CONCEPTS INTO ACTIONS
Blending theory with practice can be challenging, but at the same time rewarding. It demands interdisciplinary approach & use of multiple lenses. A right combination of theory & practice can offer creative solutions to issues in heritage conservation & management.
Museum Education
Museum education facilitates interest & awareness about heritage by engaging people in different activities during their museum visit. There is a growing commitment on part of heritage professionals to reach out to people & make
heritage more accessible.
In my project as part of the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship, I studied museum education theories & various trends & strategies, especially use of technology for education &
outreach at the US museums.
Project: Communicating the Meaning & Values of Archaeological Heritage: Adopting New Strategies for Heritage Education in India
Host: Museum Studies Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
Affiliation: Fulbright-Nehru Academic & Professional Excellence Fellowship, 2015-16
Community Participation
Heritage belongs to people. Their active involvement in its protection is crucial to sustain heritage. Especially in the wake of rapid destruction of heritage worldwide, people-centered approaches would help reduce losses to our rich past.
In my research in Germany, I looked at good practices in community engagement, awareness & participation at different heritage sites in Germany. This project was part of the Alexander von Humboldt German Chancellor Fellowship.
Project: Towards Sustainable Future: People-centered Approach to Cultural Heritage Conservation
Host: Chair of Architectural Conservation, Brandenburg University of Technology, Cottbus-Senfteneberg, Germany
Affiliation: Alexander von Humboldt German Chancellor Fellowship, 2016-17
Significance Assessment
Heritage has multiple values, be it art, architectural, technological, social, cultural, religious, educational & so on. Significance assessment is a tool to study the multitude of values associated with heritage. This is a useful exercise
to determine what to preserve.
In my current research, I am assessing the 'cultural significance' of built railway heritage in India. A pluralistic approach is required to understand
values & significance of railway heritage.
PhD Project: Where Technology meets Living Heritage: Understanding the Significance of Built Railway Heritage in India through a Case of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai
Host: Chair of Architectural Conservation, Brandenburg University of Technology, Cottbus-Senfteneberg, Germany
Affiliation: DFG-Graduiertenkolleg 1913, since 2017
