Address at the Champaner-pavagdh World Heritage Site Gandhinagar, 11 November 2006

EVOLVING DYNAMIC HERITAGE COMPLEX

I am delighted to participate in the dedication of Champaner-Pavagadh heritage site to the mankind and acknowledge the status of this site as UNESCO?s World Heritage Site. My greetings to the Archaeological Survey of India, Government of Gujarat and people of Champaner-Pavagadh area for establishing this beautiful monument.

WORLD HERITAGE SITE

The Champaner site has a concentration of largely unexcavated archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage properties in an impressive landscape which includes pre-historic site, a hill fortress which was a capital of one of the early kingdoms. The site includes fortifications, palaces, religious buildings, residential precincts, agricultural structures and water installation from the eighth to fourteenth century. The Kalikamata Temple on the top of the Pavagadh hill is considered to be an important shrine attracting large number of pilgrims throughout the year. The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park with its ancient architecture, temple and special water retaining installation together with its religious, military and agricultural structure dates back to the culture of 16th century which has now disappeared. The structure represent a perfect blend of multi-religious architecture which is considered to be special style of that period.

LIVELY HERITAGE SITE

The Champaner site has a concentration of largely unexcavated archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage properties in an impressive landscape which includes pre-historic site, a hill fortress which was a capital of one of the early kingdoms. The site includes fortifications, palaces, religious buildings, residential precincts, agricultural structures and water installation from the eighth to fourteenth century. The Kalikamata Temple on the top of the Pavagadh hill is considered to be an important shrine attracting large number of pilgrims throughout the year. The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park with its ancient architecture, temple and special water retaining installation together with its religious, military and agricultural structure dates back to the culture of 16th century which has now disappeared. The structure represent a perfect blend of multi-religious architecture which is considered to be special style of that period.

REMOTE VIEWING

Since Gujarat has number of tourist spots, I have a suggestion. We can even make it more interactive by customizing it in real time for any user who is willing to pay. For example, we can give the camera to a human guide at the heritage site the pictures will be relayed to a viewer?s home through the Internet. Looking at the picture, the user will direct the Guide to go closer to some pictures or objects that he likes to see more or ask questions which the guide will answer. We need such innovative techniques to make our heritage sites reach every one at any time in any place. Then we will have our culture and heritage sharable and make them bring joy to every one. The heritage site should leave permanent imprint in the minds of the visitors.

CONCLUSION :CHAMPANER-PAVAGDH PURA

I am happy that the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park World Heritage Management Authority has been created under the leadership of Chief Secretary with the state?s Culture Secretary as Vice-Chairperson and Director-General of Archaeological Survey of India, President of Heritage Trust, Head of Department of Archaeology at M S University, the secretaries of state environment and forests, roads and buildings departments, Collector of Panchmahals, District Police Chief and senior town planner of South Gujarat region as members of the Committee. I would suggest that this High Power Committee can consider the groups of 90 villages around this area to be converted as a Champaner PURA by augmenting the physical connectivity, electronic connectivity and knowledge connectivity to the people of this region. This will need to economic connectivity for the villages around Champaner-Pavagadh. The whole heritage centre will transform into a dynamic tourist attraction destination.

With these words, I dedicate the Champaner-Pavagadh World Heritage Site to the mankind and my best wishes to all the participants success in their mission of making the past meeting the present and creating the future.

May God bless you.