Pracheen Parkashpur/Chakmoh– The first of its kind two-days Virasat- e- Mahotsav was celebrated with great fanfare at Sidhsthali of Pracheen Parkashpur, the global head quarter of WHF in district Hamirpur of Himachal Pradesh under Dr.PCS World Heritage Foundation to commemorate an “International Vansi – Leela Virasat Day” to enshrine the holy lineage of globally acclaimed 9th century Sidhpeeth of Baba Balak Nath and it’s splendid scions legacy honours, the values, traditions and resilience which have been passed down through generations. The Mahotsav was inaugurated by the Founder Chairman of WHF, Dr PC Sharma as Chief Guest by performing Vedic havan and poojan. The religious ceremony was performed by a team of eminent Jyotishacharyas headed by Dr Rohit Sharma and Dr Mukesh Sharma with chanting of Vedic mantras. The Mahotsav was graced by noted health specialists namely Dr Vanshish Sankhyan, Major (Dr.) Varun Sankhyan, Dr Shubhangi Sankhyan, Dr Ravi Kumar, Dr Kanchan Kaushal , Dr Sakshi and Dr Ashok Sharma as guests of honour who later conducted a free health check-up camp for local populace to provide medical aid and free medicines at the door step of villagers and alike. The various events were participated by thousands of prominent dignitaries, villagers , senior citizens, devotees, scholars, panchayats and institutions across the country.
Meaningful ways to commemorate this golden history included compiling a multi-generational archive, preserving heritage recipes, hosting legacy-focused reunions, and establishing a formalized family governance framework for long-term multi-generational success. A structured approach helps ensure that a genealogical history and core values are properly preserved. Dr PC Sharma while speaking to the media during opening ceremony said that the day was celebrated globally every year at various famous Sidhpeeths located in the country and outside India under the auspices of DR.PCS World Heritage Foundation. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of cultural and natural heritage, promote harmony and diversity, and encourage the preservation of ancient artefacts said Dr PC Sharma, a great visionary.
The Day is observed annually on specific day to promote awareness about the protection and conservation of cultural and natural heritage worldwide. It educates communities about the vulnerability of heritage sites and the critical need for their preservation against threats like natural disasters, pollution, and climate change. It highlights the rich legacy preserved in monuments and landscapes, celebrating the cultural diversity of human civilization across the globe. It promotes long-term strategies to safeguard cultural and natural heritage in various contexts, including areas affected by modern conflicts and disasters and to encourage global efforts that tie heritage conservation to sustainable socio-economic growth.
The great missionary and Philanthropists Banarsi Dass Sankhyan (9th century) , the first and foremost founder Steward of Deotsidh shrine and then glorious glossary of eminent descendants including Vansi- Leela, legendary Dr PC Sharma and entire Dr Sankhyans clan considered as revered Indian agriculturists, horticulturists , social reformers, administrators, motivators, organisers, spiritualists, lyricists, vocalists and philanthropists have ever been the driving force behind the revival and preservation of Indian handicrafts, rural and folk arts, theatre, traditions, customs, cultural renaissance and visual and performing arts etc. Their legacy and contributions span several monumental areas.
Widely Known as the “patron saints of craftspersons” and affectionately known as Hatkargha Maa (Mother of Handlooms), Dr Sankhyans clan revitalized dying indigenous arts after partition. They founded a prestigious Organization by the name of World Heritage Foundation which has been hugely contributing in spearheading the socio-cultural, literary, arts, archival, ecological and heritage activities in the country.
Dr Sankhyans clan has also been instrumental in building and institutionalizing Indian cultural institutions. It’s lifelong services to the nation and global advocacy has been well recognized .The memoirs and biographies of the magnificent lineage is also being prepared. The Virasat- e -celebrations typically featured a blend of academic, cultural, and community-driven events organized by the Foundation to Mark the auspicious day. Guided excursions to local historical monuments, forts, architectural sites, and natural reserves to connect the public with their roots were also organised on the pattern of UNESCO Seminars, workshops, and school assemblies centred on heritage conservation techniques and traditional cultural appreciation, round-table discussions, conferences, and exhibitions involving policymakers, architects, and historians to discuss the maintenance of protected sites were also organised during the Utsav.
