Ghat which is now been converted into a INTACH Cultural Centre. Mr Ashok Kapoor and Mr Anil Kesari guided the teachers through the history of PEshwa Haveli and what importance it held in today’s time. Teachers were also shown the INTACH exhibition. Post heritage walk, session on the newly launched Built Heritage book was taken. This was followed by the group activity where each team shared about the rich heritage of Varanasi through role play, singing, dancing and presentation. This was followed by the felicitation of participants.
Workshop photographs

24th – 25th April 2025

The Heritage Education and Communication Division (HECS) of INTACH, in collaboration with the INTACH Meghalaya Chapter, organized a two-day (24-25 April’25) Teacher Training Workshop at the Mission Compound Hall, Tura. The workshop saw the participation of 25 teachers from 11 schools. Key attendees included Dr. Ramona M. Sangma, Additional Co-Convenor of the INTACH Meghalaya Chapter, along with chapter members Dr. L. K. Gracy and Pangsang Rudy N. Sangma. Representing HECS, INTACH were Ms. Purnima Datt and Ms. Christina Shangne.

The workshop commenced with a welcome address on Day 1 by Dr. Ramona M. Sangma, who provided an overview of INTACH’s mission and activities undertaken by the Meghalaya Chapter. She also delivered a talk introducing the Garo Oral Culture, enriching participants' understanding of the region’s intangible heritage.Ms. Purnima Datt, Principal Director, HECS, then conducted a session titled “What is Heritage?” Her insightful presentation outlined the richness of India's diverse heritage and emphasized the importance of preserving it for future generations.After lunch, a warm-up activity energized the participants, leading into another session by Ms. Datt on Heritage Education and its integration into classroom learning. Participants were introduced to various components of India’s heritage and the significance of incorporating heritage education into the school curriculum.

The second day began with a heritage walk around the Mission Compound area, led by Dr. Ramona and assisted by Dr. Gracy. Participants explored several significant heritage sites, including the monument of Krima IV, the Tura Baptist Church established in 1877, the Christian Girls’ Higher Secondary School founded in 1881, and the Principal’s residence built in 1933 etc. The walk offered a vivid narrative of Tura’s historical evolution and the changes witnessed over time.

Following the walk, a presentation was held on HECS publications, the Young INTACH website, National Programmes, and the use of social media in promoting heritage awareness. The importance of heritage walks and identifying resource persons for heritage education were also discussed. Teachers later showcased group activities through dance and presentations, highlighting the natural, material, living, and built heritage of Tura.

In collaboration with INTACH Heritage Academy

The Introduction to Heritage Documentation Workshop was organised by the INTACH Heritage Academy in collaboration with the Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS). It was attended by 56 undergraduate students from 9 colleges and universities across Delhi. The workshop began with a welcome address by Mrs. Purnima Datt, Principal Director of HECS, who introduced students to the concept of heritage and INTACH’s work across India. She highlighted the contributions of INTACH’s 10 specialised conservation labs and notable restoration projects. An INTACH film was screened, and feedback was collected through a QR code.

Dr. Parul Munjal, Director of INTACH Heritage Academy, led the first session, exploring the meaning, values, and evolving definitions of heritage. Through discussion, students examined how heritage is linked to memory, identity, and community, and reflected on both tangible and intangible aspects. The second session, conducted by Ms. Tavishi Gautam, focused on methods of documenting intangible cultural heritage. She outlined practical and ethical steps including stakeholder engagement, interviews, mapping, and field notes to create meaningful records that support education and conservation. In the concluding session, Dr. Munjal highlighted how well-researched case studies can reveal holistic understandings of heritage. Examples such as Chakrata and Mandvi showcased interdisciplinary approaches that combine visual tools, storytelling, and analysis to document cultural landscapes effectively.

19^th APRIL 2025

As part of celebrations of World Heritage Day, a teacher training workshop was organised for Delhi – NCR schools on 17th April at INTACH. 63 teachers from 57 schools participated. Mr. Abhishek Das welcomed everyone to the workshop and highlighted the upcoming sessions. Mrs. Purnima Datt took the inaugural session in which she talked about INTACH, the need for heritage education and explained the different types of heritage to the teachers. Ms. Nanki and Ms. Vaishnavi took a brief session on HECS’ list of publications. Hereafter, HECS’ new Publication Built Heritage for Young Hands was released by Chairman INTACH, Shri Ashok Singh Thakur, Vice Chairman, Dr. Sukhdev Singh and Dr. Swapna Liddle, renowned historian and author. Dr. Liddle delivered an insightful talk on Shahjahanabad, exploring the idea of built heritage beyond monuments, citing the case study of Shahjahanabad. Her talk underscored the need for conservation and painted a vivid picture of Delhi’s layered history and the importance of preserving these lived, storied spaces. In the next session, Dr. Narayani Gupta delivered an engaging talk on the often-overlooked charms of local history. Dr. Gupta also touched upon places like Khairpur village, Lady Willingdon Park (now Lodhi Garden), and the importance of tracing Delhi through its rural past. The last session before lunch was undertaken by Mrs. A Vijaya, Director, Architectural Heritage Division, INTACH. Her topic was Heritage conservation in India and its success stories. After these interesting sessions, the teachers were taken to INTACH’s Conservation Lab and showcased HECS publications. Post lunch, an ice breaker activity session was organised for the participants. A quiz was conducted by Ms. Smriti which saw widespread enthusiasm among the teachers. This was followed by a discussion of the calendar of events planned for schools. Mr. Anirudh Kanisetti, a public historian, columnist and speaker specialising in ancient and early medieval India addressed the last session of the day. He gave his talk on the evolution of temple architecture across peninsular India. He explained how linguistic and cultural diversity across the region shaped architectural forms, especially on the Deccan plateau. The workshop ended with distribution of certificated and resource material to the teachers followed by a group photograph.

