A painstaking research was conducted by students from France and Udaipur on the heritage and infrastructure of Udaipur. Conducted over 12 days in February and collated into an insightful presentation at the Durbar Hall, the research enlightened the audience on the historical significance of the city proposing avenues for increased tourism and employment. The topnotch officials were all ears to how the students perceive the city and are beaming with suggestions to safeguard its heritage. Proposals were put forward to introduce a ‘Heritage Walk’ on the paths heading towards Jagdish Temple and City Palace, for one.
Strasbourg is known for its well planned and superbly managed city. Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation and the City of Strasbourg in their endeavor to exchange knowledge and thoughts in order to preserve their heritage have come together as partners under the Joint Co-opeartion Programme. This agreement between Udaipur Municipal Corporation, City of Strasbourg, IHCNF and MMCF is supported by the Urban Development Department, Government of Rajasthan and UNESCO.
Expert group
Sh. H.S.Sancheti (Advisor, Urban Development & Housing Department, Government of Rajasthan)
Sh. R.P. Shar ma (Secretary, UIT)
Sh. S. K. Shrimali (Senior Town Planner, Udaipur Zone, Udaipur)
Sh. Manish Arora (Assistant Engineer, R esponsible for the Udaipur Heritage Cell)
Sh. Manas Sharma(Conservation Architect)
Sh. Jaideep (Professor, Buddha Architecture College, Udaipur)
Sh. Javed (Professor, Buddha Architecture College, Udaipur)
International delegates
Ms. Minja Y ang (Director, International Cooperation, IHCN-F; President RLICC/KU Leuven)
Mr. Alice Delzant (Project Officer , International Relations Department, Strasbourg)
Mr. Francois Nowakowski (Professor, School of Architecture, Strasbourg)
Ms. Anne J aureguiberry (Professor, School of Architecture, Strasbourg)
Ms. Geraldine Mastelli (Urban planner, Strasbourg)
The recent capture of the ‘Living Heritage’ Duo – Strasbourg and Udaipur commenced with a momentum in Strasbourg on 22nd May 2013. The photographic works of the two photographers, Albert Huber from Strasbourg and Anuradha Sarup from Udaipur were put together under the title ‘Seeking the Sacred’ and is attracting more eyeballs each day.
Albert Huber, a veteran photographer, has dedicated 50 years to capturing humanity across European countries, North Africa, USA and the Pacific islands. At the inaugural of this month-long exhibition, he said, “These 40 photographs on display are examples of how we are united by our sacred geography. My photographic eye, my mind and soul were captured by the sights and sounds of Udaipur and Rajasthan.” The inaugural ceremony was attended by Roland Ries, Mayor of Strasbourg and received with much appreciation.
Anuradha Sarup, who has been photographing Udaipur since 2001-02 as a resource person with Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation observed, "Both Strasbourg and Udaipur are so distinct in their character - one being an ancient European settlement while Udaipur is a 450-year old city built by the Maharanas of Mewar - yet the spirit of the past is very alive in both these heritage cities. It was a challenge for me to capture the 'sacred' through the historical, cultural and religious identities of its people. Like Udaipur, Strasbourg has a ‘living heritage’. The city and its people have adapted beautifully to changing times. Quite appropriately the two are ‘Twin Cities’. I was delighted to experience the warmth of Udaipur’s Atithi Devo Bhava in the hospitality and affection of the people of Strasbourg.”
An eye on the horizon
Udaipur and Strasbourg are now 'Twin Cities' committed to foster heritage-based sustainable development through community participation, conservation of cultural and natural resources and revenue generating activities for the locals.
Dr. Mayank Gupta, Deputy Secretary of Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation which has been the moving force behind the Joint Cooperation Agreement said, "At MMCF we are confident that the photo-exhibition will open new avenues of understanding between the people of our two cities. It will provide access to various artists of different faiths while inspiring art, stimulating international research and digital knowledge exchange. We will make all attempts, when the photo-exhibition moves to India, to take it to the people. We strongly believe in the concept of 'living heritage', and ‘Seeking the Sacred - Photographic Exhibition (Viewpoints - Strasbourg – Udaipur)’ demonstrates the unifying strength of living heritage in Udaipur and across the world."