While documenting and archiving history, it was aimed on specific themes of oral history projects, recording interviews with older relatives, capturing their stories, defining life lessons, and recollections of hereditary roots. The efforts are being made to organise digital scrapbooks, digitize old photographs, letters, and documents to catalogue them into a shared digital timeline using platforms like Ancestry or My Heritage to build out a pedigree of Baba Balak Nath and his descendants in the form of first of its kind Global Digital Museum and International Theological Research Centre at Pracheen Parkashpur under the ambit of WHF. DR.PCS World Heritage Foundation would prepare a hereditary memoir, collating historical facts, anecdotes, and milestones in to a printed compendium volume” Granth” for the benefits of researchers, devotees litterateurs, social scientists, teachers, students and tourists alike.
Multi-Generational Reunions by hosting regular large-scale family gatherings and incorporating activities like trivia based on parentage history, a “show and tell” of heirlooms, and group storytelling to connect the youngest members with their roots was also conducted
A successional charter documenting the core values, philanthropic goals, and guiding principles to manage multi-generational success would also be created. Philanthropic funds and charitable endowment in the family name to support causes that align with the generational values would also be created. The rich culture, deep resilience, courage and enduring legacy of the primogenitors who arrived on these holy lands of Deotsidh Devbhumi along with the Child God Balak Nath would also be celebrated on the auspicious occasions.
The Virasat-e- Mahotsav , a true tribute to the celebrated Zaildaar and well known philanthropists Vansi–Leela connecting local history, cultural heritage, and community fiesta to thousands of adherents and local masses was also dedicated as a commemorative event. This meaningful tribute that highlights their legacy through several engaging activities such as Virasat- e- Vaani , a spiritual program of performing arts by eminent lyricists and vocalists namely Naveen Neer and Sanjay Chaturvedi, heritage walk, sanitation drive and free health check – up camp by eminent medical specialists and publication of Virasat- e- Vaani Souvenir etc was the hallmark of the Mahotsav. A socio-cultural exhibition and folk performances were also hosted to celebrate regional roots showcasing traditional art forms by local artisans.
Community welfare drive and philanthropic spirit through charitable initiatives like blood donation camps, free health check-ups, or educational scholarships for underprivileged students in the area would be organised on regular basis.
A guided history tour and photo exhibition displaying the Zaildaar’s contributions to regional development, agriculture, horticulture and social work was also put up for the public. Memorial lectures and seminars were also conducted by inviting community leaders, historians, elders to speak about the responsibilities and legacy of historical Zaildaars and philanthropists in maintaining local harmony and development. Annadaan -Community Feast was hosted and food stuffs distributed to those in need, which perfectly aligns with the celebrated tradition of hospitality and “Virasat” (heritage). Virasat-e-Mahotsav portal would also be created for motivation and information of Zen Z and Alfa who can look into local community events to see how rural and historical traditions are kept alive today.
Virasat Art and Heritage Festival at Dehradun Known as Asia’s largest folk life and heritage festival is organized annually by REACH which spans up to 15 days featuring classical music, folk dance, crafts and yoga. SPIC MACAY Virasat Series held across various educational campuses such as IIT Mandi, JNU, and IISER Berhampur is a nationwide series which brings Indian classical arts, workshops like Madhubani painting and Chamba Rumal, theatre and cinema directly to students and alike.
Virasat Kamaladevi Festival is hosted by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) in New Delhi to honor the legacy of Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, a well known freedom fighter. The valedictory program was presided over by the renowned Litterateur and Chief Patron of WHF Dr TK Sankhyan who also presented the awards of honour to the distinguished guests. Dr TK. Sankhyan expressed her gratefulness to the large audience which made this Mahotsava a grand success and advised them to preserve and conserve our royal past and glorious heritage of India for posterity.