17^th APRIL 2025

On April 17, 2025, INTACH Ambala celebrated World Heritage Day at Air Force School with vibrant participation from 125 students and teachers across 24 schools. Organized under the leadership of Convener Colonel R. D. Singh, the event saw each school represented by a student in traditional attire or patriotic costume, showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity.

Brigadier M. S. Tomar (Retd) was the Chief Guest, with Dr. Desh Bandhu Ji and Group Captain Joginder Maini as Guests of Honour. Dignitaries from various educational institutions, including principals and professors, graced the occasion.

A lively quiz led by Mrs. Madhu Singh from DAV Riverside kept students engaged. Children also shared thoughts on heritage, recited poems, and performed a dance to Haryana’s state song.

Colonel Singh highlighted the Ambala Chapter’s achievements, including its sixth consecutive Best Chapter Award and several wins in Young INTACH and Filmit competitions. Guest speakers inspired students with messages on values, time management, and civic responsibility.

The event concluded with refreshments and a visit to the historic St. Paul's Church. Colonel Singh extended heartfelt thanks to Air Force School for hosting the celebration.

Visit to Cultural Centre, Peshwa Haveli, Rajghat

Students from Sant Atulanand Residential Academy, Holapur and The Aryan International School, Mughalsarai—both INTACH member schools—visited the Cultural Centre at Peshwa Haveli, Rajghat this morning in two batches. During their visit, they explored the exhibitions on Dwadash Madhav and INTACH, and shared highly encouraging feedback. It was heartening to witness the enthusiasm and genuine interest shown by the younger generation in our heritage. More student groups are expected to visit over the next two days. Mr. Ashok Kapoor, Convener of INTACH Varanasi Chapter; Nalin Gulati, Co-Convener; Mr. Anil Keshari, Additional Co-Convener; and Ms. Aditi Gulati, Coordinator of the Heritage Education Cell, conducted the briefing sessions for the students.

World Heritage Day Celebrations – 2025

World Heritage Day 2025 was celebrated at Rotary English Medium School, Anantapur, in collaboration with the school's Heritage Club. The event was graced by Smt. Dr. V. Rajita, Assistant Director, Archaeology and Museums, Government of Andhra Pradesh, who attended as the Chief Guest.

As part of the celebration: INTACH Anantapur Chapter organized a poster exhibition on monuments. Smt. V. L. Sreevalli, Special Officer of Rotary English Medium School, curated a coin exhibition. Students of the Heritage Club performed two engaging skits—one highlighting a mother’s love, and the other portraying the life of renowned industrialist Ratan Tata. All participants took the Swachh Bharat Pledge, led by the Chief Guest. On this occasion, the Chief Guest was also felicitated for her contributions. The program concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.

Celebrating World Heritage Day, 18 April, 2025

The INTACH Datia Chapter celebrated World Heritage Day on 18th April 2025 at the Madhukar Research Institute, Datia (M.P.)

Visit to Prime Steps International School, Shehjadpur

As part of INTACH Ambala Chapter’s outreach and engagement initiatives, a visit was conducted to Prime Steps International School, Shehjadpur (near Naraingarh). The visit aimed to encourage heritage awareness among students and strengthen the activities of the school’s Heritage Club.

The interaction proved to be highly fruitful and engaging. Principal Sheetal Ma’am, a proactive and enthusiastic member of INTACH Ambala, played a pivotal role in facilitating the event. Her spirited leadership and commitment to heritage education were evident throughout the program. The visit began with the inauguration of the school’s newly established 'INTACH Heritage Wall', located at the entrance. Conceptualized and developed by the School Heritage Club, under the guidance of teacher-in-charge Ms. Shivsi, the wall is a creative initiative that will evolve with future heritage-related activities and events.

Colonel R D Singh. Convenor of INTACH Ambala, inaugurated the wall. On behalf of the Chapter, a copy of Young INTACH magazine and Heritage Club Student Passport were presented to the school as resources to inspire and document student engagement. This was followed by an interactive session with the students, where the emphasis was placed on cultivating happiness, health, and personal growth. Students were encouraged to participate actively as scouts and responsible citizens. Special guidance was extended to Class 10 board students, advising them to stay relaxed and perform confidently in their examinations. The students responded with enthusiasm and warmth, making the session lively and engaging. The discussion also briefly touched upon the importance of parental support in students' educational journeys.

Participation in Heritage Walk - Ambala Cantt, 9 March 2025

On 9th March 2025, the Department of Archaeology, Government of Haryana, organized a Heritage Walk in Ambala Cantonment, aimed at promoting awareness about the region’s historical landmarks. Members of the INTACH Ambala Chapter also participated in the event, joining around 20 to 30 other heritage enthusiasts.

The walk commenced at the Holy Redeemer Church, where participants explored the architectural and historical significance of the site. The next stop was the British Cemetery, INTACH’s contributions towards the restoration of the cemetery and the efforts to promote heritage awareness among the youth were sahred. The group then proceeded to visit several other notable heritage buildings in Ambala Cantt, gaining insights into the area’s colonial-era legacy.

This was a paid walk, with a fee of Rs. 300 per participant, which we too contributed. Convenor of INTACH Ambala interacted with all participants and introduces them to the mission and activities of INTACH. The walk proved to be both informative and inspiring, offering a platform for like-minded individuals to engage with local heritage and explore collaborative avenues for its preservation.

