Indian Heritage Conservation Projects Shine at UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards 2024
Two Indian heritage conservation projects—the Abathsahayeswarar Temple Conservation Project in Tamil Nadu and the BJPCI Conservation Project in Maharashtra—have garnered global recognition by winning the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2024. These projects, celebrated for their commitment to preserving India’s cultural legacy, were among the eight winners selected from the Asia-Pacific region.
The awards, announced by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on 6 December 2024 at its regional office in Bangkok, Thailand, spotlight the efforts of individuals and organisations dedicated to restoring and conserving heritage sites across the region.
The Abathsahayeswarar Temple Conservation Project in Thukkatchi, Tamil Nadu, received the Award of Distinction, recognizing its exemplary efforts to safeguard a historic cultural treasure.
The Abathsahayeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurthy (a form of Lord Shiva), is a revered religious site located in Thukkatchi village in the Thiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu. The temple holds historical and spiritual significance, as it is mentioned in the 7th-century Tamil Saivite text ‘Thevaram’ and is one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams (sacred places glorified in Tamil Shaivite literature).
The conservation project was lauded for its innovative use of modern engineering expertise alongside the traditional knowledge of Hindu temple builders, known as sthapathis, to ensure the structural conservation of the temple. This harmonious blend of traditional and modern techniques exemplifies a sustainable approach to heritage preservation, earning the temple the UNESCO Award of Distinction.
The BJPCI Conservation Project in Mumbai, Maharashtra, was honored with the Award of Merit for its restoration work on a historic educational institution.
The BJPCI (Sir Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution) school building, constructed in 1908 in Gothic architectural style, has been a cornerstone of education for economically disadvantaged communities in Mumbai. The school was originally established to promote learning among the economically weaker sections of society.
The restoration of the BJPCI school building was meticulously planned and executed during the school’s two-month summer break. The project preserved the structure’s architectural integrity while adapting it to meet modern safety and usability standards. The effort underscores the importance of maintaining cultural heritage while ensuring its relevance in contemporary contexts.
Established in 2000, the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation aim to recognize and promote efforts to restore, conserve, and transform structures and buildings of heritage value. The awards celebrate projects that demonstrate excellence in sustainability, technical achievements, and an understanding of the cultural and historical significance of heritage sites.
A seven-member jury of conservation practitioners specializing in architecture, archaeology, and community development evaluated the submissions. The winners were selected based on three main criteria:
The 2024 UNESCO Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation include five categories:
Award of Excellence:
Award of Distinction:
Award of Merit:
Special Recognition for Sustainable Development:
Award for New Design in Heritage Contexts:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), founded on 16 November 1945, is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Its mission is to build a culture of peace, eradicate poverty, and promote sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, science, culture, communication, and information.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News | Two Indian heritage conservation projects won the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2024. |
| Award Announcement | The awards were announced on 6 December 2024 by UNESCO at its regional office in Bangkok, Thailand. |
| Award Categories | – Award of Distinction for Abathsahayeswarar Temple Conservation Project, Tamil Nadu.- Award of Merit for BJPCI Conservation Project, Mumbai. |
| Abathsahayeswarar Temple Conservation Project | – Location: Thukkatchi, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu.- Significance: A 7th-century temple dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurthy (Shiva), mentioned in Tamil Saivite text ‘Thevaram’.- Achievement: Structural conservation blending modern engineering and traditional sthapathi expertise. |
| BJPCI Conservation Project | – Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra.- Significance: A Gothic-style school building built in 1908 to promote education among the economically weaker sections.- Achievement: Restoration completed during the school’s summer break, preserving its architectural integrity while ensuring modern usability. |
| UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards | – Established: 2000.- Objective: Recognizes efforts to restore and conserve heritage sites.- Evaluation Criteria: Understanding of place, technical achievements, sustainability, and impact.- Award Categories: Excellence, Distinction, Merit, Sustainable Development, New Design in Heritage Contexts. |
| 2024 Winners | – Award of Excellence: Inari-yu Bathhouse Restoration Project, Tokyo, Japan.- Award of Distinction: Abathsahayeswarar Temple (India), Gunan Street Historic Block (China).- Award of Merit: BJPCI (India), Guanyin Hall Teahouse (China), Helou Pavilion (China), Observatory Tower (New Zealand).- Special Recognition for Sustainable Development: Gunan Street Historic Block (China), Helou Pavilion (China).- Award for New Design: Rabindhorn Building, Bangkok, Thailand. |
| About UNESCO | – Founded: 16 November 1945.- Mission: Build peace, eradicate poverty, and promote sustainable development and intercultural dialogue.- Headquarters: Paris, France.- Members: 195 Member States and 8 Associate Members. |
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