Starting today, the ‘sacred in Udaipur’ will be exhibited in the LIBRAIRIE KLÉBER, STRASBOURG. The exhibition titled ‘Seeking the Sacred - Photographic Exhibition (Viewpoints - Strasbourg – Udaipur)’. The exhibition is organised by the City of Strasbourg, France and the Festiv Musiq Sacrees Monde: Strasbourg. The exhibition is a part of the festival ‘Sacrées Journées of Strasbourg’ and will be on display from 22nd May to 18th June 2013. It will also travel to Udaipur later this year and be on display at The City Palace Museum, Udaipur.
The exhibition features the photographs of Mr Albert Huber, an acclaimed photographer from Strasbourg, who visited Udaipur in April this year. Mr Huber’s photographs capture the living heritage of Udaipur and the multi-religion richness of its people. (http://www.alsace-culture.com/artiste-albert-huber-2.html)
Photographs capturing the ‘Sacred in Strasbourg’ by Ms Anuradha Sarup complement Mr Huber’s photographs of the living heritage of Udaipur at the exhibition. On the invitation from the City of Strasbourg and supported by the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, Udaipur, she travelled to Strasbourg in March-April to photograph the Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities that form the rich cultural diversity of the city. Ms Sarup has been photographing Udaipur since 2001-02 (www.anuradhasarup.com) as a resource-person with MMCF.
The festival ‘Sacrées Journées of Strasbourg’ is a 3 day celebration of sacred music from across the world. The 2013 programme includes 16 performances, devoted to 6 different religions from 10 countries.
The artists from India are:
- Ms Shantala Subramanyam , Ensemble Dakshin (Flute) http://shantalaflute.com/
- Bombay Jayashree Ramnath (Carnatic music) http://bombayjayashri.com/
The exhibition ‘Seeking the Sacred - Photographic Exhibition (Viewpoints - Strasbourg – Udaipur)’ is an activity under the Joint Co-operation Programme (JCP) which was signed between Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation, UNESCO India Office, New Delhi; Udaipur Municipal Council; The City of Strasbourg (Municipalite de Strasbourg), France and Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), Udaipur for three years 2011-2013 to strengthen Udaipur's knowledge base, develop a framework and undertake activities to preserve its heritage and develop international collaboration and partnerships for heritage-based projects in Udaipur . The exhibition aims to encourage international community participation and to work on the sustainable development of Living Heritage based on the strength of its traditions.
MMCF believes that the exhibition will open new avenues of understanding between people and provide access to various artists of different faiths. The exhibition will inspire creativity and stimulate international research digital knowledge exchange.
For more detail on the Udaipur-Strasbourg Joint Co-operation Programme please visit http://www.eternalmewar.in/media/newsletter/templates/2011/nl121/Vol121_17.html
For details on programme, please click here
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Udaipur (Rajasthan) and Strasbourg (France) are true legendary examples of a ‘Living Heritage’. The two cities may exhibit diverse cultures and people but the link between each city’s yesterday and today cannot be ignored – a striking similarity shared by cities that are seven seas apart!
Carrying the Torch of Heritage
In the desire to keep the heritage alive, a Joint Co-operation Programme (JCP) was signed between Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation, UNESCO India Office, New Delhi; Udaipur Municipal Council; The City of Strasbourg (Municipalite de Strasbourg), France and Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), Udaipur. The JCP, signed for three years (2011-2013) aims to enlighten Udaipur and preserve the city’s heritage while developing international collaboration and partnerships for heritage-based projects in Udaipur.
The Sacred Quest
As part of the programme, the City of Strasbourg and the Festiv Musiq Sacrees Monde: Strasbourg are organizing a photograph exhibition titled ‘A sacred quest to Strasbourg and Udaipur’. This exhibition will be part of the festival ‘ Sacrées Journées of Strasbourg’ that will take place in Strasbourg, France in May 2013. The exhibition will also be held at The City Palace, Udaipur later.
For this exhibition, acclaimed photographer from Strasbourg, Albert Huber was welcomed in Udaipur and Anuradha Sarup, a respected photographer from MMCF was in Strasbourg. The purpose was to capture the art, culture and heritage of the two cities with a beaming fresh perspective and connecting them with a bond of harmonious similarity.
Legends on the Lens, Memories in the Heart
Both the photographers were back in their respective countries with a wide collection of photographs and memories of the partner cities forever buried in their hearts now. Here’s what they have to say:
Udaipur as Albert Huber describes:
“A happy photographer. In historical Udaipur, I am the happy photographer. I photograph the narrow streets and living and the baroque palaces, plants in wonderful places. I photograph the extraordinary royal palace, example of this mélange of art, fancy and historical memories. I photograph the women in Shitlamata temple, the Protestants celebrating Good Friday in the North India Church and Muslims at prayer in The Paltan mosque. I will come again to Udaipur.”