14^th February 2025

The Film Festival at Kochi was held at The Kerala Museum on 14th February 2025. 60 participants (51 students and 9 teachers) from 9 schools attended the festival. Mr. Bonnie Thomas, cartoonist and writer was invited as the Chief Guest. The programme began with a welcome address by Mr. Biley Menon, Co-convenor, Kochi Chapter. He welcomed all the schools and talked about INTACH and the reason why it was setup. He talked about INTACH’s founding members too. He then introduced Ms. Aditi Nayar, Director, Kerala Museum and Mr. Babu C Rajeev. He thanked Aditi for providing the wonderful venue for all INTACH programmes. Aditi welcomed the schools to the museum and talked about the museum’s long standing association with INTACH. She talked about film making as a powerful medium and encouraged the students to make films. Mr. Babu Rajeev congratulated all the schools for doing wonderful work and making great films. He encouraged them to make even more number of films for the next year so that they could win even more awards. Mr. Abhishek Das thanked the Kochi Chapter and Kerala Museum for extended their continuous support for HECS’ activities. He spoke about the FilmIt India programme in brief. He talked about the initial years of the project and its expansion over the years. After the introductory session, students shared their experiences through speeches and poems. Almost every student mentioned how challenging it was to shoot the films but it was enjoyable at the same time. The Kochi films were screened next after which a short refreshment break was given. Post the break, some films from across the country were screened. Mr. Biley formally introduced Mr. Bonnie Thomas. In his address, Mr. Thomas congratulated the students for making wonderful films and wished them luck for the future. The schools were then awarded certificates, books and prizes which were given away by Mr. Thomas and Ms.Nayar. Mr. Menon gave the formal vote of thanks. He thanked the schools, HECS team and the Kerala Museum. The National Anthem was sung at the end of the programme
Workshop Photographs

13^th February 2025

The FilmIt India festival in Chennai was held on 13th February at Jubilee Maharishi Vidya Mandir. 85 students and teachers from 11 schools participated. The programme began with a prayer song by three students of the host school. Dr. TC Perumal, Secretary, Ms. Gnyana Priya, Head Mistress and Mrs. D Jayalakshmi, AHM, attended the inaugural session. The lighting of the lamp was done by the dignitaries which also included Dr. S. Suresh, Convenor, INTACH Tamil Nadu State Chapter. Ms. Sruti Harihara Subramanian, well known director, actress and entrepreneur, was invited as the Chief Guest. Mr.Abhishek Das gave the formal introduction and spoke the FilmIt project. He mentioned how times have changed and technological advancements have been made and students can shoot films even with their mobile phones these days. He invited the schools to share their experiences about their film making journey. The students shared how challenging it was to make films under three minutes and about their bloopers as well. They shared that they learnt a lot during the entire process and though stressful it was very enjoyable as well. The Chennai lot of films was screened which included one film per school. Ms. Sruti was introduced by Dr. Suresh. Few more schools shared about their experiences followed by the screening of some of the films from across the country. Mr.Ramalingam, Chief Administrative Officer, Maharishi Vidya Mandir addressed the students and congratulated them. He termed them as ‘creators’ since they all created something; ‘films’. Ms.Sruthi, in her address said she enjoyed watching the films. She congratulated them as they were all filmmakers irrespective of whether they win any award or not. Filmmaking makes you learn about a lot of things. She congratulated all of them for taking the first step and how they all told their stories differently and maybe some of them might continue and make it as a career choice. Mr. Ramalingam, Ms. Sruthi and Ms. Gnyana Priya were presented with calendars and the Khana Khazana food diary from INTACH’s side. The award ceremony was held next. The prizes, in the form of books, diaries and certificates were given to each school by Dr. Suresh and the three of them. Dr. Suresh gave the formal vote of thanks. He thanked all the schools and teachers, guests and the host school and INTACH HECS. The programme ended with refreshments being served to everyone.
Workshop Photographs

13^th February 2025

Heritage Education and Communication Service organised Goa Filmit festival on 13th February 2025 at the Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Panjim. It was attended by approximately 51 teachers and students of 11 schools of Goa. The Chief Guest for the festival was Paulo D’Silva Gomes, the present representative of Fundação Oriente in India and Ms Arthy Muthanna Singh, children’s author and freelance journalist. The occasion was also graced by Ms Fatima Da Silva Gracias, Convenor Goa Chapter.

The event commenced with the welcome address by Ms Purnima Datt, Principal Director, HECS INTACH where she introduced the programme and briefed about the Film festival and how it expanded in so many cities. Ms Fatima introduced Mr Paulo and Ms Purnima introduced Ms Arthy. This was followed by experiences sharing by students from each school. Students shared their varied experiences of exploring the art of filmmaking. This was followed by screening of best films of Goa and later overall best films from across India were showcased. Later Mr Paulo took over and shared his experience of how difficult it was to make films during his childhood. He was overjoyed to be a part of the programme and congratulated the children on touching upon unique themes like Theyyam, Vasco Saptah and Viceroy’s Arch. Ms Arthy congratulated the students on making amazing films and said that she is fortunate for this opportunity. She talked briefly about her association with INTACH and children. This was followed by the felicitation ceremony. The festival ended with a formal vote of thanks by Ms Purnima and a group photograph.
Workshop Photographs

12th February, 2025

The FilmIt India Festival was held on 12th February at Jubilee Hills Public School. 110 students and teachers from 21 schools participated in the festival. The programme began by a welcome classical dance performance by the students of the host school followed by an introduction by two students who were the compeers.

Mr. Arvind Achanta, a cinematographer and researcher was invited as the Chief Guest. The first session was also attended by Ms. P. Kanchana Valli, Principal of the school and Ms. Anuradha Reddy, Convenor, INTACH Hyderabad Chapter also welcomed the students and told them how Hyderabad has always been making good films and been a part of the project since the early years of the project. Mr. Abhishek Das, spoke about the humble beginnings of the project and how it has expanded vastly over the years and it’s the 17th year running.

