ISSUE 1 | STAND POINT
People and past
PROFILE
- Dharmendar Kanwar is a much awarded travel writer who began writing professionally soon after her graduation. She has done scripts for television documentaries and contributed stories and photographs to almost all the major magazines and newspapers in the country.
- She has worked extensively with Rajasthan Tourism, for whom she has produced several award-winning brochures and books.
- Dharmendar is also the author of the Times of India Jaipur Food Guide since 2012. Dharmendar was closely associated with Rajmata Gayatri Devi and is Managing Trustee of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh Benevolent Trust, a charitable Trust started by the late Rajmata. She is also the Convenor of Jaipur Chapter of INTACH.
- Writing is a full-time activity for Dharmendar Kanwar but she is equally involved with heritage conservation. In an illustrious 30-year career, her contribution to the promotion of Rajasthan’s art and architectural heritage was recognized in no small measure by the grant of the Maharaja Vishan Singh Award for her contribution to the field of Travel & Tourism (2012). She was also awarded as the Best Travel Writer (English) in 1993-94 by the Government of Rajasthan.
People and Past
- TDB : What led you to venture into such a diverse set of professions?
- DK : I have been a travel writer for the last 40 years. I am also associated with INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) which works in the field of heritage conservation. At INTACH we do a complete listing of monuments that need protection from a historical or contemporary architectural prospect. My interest in this field developed gradually and I got involved in the restoration of Amer Haveli with Mr. John Singh with architects and local masons working with lime mortar.
- TDB : Over the years what transformations have you observed in the city?
- DK: Jaipur in its eventual transformation to get in the league of becoming a modern city has somewhat veered away from exhibiting its characteristic heritage elements replaced by haphazard development. Another problem was the lack of heritage regulations which led to the demolition of old buildings and the construction of modern structures without any checks. We tried to rope in town planners from JDA to work for this cause but it did not come about to the extent we had hoped for. The expansion of the Jaipur Metro in the old city was unnecessary because it led to damaging the old structures in the walled city for its construction. It was totally uncalled for as the area in the old precinct can be traversed on foot or by pooling in the existing public transport.
- TDB : The state of Rajasthan and the city of Jaipur in particular have a rich history of art, culture and traditions. How according to you has this influenced the image of the city?
- DK : Rajasthan has always been looked upon as a state which has upheld its historical tradition, art and culture and its richness can still be seen deeply rooted in the architecture and way of life of the people. Jaipur has been an integral part of this tradition. This in turn has characterized the new way of life and evolution of modern art and architecture that is evident from its tangible as well as intangible elements.
- TDB : Your stand point with regard to the changing trends in the city?
- DK : Since change in a city’s infrastructure, arts and crafts is inevitable with the inculcation of new tastes and techniques; it will happen as time progresses but shouldn’t at the expense of the traditional. There might be some apprehensions in the demand of the traditional craft in competition with the modern mass produced cheaper products. To remedy that an infusion of the old and the new can be brought about which keeps it’s long established character intact in consonance with the market demand. For this our artisans work with different designers from institutes like NID, IIFD both learning from each other’s expertise.
- TDB : Project or projects which support your stand point?
- DK : Through ‘heritage clubs’ in 65 schools and regular workshops, we are continually creating awareness about heritage conservation. ‘FILM IT CLUBS’ are a significant part of our efforts where students are encouraged to make short amateur movies of their neighborhood having a tangible or intangible heritage, craft production or cuisine which in turn makes them come in contact with the local populace, learn about the nuances of the culture keeping it alive. INTACH has even provided the students with video cameras to carry this out.
Conducting “Heritage Walks” in which a lot of tourists take part has given a boost to the maintenance and preservation of the important sections of the walled city. This provides an impetus to the concerned government agencies to carry out their duties more efficiently.
An apartment complex was averted from being built near statue circle whose entrance was to directly open on the circle lawns. For this a petition was issued and more than 150 people voluntarily provided there signature to prevent the construction. - TDB : According to you how can a balance be maintained between the past present and the future? Or can such a balance be achieved?
- DK : It is the past which always shapes our present and in turn our future. Modernization is inevitable and should be brought about but not at the expense of hampering with the past. A sustainable cohesive approach with preserving the past traditions while carrying out the future developments is the way to go about it.
- TDB : Advice for the citizens with regard to their role towards their city?
- DK: Taking an initiative for preservation and cleanliness of the city is the prime responsibility of the citizens. People cannot blame the government and hold them responsible for the upkeep of every nook and cranny. The citizens need to be more aware, sensitive about their surroundings and come together to take a stand. The younger generation has to be made more cognizant of the fact that our heritage whether tangible or intangible is not just a thing of the past but an indispensible part bequeathed to us. So they should play a crucial role, even if in the smallest of measures to conserve it.