Strasbourg in the words of Anuradha Sarup:
“It was an honour to have this opportunity to meet the community leaders in Strasbourg and understand their historical, cultural and religious identities.
Most striking was the similarity between Strasbourg and Udaipur. Not in their outward appearance perhaps but in the harmony that exists between their past and present.
Like Udaipur, Strasbourg has a ‘Living Heritage’. The city and its people have a strong association with their historical, cultural and religious identities yet embrace the contemporary with vigour. They have adapted so well to changing times,” said Ms Sarup, who braved the rain and cold to photograph Strasbourg’s sacred heritage.
“Truly ‘Twin cities’ the warmth of Udaipur’s Atiti Devo Bhava was experienced in the warm welcome and hospitality of the people of Strasbourg,” she commented during her stay there. She had the opportunity to interact with the Mayor’s office and several officials, civil servants and coordinators who were as charming as they were gracious.
“From the grand Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, the serene Grande Mosquée and the impressive Synagogue de la Paix to the simpler churches and the daily life of its people, Strasbourg is a delight to photograph,” said Ms Sarup who vows to go to Strasbourg when it is sunny and bright so that she can capture its brilliant skies and distinctive skyline.
For Your Eyes Only
The photographic collection consists of 40 exclusive pictures of both cities selectively chosen by the two photographers. MMCF is confident that the exhibition will open new avenues of understanding between people and provide access to various artists of different faiths. It will inspire art, stimulate international research and digital knowledge exchange. The exhibition will be of benefit for professionals and academicians. It aims to encourage international community participation and to work on the sustainable development of ‘Living Heritage’ based on the strength of its traditions.
Here’s your chance to view this exclusive photographic tale of the two cities. Register right away by simply writing to us on festivals@eternalmewar.in or leave us your email id in the comment box below.
A Joint Co-operation Programme (JCP) which was signed between Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation, UNESCO India Office, New Delhi; Udaipur Municipal Council; The City of Strasbourg (Municipalite de Strasbourg), France and Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, Udaipur for three years 2011-2013 to strengthen Udaipur's knowledge base, develop a framework and undertake activities to preserve its heritage and develop international collaboration and partnerships for heritage-based projects in Udaipur . A signing ceremony was held at The City of Strasbourg, France on the 2nd October 2011. For more detail please visit Eternal Mewar Newsletter Volume 121 October 2011 link: http://www.eternalmewar.in/media/newsletter/templates/2011/nl121/Vol121_17.html
In continuation to this, the City of Strasbourg, France and the Festiv Musiq Sacrees Monde: Strasbourg are organising a photograph exhibition titled "A sacred quest to Strasbourg and Udaipur” consisting of photographs of both cities. This exhibition will be part of the festival ‘Sacrées Journées of Strasbourg’ that will take place in Strasbourg, France in May 2013. Mr. Albert Huber, an acclaimed photographer from Strasbourg is in Udaipur from 28th March 2013 to 7th April 2013. The same exhibition will also be held at The City Palace, Udaipur later. More information about Mr. Huber's is available on http://www.alsace-culture.com/artiste-albert-huber-2.html
This initiative of the MMCF is based on a multi-pronged approach aimed at providing resources for scholars and professionals for them to show case their works of creativity. This cultural exchange framework recognises India's cultural heritage, significance and the character of Indian cities as people meet the challenges, ideas and thoughts that are required to adapt to the rapid urbanization and globalization of the 21st Century.
As a living palace, the City Palace in Udaipur forms the cultural heart of the Udaipur, Mewar region. The Foundation therefore has taken its responsibility of preserving the living heritage very seriously. This enormous responsibility is fulfilled through a comprehensive and informed set of programmes. These include the maintenance and continued development of the City Palace Museum and preserving local culture through the celebration of festivals in the traditional manner, documenting and researching cultural practices and creating & exhibiting forums for knowledge transfer.
The exhibition will reach to contribute towards the collective benefit of all the professionals and academicians. The objectives are to strengthen them to cope with these rapid changes and raise awareness of the uniqueness and diversity through the medium of photography in Udaipur. It also aims to encourage international community participation and to work on the sustainable development of Living Heritage based on the strength of its traditions.
MMCF believe that the exhibition will open new avenues of understanding between people and provide access to various artists of different faiths. The exhibition will inspire creativity and stimulate international research digital knowledge exchange.