Post the introductory session, students presented their experiences about their film making journey in the form of speeches and poems. This was followed by the screening of films made by the schools of Hyderabad. Then, a few students of Jubilee Hills Public School performed a skit which was followed by the screening of the Best Overall films from across the country.

Mr. Achanta in his interaction with the students appreciated their films and stated films are a way of communication and collaboration. He said that he enjoyed watching all their films and would love to see some of them as future film makers some day.

The award ceremony was held next. The prizes, in the form of books, diaries and certificates were given to each school by Ms. Reddy and Mr. Achanta. One of the teachers sang the National Song (Vande Mataram). Mr. Das gave the formal vote of thanks, after which, the participants enjoyed refreshments organised by the school which was followed by a group photograph at the end.

PHOTOS:

MUMBAI

12^th February 2025

Heritage Education and Communication Service Division (HECS) in collaboration with INTACH Greater Mumbai Chapter and host organisation RN PODAR School conducted the FILMIT INDIA Festival in Mumbai on 12th February 2025 at RN podar school. The event was attended by students across 10 schools and teachers. The chief guests for the programme were Mr Milind Dhaimade, who is a former ad man and has directed many commercials as well as films. The event also saw the presence of Ms Rajul Dhaimade, the co-convenor of the Greater Mumbai chapter, Ms Purnima Datt, Principal Director, HECS, INTACH and Ms Suman Samarth, Head of the Secondary School at RN Podar.

The programme began with a warm welcome by Ms Datt and a brief introduction about the FILMIT INDIA programme and the cities it has expanded to in its 17 years till date.

It was followed by a brief speech by Ms Suman of RN podar school who spoke on behalf of all the teachers present about this opportunity that HECS, INTACH has provided for the students to expand their creativity and learn about heritage in a unique manner.

The students were then invited to speak about their experiences, sharing in songs, speeches and poems. Post which the best films of Mumbai were showcased as well as the overall best films selected from across the cities. The films were enjoyed thoroughly by everybody, especially the film on Pao bhaji that came from a new school from Mumbai. Mr Milind Dhaimade spoke highly of the short films made by the students and appreciated their efforts and Ms Rajul congratulated the students on the efforts they put and spoke of expanding the programme further to different schools of Mumbai and asked the students to continue on their journey to connect with heritage and film-making.

The programme concluded with the felicitation ceremony followed by a vote of thanks by Ms Datt and a big hearty congratulations as well as a group photograph.
Photographs

Vadodara

12^th February 2025

Heritage Education and Communication Service and INTACH Vadodara chapter conducted the FILMIT INDIA FESTIVAL for the city on 12th February 2025. The programme was conducted at Navrachana International School with 10 participating schools from across the city and neighbouring areas. The host school graciously began the event with a lamp lighting ceremony followed by a small felicitation ceremony for the chief guests and experts who attended the event. The event was graced with the presence of the two principals of the Navrachana International School and the CBSE section, INTACH Vadodara Convenor, Mr Sanjiv Joshi, Ms Tarisha Gaurav Desai, Co-convenor and the team from HECS, INTACH. The chief guest was a young budding film-maker Mr Karan Bhatt, as well as Ms Aarzoo Patel, Mr Tatsat Shah, both architects who have had experience in being involved in film-making. The programme began with a short performance by the students of NISV and a short presentation on My Shyam Benegal, the eminent film-maker who passed away last year and his film Manthan. The event then proceeded further with a short welcoming note by Ms Christina Shangne and beginning the event with the students experience on film-making and learnings about heritage while making the films for the programme.

Post these sayings, the best films of the city were showcased and the two short films made by the Chief guest – Mr Bhatt were also showcased which covered the life story of Mr Verghese Kurien. The stop motion and animated films garenered a huge applause from the students, who were inspired to see the short films. Post this, some of the overall best films were showcased. Mr Karan Bhatt then proceeded to speak with the students about their experience with film-making and gave them some important tips and tricks they should remember incase if they plan on continuing on the path of film-making. Ms Aarzoo Bhatt also had a small interaction with the students wherein she shared her experience of set designing for the short film that Mr Bhatt directed.

Post a refreshment break, the rest of the overall films were showcased and the last segment of the event – the felicitation ceremony. All the participating students and schools received their award and participation certificates. The programme concluded with a warm vote of thanks by the team and a group photograph.
Photographs

Ahmedabad

11th February 2025

The Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS), in collaboration with the INTACH Ahmedabad Chapter, successfully hosted the FILMIT India Festival at Shreyas Foundation, Ahmedabad, on 11th February 2025. Seven schools participated in this year’s programme, showcasing their filmmaking talent and deep engagement with heritage through compelling short films.

The festival was graced by INTACH Ahmedabad Convenor Ms. Utpala Desai, Co-Convenor Mr. Kalpesh Dalal, their team members, and HECS representatives Ms. Christina Shangne and Ms. Smriti Malhotra. The event’s chief guest was acclaimed filmmaker and editor Mr. Sanjiv Shah, best known for films like *Mirch Masala*.The programme commenced with an introduction to INTACH and the FILMIT India Project by Ms. Shangne and Ms. Malhotra. Following this, students shared their experiences of creating the films, discussing their research, ideation process, script development, recce, and the various filmmaking techniques and tools they explored. This was followed by the screening of the best films from Ahmedabad. Mr. Shah then engaged with the students in an interactive session, asking about their creative process, the themes they chose, and the technical aspects of their films. His insights and encouragement inspired the young filmmakers, making it a truly enriching experience.

