The Guardians of the Green conference, held at the prestigious Shangri La on September 22nd, delved deep into the intricate relationship between heritage preservation and forging a sustainable future. Panel 5, titled “Balancing Heritage Preservation and Sustainability: Navigating the Path Forward,” brought together experts who shared their wisdom on how we can honor our cultural heritage while ensuring a sustainable world for generations to come.

Ms. Gayatri Mathur

Ms. Gayatri Mathur, representing Lalit Kala Akademi, initiated the discussion by highlighting the significance of preserving India’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. As a premier institution dedicated to the promotion of fine arts, Lalit Kala Akademi plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting India’s artistic traditions. Ms. Mathur emphasized the importance of incorporating sustainable practices within the realm of art and culture to ensure their preservation for future generations.

Mr. Aditya Arya

Mr. Aditya Arya, a distinguished commercial and travel photographer renowned for his expertise in advertising and corporate photography, shared his insights into preserving heritage through photography. His extensive portfolio, which includes vintage photographic processes, reflects his commitment to documenting and preserving the heritage of India. Aditya’s passion extends to his pesticide-free vegetable and medicinal plant farm, demonstrating his holistic approach to sustainability.

Mr. Tarun Thakral

Mr. Tarun Thakral, the Founder and Managing Trustee of the Heritage Transport Museum, provided valuable perspectives on preserving India’s diverse modes of transportation. The Heritage Transport Museum houses over 3,500 curated objects that narrate India’s vibrant transportation history. Tarun’s innovative approach to heritage preservation was evident in the museum’s unique exhibits. He highlighted the importance of educating visitors about the historical and environmental significance of transportation.

Mr. Puskal Upadhyay

Mr. Puskal Upadhyay, a Financial Advisor at NDMC and a dedicated career civil servant with a passion for environmental causes, co-authored the book “Ganga: Reimagining, Rejuvenating, Reconnecting.” He shared his experiences and insights into creating the G-20 park in NDMC, featuring sculptures representing birds and animals from G-20 countries under the theme of ‘Waste to Wonder.’ Mr. Upadhyay underscored the role of art and public spaces in raising awareness about sustainability.

Ms. Shivani Ghorawat

Ms. Shivani Ghorawat, a dedicated curator known for her work in beautification projects rooted in sustainability, discussed her transformative projects, including the “Beautification of Roundabouts” and the pioneering “Waste to Wonder Park.” She highlighted her focus on waste management and promoting sustainability through meaningful art installations crafted from diverse waste and scrap materials. Ms. Ghorawat’s work exemplified how art can contribute to both heritage preservation and sustainability.

Ms. Ekta Kumar

Ms. Ekta Kumar, an IIM graduate, columnist, artist, and speaker, brought a multidisciplinary perspective to the panel. Her diverse background and experiences enriched the discussion by emphasizing the role of art and culture in sustainability. Ekta’s insights encouraged attendees to think holistically about how heritage, culture, and sustainability are interconnected.

The fifth panel of the Guardians of the Green conference illustrated the delicate balance between heritage preservation and sustainability. The panelists’ collective wisdom emphasized the importance of integrating sustainable practices into heritage preservation efforts and highlighted the role of art, culture, and public spaces in raising awareness about environmental challenges. Their insights left attendees inspired to engage in preserving our cultural heritage while ensuring a sustainable path forward.