Culture & Heritage

-Kartik Saini

1. What is Heritage?

A. As per heritage regulations any heritage is defined as any buildings/ Artifacts/ Structures/
Area and Precincts which has some historic, aesthetic, architectural or cultural values. It also
includes distinctive open areas, neighbourhoods and environs which we would like to
preserve for the posterity as they enrich our history and traditions. A heritage asset is an item
that has value because of its contribution to a nation's society, knowledge or culture. They are
usually physical assets, but some people also use the term in relation to intangible social and
spiritual inheritance.
2. What is Tangible Cultural Heritage?
A. Tangible Cultural Heritage refers to physical artefacts produced, maintained and
transmitted intergenerationally in a society. Tangible heritage includes buildings and historic
places, monuments, artifacts, etc., which are considered worthy of preservation for the future.
These include objects significant to the archaeology, architecture, science or technology of a
specific culture.
3. What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?
A. Intangible Cultural Heritage indicates ‘the practices, representations, expressions,
knowledge, skills as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated
there with that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their
Cultural Heritage.
4. What is culture?
A. My culture is my past. It is the life I’ve lived, the way I’ve spent it. Growing up I was
surrounded by many people, different people, each with their own distinct culture. My
family, teacher, friends, neighbours, etc, each have their share in the person I am today.
My father taught me discipline. He taught me how to be considerate, how to work hard, he
was my guide. My mother taught me empathy and sympathy. Taught me why and how can I
help others. My mother, being a religious person taught me how to embrace our history and
religion while respecting others’. My sister nurtured my competitive side with frequent and
stupid fights. My teachers taught me academic and social skills. My friends taught me to live
in the moment and enjoy myself.
Growing up as an introverted kid, most of my time was spent on video games, comics, T.V.
shows etc. I interacted with many people with different people online. I celebrated their
festivals and they celebrated my Hindu festivals. My daily time table was pretty basic.
Waking up at 6:30, getting ready for school and leaving. I was back home at 16:30. After that
I used to do my work and then go hang with friends or play vidya.
5. What is cultural Heritage?

A. My cultural heritage include many things, both tangible and in intangible. My heritage is my
beliefs, my values, my perspective, my house etc. Even something as trivial as the time when my
mother taught me to make tea is my heritage for me. It is the moment when I took my first steps in
my house. The good and bad times I and my family have been witnessed by these walls. It is the
plants my father love taking care of.