After showcasing the overall best films, the students took a short break before the felicitation ceremony commenced. The event concluded with a vote of thanks and words of encouragement from Ms. Utpala Desai, who urged students to start observing the heritage around them and thinking ahead for their next projects. The festival ended on a high note with a group photograph, capturing the spirit of creativity and heritage appreciation.
Photographs

08^th Feb 2025

Heritage Education and Communication Service in collaboration with INTACH Udaipur Chapter organized FILMIT festival in Maharana Mewar Public School. It was attended by 36 students and 8 teachers from four schools: Maharana Mewar Public School, Seedling Modern Public School, Rockwoods High School, and St. Anthony High Secondary School. The Chief Guest for the program was Mr. Gaurav Prabhakar, while Mr. Sunil Vashisht, Life Member, also addressed the gathering. The event featured the screening of best films made by students from the participating schools, along with a prize distribution ceremony recognizing achievements in various categories.

Filmmaker Mr. Gaurav Prabhakar shared valuable tips on filmmaking with the students, while INTACH HECS distributed a set of books and yearly calendars to each school. The event concluded with the screening of the best films, a vote of thanks by Mr. Gaurav Singhvi and group photograph.

Event Photographs

DATE: 7^th February 2025

The Palace School hosted the Jaipur Film Festival on 7th February 2025. It was attended by approximately 100 teachers and students of 16 schools of Jaipur. The Chief Guest for the festival was a former TV anchor and senior journalist Ms Falguni Bansal. The occasion was also graced by Guest of Honour Mr Hanu Roj, Founder & Festival Director of Jaipur Film Festival, Ms Rama Datt, Executive Trustee of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Musuem.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Ms. Christina Shangne, Sr Programme Coordinator HECS INTACH where she introduced the programme and briefed about the Film festival and how it expanded in so many cities. The arrival of the chief guest was marked by a traditional welcome by school students and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Esteemed guests, including the principal, Ms. Falguni, Ms. Dharmendra Kanwar, Convenor, Ms. Christina Shangne, Sr Programme Coordinator HECS and Ms. Vaishnavi Singh, Programme Coordinator HECS were formally introduced. This was followed by sharing of students’ experience of Film making. This was followed by screening of best films of Jaipur and later overall best films from across India were showcased. Ms. Falguni shared her expertise in filmmaking, her personal experiences, and a captivating story about her connection to museums. She spoke about India’s cultural heritage through examples of traditional sarees, blouses, and shawls, explaining the origins of the paisley design and its Kashmiri roots. She emphasized the importance of embracing pride in one’s heritage and encouraged the audience to rekindle their connection with traditions and food practices, highlighting food as an integral part of cultural heritage. She guided students on the value of storytelling, explaining how heritage is not just about built architecture but also everything around us, and inspired them to feel proud of India’s rich cultural diversity. The students’ filmmaking efforts were applauded for their creativity and execution. After a brief break, a felicitation ceremony followed. Ms. Rama Datt, praised the initiative and encouraged students to value and respect their culture. Mr. Hanu expressed gratitude to the INTACH team for organizing the event and shared insights about his journey, emphasizing the significance of “sanskriti” (culture). Ms Urvashi Warman, Principal of the Palace School showed gratitude in organizing the event and appreciated the films made by the students. The event ended with a formal vote of thanks by Ms Vaishnavi.

DATE: 7^th February 2025

VENUE: Spring Dale Senior School, Amritsar

The Amritsar and Punjab Filmit Festival 2024-2025 was organised by Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) Division of INTACH in collaboration with Spring Dale Senior School, Amritsar. The programme was attended by 54 participants including students and teachers from 5 schools of Amritsar and 4 schools of Beas, Kapurthala, Jalandhar and Tarn Taran. The FILMIT Festival began with an introduction to INTACH and FILMIT by Ms. Purnima Datt (Principal Director, HECS INTACH). She spoke about how the FILMIT programme began in 2008, with the support of Helen Hamlyn Trust in Delhi and spread to other cities eventually. She explained the logo of INTACH and the work it does.

The teachers, students, Chief Guests Mr. Ojaswwee Sharma (Filmmaker and Producer) and Guests of Honours Maj. Gen Balwinder Singh (Convenor Punjab State Chapter), Mr. Gagandeep Singh Virk (Convenor Amritsar Chapter), Mr. Rajiv Kumar Sharma (Principal, Spring Dale Senior School) and Ms. Guneet Arora (Vice Principal) were welcomed and introduced by the school. This was followed by a lamp lighting ceremony and felicitation of the guests.

Ms. Nanki Kaur then invited students from each of the 9 school to speak on their experience of making films as part of FILMIT. This was followed by a screening of the Best Films from both Amritsar and Punjab.

A short break with refreshments was then followed by the screening of the Overall Best Films from across the country. These films were appreciated by all. The guests were invited to share their views and advice for the students. Gen. Balwinder Singh welcomed and thanked everyone, especially the chief guest and guests of honour. He emphasized the importance of preserving Punjab’s heritage and highlighted the Filmit project, encouraging students to work hard and contribute to their culture. He appreciated the school’s continuous support for INTACH.

Mr. Ojaswwee Sharma praised Punjab’s rich filmmaking culture and expressed admiration for the young filmmakers. He congratulated Filmit on its 17th year and emphasised the importance of documenting language and oral traditions. He engaged students with questions and highlighted the role of films in representing local and regional heritage, and encouraged students to use filmmaking to uplift Punjab’s image. Mr. Gagandeep Singh Virk appreciated everyone’s work, stressing that great thoughts lead to impactful actions and urging students to pursue their ideas. Mr. Rajiv Sharma expressed gratitude to INTACH for the opportunity to host the event. He emphasised the school's commitment to heritage and the arts and noted their long association with INTACH. He praised the students’ storytelling efforts and encouraged them to use this inspiration to create more meaningful projects in the future.

