UTTARAKHAND / JAMMU & KASHMIR :
Srinagar :
Prominent name in heritage conservation and former bureaucrat from Srinagar City, Muhammad Saleem Beg has been appointed as a member of the prestigious National Monument Authority(NMA), Government of India.
Former Director General Tourism, Beg is also the INTACH’s convener for the state chapter. An official handout said Beg has been appointed as whole time member of the NMA. “The Authority has been setup as per provisions of The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains AMASR (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010 which was enacted by the Parliament in March, 2010,” it added.
“The Authority has eminent historians and renowned cultural personalities as its whole time and part-time members. The Authority is mandated to engage with States and central agencies for conservation and preservation of the historic monuments,” the handout added.
Beg’s appointment is being credited to his marathon experience of heritage conservation in Kashmir, particularly in the architectural sector.
The man who accomplished projects like restoration of Aali Masjid and Thag Baab Sahib (RA) shrine apart from conservation of Mughal monuments, Beg is associated with many national and international organizations in the field of art and culture.
He has also been associated with UNESCO, World Monument Fund, Indian Heritage Cities Network as a trustee and other cultural organizations nationally and internationally.
Pundits said under his leadership INTACH has emerged as a premier organization and a credible voice in advocacy and promotion of art and culture. “His work with universities like Jamia Milia Islamia, Kashmir University and University of Illinios, USA has given him high academic credentials in art and heritage,” said an observer.
Since 2006, Beg has been struggling to seek conservation of heritage sites in Kashmir particularly Srinagar, which INTACH has listed after a marathon survey.
source: http://www.greaterkashmir.com / Greater Kashmir / Home> Srinagar / November 04th, 2018