The speeches were followed by the felicitation ceremony where the winners were announced. Each school was presented with their participation and award certificates and a set of books. The Chief Guest and host school were also presented with tokens of appreciation by HECS INTACH. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks.
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DATE: 4th February 2025

HECS and INTACH, in collaboration with the India International Centre (IIC), hosted the FILMIT India festival at the CD Deshmukh Auditorium on February 4th, 2025. The event welcomed 36 schools from Delhi and the NCR, along with notable guests including filmmaker Bappa Ray, photographer Serena Chopra, and BBC documentary filmmaker Himanshi Saini, a former FILMIT participant.The festival began with an introduction from HECS, INTACH representatives Christina Shangne and Purnima Datt, Principal Director of the division who emphasized the programme's expanding reach and the diverse heritage themes explored by students. She highlighted the cities that are covered in the programme and how it has expanded over the years. She also embellished her speech with a few notable examples of the films made in the past that have beautifully explored different facets of heritage. She concluded her speech by thanking the students for their continued interest in the film-making process and the programme and wished them continued success. The chief guests were introduced and welcomed by HECS representatives. Taking the opportunity, Mr Bappa Ray encouraged the young filmmakers, highlighting the importance of sensitivity, belief in their stories, and translating ideas into a visual language. He stressed the impact of every film, regardless of scale.

Students from participating schools shared their FILMIT India experiences, followed by a screening of the best films from Delhi schools. Post which Ms Serena Chopra praised the students and urged them to find their own artistic voice, quoting David Lynch. The Chairman of INTACH, Major Gen. (Retd) LK Gupta who also graced the occasion commended the students for showcasing India's rich cultural diversity and celebrating heritage through storytelling. After more student testimonials, the overall best films from across India were screened. The festival concluded with an awards ceremony, where students received certificates. Himanshi Saini shared her own journey with filmmaking, emphasizing its collaborative nature and inspiring the students to pursue their passions.

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Kolkata

31^st January 2025

The INTACH FilmIt Festival at Kolkata was held at Birla High School on 31st January, 2024. 67 participants from 14 schools of the city attended the festival. The programme began with an introduction by a student of the host school. This was followed by self composed song performed by two students of the host school. Mr. Abhishek Das welcomed everyone and spoke about the Filmit project. He gave a brief about the project and its journey since it began in 2008. He then introduced the Chief Guest Mr. Ashoke Vishwanathan, renowned national award winning film director. After the introductory session, students shared their experiences through speeches and poems. They talked about the how they made their films. The Kolkata films were screened next. A few more students shared their film making experience after which some films from across the country were screened. Ms. Kanchana Mukhopadhyay, Co-convenor, Calcutta Chapter addressed the students. She appreciated the films made by them and suggested that they should also explore the vast heritage of the local towns and countryside as well. Mr. GM Kapur, Convenor, Calcutta Chapter also addressed the students. He reiterated what Ms. Kanchana said and shared with the students how the project had began in the city when schools were given handycams to shoot films. They have come a long way from there and he congratulated them for the journey thus far and wished them the best for the upcoming years. Mr. Ashoke Vishwanathan spoke at length with the students. He remarked that film making is a creative occupation. He also talked about the difference between film, movie and cinema. He also explained what a documentary is - a creative interpretation of reality. He explained these terms through various examples. He also critically broke down the films that were screened. He appreciated the subjects chosen and gave advice about the technicalities and what can be made better. He congratulated the students for their efforts and thanked INTACH for inviting him to the programme. The schools were felicitated by Mr. Kapur, Ms. Kanchana and Mr. Vishwanathan. Awards, certificates and sets of books were presented to each school. The programme ended with the vote of thanks being delivered by Mr. Das.

Varanasi

30^th January 2025

The Film Festival at Varanasi was held at W.H. Smith Memorial School, Sigra on 30th January, 2025. 106 teachers and students from 15 schools of Varanasi and 4 schools from Ayodhya attended the festival. The programme started with the lighting of the lamp ceremony by the guests followed by a welcome song and dance performance by the host school. The guests were felicitated thereafter. Mr. Ashok Kapoor, Convenor Varanasi Chapter, addressed the gathering and spoke about INTACH. Mr. Abhishek Das welcomed everyone and talked about the Filmit project. Students from each school made short presentations about their filmit experience. It included self-composed poems, speeches and accounts from their film-making journey. The best films from Varanasi and Ayodhya were screened. Ms. Jaswinder Kaur, the Guest of Honour congratulated the students for their hard work and wished them the best. Some more students then shared their experience followed by screening of some of the overall best films from different participating cities. Chief Guest, Dr. Sunil Vishwakarma, Chairman, State Lalit Kala Academy,UP addressed the students. The principal of W.H. Smith Memorial School, Ms Anita Pauline Dey also addressed the students and lauded INTACH’s efforts.

The award ceremony was conducted thereafter. Schools received books, DVDs, diaries and calendars as prizes from Mr. Kapoor and Ms.Kaur.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Nirmal Joshi. He thanked the host School and teachers for their efforts to make the festival a grand success. He also thanked the Ayodhya schools for making the effort to come to Varanasi. A group photograph was taken at the end.

Chandigarh and Ambala

30^th January 2025

The Chandigarh and Ambala Filmit Festival 2024-2025 was organised by Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) Division of INTACH in collaboration with St. Kabir Public School, Chandigarh. The programme was attended by 62 participants including students and teachers from 8 schools of Chandigarh and 4 schools of Ambala. The FILMIT Festival began with an introduction to INTACH and FILMIT by Ms. Purnima Datt, the Principal Director of HECS INTACH. She spoke about how the FILMIT programme began in 2008, with the support of Helen Hamlyn Trust in Delhi and spread to other cities eventually.

Ms. Datt welcomed the students, teachers, Guests of Honour and Chief Guests. The Chief Guests Mr. Ojaswwee Sharma (Filmmaker and Producer) and Guests of Honours Mr. Virinder Kapoor (Convenor Chandigarh Chapter), Col. R.D. Singh (Convenor Ambala Chapter), Ms. Deepika Gandhi (Co-Convenor Chandigarh Chapter) and Mr. Gurpreet Bakshi (Chief Administer of St. Kabir Public School) were introduced by Ms. Nanki Kaur, Programme Coordinator, HECS.

Ms. Nanki Kaur then invited students from each of the 12 school to speak on their experience of making films as part of FILMIT. This was followed by a screening of the Best Films from both Chandigarh and Ambala.

A short break with refreshments was then followed by the screening of the Overall Best Films from across the country. These films were appreciated by all. The Chief Guests were then invited to share their views and advice for the students. Mr. Ojaswwee appreciated the enthusiasm of the children and their efforts. He said that there is a need for those who are making films to look at heritage and those who preserve heritage to think of films as a medium for conservation and awareness. Mr. Sharma then went on to talk about the rich cultural diversity of India and said that we should preserve it in the best way we can. He appreciated how children had filmed lesser-known local customs and traditions as well as language. He spoke particularly about films made on the Luddi dance, Punjabi Pinni and personal heritage items. Mr. Sharma ended by stating he plans to make a film which will have 80% participation by school students.

Col. R.D. Singh encouraged the students with his words and explained to them how filmmaking makes them not only better conservationists, but also more confident and well-rounded human beings. He explained the work of INTACH and HECS in detail following this and showcased some publications. Mr. Virinder Kapoor also congratulated the students and teachers for their hard work and asked them to continue on this path.

The speeches were followed by the felicitation ceremony where the winners from both cities were announced. Each school was presented with their participation and award certificates and a set of books. The Chief Guest and host school were also presented with tokens of appreciation by HECS INTACH. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks.
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DATE: 28th – 31st January 2025

The 5th INTACH Utsav was held from 28th to 31st January 2025 at the INTACH headquarters in New Delhi. Launched in 2018, the INTACH Utsav is an annual celebration that embodies the organization's ethos, providing a platform for unrecognized, small artisanal communities to showcase their craft. These traditional art forms represent a rich heritage of craftsmanship and knowledge, passed down through generations.

As part of the event, students from Army Public School, Shankar Vihar; Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan; Green Fields School, Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, The Shriram Millennium School, Faridabad; The Mann School and Modern School, Barakhamba, were invited to participate in an immersive experience.

The students were warmly welcomed by Mrs. Purnima Datt, Principal Director, HECS, and Mrs. Bindu Manchanda, Principal Director, HCCD Division, INTACH. They were introduced to INTACH’s mission and its efforts in heritage preservation before embarking on an insightful tour of the Craft Mela, guided by the HECS and HCCD teams. During the tour, students engaged with skilled artisans and explored various traditional crafts such as handmade paper, kite making, block printing, pottery, and glass bead making.

A key highlight of the event was the hands-on workshop, where two women artisans demonstrated the intricate art of Kerang weaving from Koraput. Students had the unique opportunity to observe and participate in the weaving process, deepening their appreciation for this traditional craft.

The INTACH Utsav 2025 provided an enriching experience, allowing students to witness India's diverse artistic heritage firsthand. Through interactive craft demonstrations and vibrant stalls, they gained valuable insights into the meticulous processes behind these timeless crafts—each a symbol of India's cultural identity.

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DATE: 22th JANUARY 2025

The College Heritage Volunteer Workshop was conducted on 22th January 2024 in collaboration with India International Centre, New Delhi at the IIC Annex and Multipurpose Hall, INTACH, New Delhi. The workshop was attended by 59 students and 13 teachers from 11 colleges of Delhi University – Lady Shri Ram College, Jesus and Mary College, Hindu College, Gargi College, Mata Sundari College for Women, Kamala Nehru College, St. Stephens College, Kirori Mal College, Sri Venkateswara College, Hansraj College and Motilal Nehru College. The resource persons for the session were- Dr. Swapna Liddle, eminent historian, author, Advisor INTACH Delhi Chapter; Dr. Narayani Gupta, author, historian and advisor, INTACH; Mrs. Nerupama Y. Modwel, Principal Director of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Division, INTACH, and the HECS team.

The Workshop began with a welcome address by Mrs. Purnima Datt, followed by the screening of the INTACH Film. An insightful introduction on INTACH was shared by Mrs. Purnima Datt, Principal Director, HECS INTACH, who also emphasized the vulnerability of intangible heritage, which faces a greater risk of disappearing, and provided an overview of INTACH’s aims, objectives, and the various categories of heritage, illustrating each with examples

The next session on 'People and Water in Delhi's history' was shared by Swapna Liddle, who highlighted the importance of preserving heritage, urging students to value personal artifacts and to digitize them for preservation. She discussed the Yamuna’s pivotal role in shaping Delhi as a trading hub and its influence on the city’s culture, architecture, and daily life. Liddle encouraged students to reconnect with water’s historical and cultural significance in shaping Delhi’s identity.

This was followed by a quiz activity. Thereafter, Dr. Narayani Gupta’s session on ‘Local histories, the region, and the nations- Interactions of communities with college students’, emphasized the fragmented representation of Indian history in textbooks, urging students to explore regional and local histories, including marginalized communities and lesser-known narratives. Dr. Gupta encouraged students to examine place names in their neighborhoods, engage with diverse communities, and contribute to preserving India’s rich heritage through precise language and personal exploration.

A visit to the INACH Conservation lab was also done. The students learned about the practices of conservation and how different materials are conserved.

Post lunch, Ms. Nerupama Y. Modwel’s talk highlighted INTACH's cultural documentation of the Ganga under the Namami Gange initiative, emphasizing the river’s cultural richness beyond its technical aspects. Ms. Modwel shared insights on cultural mapping, traditions like Kalpavas, Panchami ka Bharat Milap, Dev Deepawali, and culinary practices. She highlighted contributions from Dr. Pushpesh Pant and artefact collectors, and showcased narratives like Ganga Katha and INTACH's role at the Kumbh Mela. The session underscored the importance of preserving the Ganga’s cultural legacy for future generations.

This was then followed by a presentation on 'College Heritage Volunteer Programme and Heritage in my Institution' by the HECS team.

During the interactive group activity, students proposed innovative ways to engage with heritage, organize heritage-focused programs, and identify the support they would need from INTACH. The presentations showcased insightful and creative ideas. Dr. S. Suresh, INTACH Tamil Nadu State Convener, felicitated all students and teachers, awarding them participation certificates and books for their college.

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9^th-10^th January 2025

Heritage Education and Communication Service in collaboration with INTACH Ahmedabad Chapter conducted a 2-day Teacher Training Workshop in Sheth CN Vidya Vihar, Ambavadi, on 9th-10th January 2025. The workshop was attended by 35 participants from 19 schools.

The workshop commenced by welcoming of the chief guests. She thanked the school which is in campus established 112 years ago. Convenor Utpala Desai welcomed all the schools and thanked INTACH HECS Team from Delhi. She welcomed the speaker, Ms Bhavna Ramrakhiani and introduced the INTACH Ahmedabad team.

The first session on local heritage was taken by Ms Bhavna Ramrakhiani, who spoke about the difference between tangible and intangible heritage. She at length talked about how to differentiate between the two and why there is a need to understand the meaning defined by UNESCO. In an interactive session teachers were asked to prepare the list of intangible heritage things and discussion were held for the same.

Purnima Datt, Principal Director of HECS at INTACH, shared insights into the initiatives undertaken by INTACH, particularly by the HECS division. She emphasized the importance of teaching children to preserve and protect their heritage and culture. During her session, she discussed the concept of heritage, focusing on India's natural, built, material, and living heritage, with special reference to Ahmedabad. Ms. Datt provided guidance on organizing activities and conducting heritage walks in the city. She highlighted the significance of Heritage Education and the proactive role of teachers in engaging students through various activities to help them connect with their heritage. The session also covered the development of a curriculum and the establishment of heritage clubs, concluding with an explanation of the group activity.

Day 2 began with a heritage walk at the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, guided by Ms. Priyanka and Ms. Sunanda. Participants were introduced to the rich repositories of Jain heritage and the exquisite Ragmala paintings of Gujarat and Rajasthan, with key highlights of the museum explained in detail. Following the heritage walk, Ms. Purnima Datt and Ms. Vaishnavi Singh conducted a session on the outreach of heritage clubs and the resources provided by HECS. The day continued with a group activity where teams showcased Ahmedabad's rich heritage through role play, singing, dancing, and presentations. The event concluded with a group photograph and the felicitation of participants.
Workshop Photographs

DATE: 6TH JANUARY 2025

HECS, INTACH in collaboration with INTACH Rajkot Chapter conducted a Teacher Training workshop on 6th January 2025. The workshop was held online on Google Meet and was attended by 36 participants from 18 institutions, along with INTACH HECS Team, Rajkot Chapter Team, and volunteers.

Ms. Riddhi Shah, Convenor, INTACH Rajkot Chapter opened the workshop by introducing HECS and providing an overview of the session. She emphasised that this workshop is the first of many upcoming programs, including heritage walks, scheduled over the next two years.

Ms. Purnima Dutt, Principal Director, HECS, expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Rajkot Chapter, district collectors, and the involvement of PM Shree schools in organising the workshop. The INTACH Film was then screened in Hindi.

The first session on What is Heritage was held by Ms. Purnima Datt where she explained in detail the different facets of heritage (natural, built, material and living) and provided many examples of each. Ms. Dutt ended her session by mentioning the efforts made by the INTACH Ahmedabad convener in getting the Garba Dance recognised by UNESCO, and said there are many examples of similar heritage in Rajkot that need to be protected.

Ms. Riddhi Shah summarised the key points from Ms. Dutt’s talk in Gujarati to ensure clarity among all participants. This was followed by the screening of two FILMIT films made by school students.

Ms. Riddhi Shah then began the second session on INTACH as well as the heritage of Rajkot. She provided an in-depth look at the natural heritage, local crafts, performing arts, literature, and architectural heritage of Rajkot. She concluded her presentation by urging teachers to spread heritage awareness in their communities and schools.

The workshop was concluded by Ms. Purnima Dutt and Ms. Riddhi Shah who once again emphasised the importance of heritage education and the crucial role of teachers in spreading among students. A group photograph was taken to mark the successful completion of the workshop.

This project is an ongoing one where the INTACH Rajkot Chapter will organise heritage walks, screening of documentaries, hold interactive sessions and hold poster-making and essay-writing competitions in the selected PM Shree schools of Rajkot and its surrounding region. All arrangements for this project have been done by Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Office of Rajkot District.
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