During the visit to India, the delegation had the opportunity to visit the headquarters of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a unit under the Indian Ministry of Culture, located at Dharohar Bhawan, New Delhi. Here, Director General of ASI - Mr. Shri Yadubir Singh Rawat and the agency's leaders gave an overview of the history of formation, conservation projects and India's role in international archaeological cooperation. Mr. Rawat said that ASI currently manages more than 3,600 national monuments and heritages, including many UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Sanchi Stupa or Ajanta - Ellora Caves.
As one of the cradles of human civilization, India possesses a series of important archaeological sites. Long-standing research and conservation achievements have laid the foundation for this country to strongly develop laser scanning technology, restore ancient relics and expand cooperation within the framework of the “Look East” policy.
India - Vietnam: Connecting the past, reviving heritage through archaeological cooperation Hello India - Part 2
Vietnam and India have had deep cultural ties for centuries, stemming from the influence of Hinduism and Buddhism. In the field of archaeology, the two countries have maintained close cooperation for many years, especially at the My Son Sanctuary (formerly Quang Nam , now Da Nang).
With the support of Indian experts and a non-refundable aid of nearly 5 million USD from the Indian Government , the project to preserve towers E and F at My Son was launched earlier this year, lasting until 2029. Previously, in the 2017-2022 period, India sponsored 55 billion VND to restore towers K, H and A.
This collaboration helps Vietnamese archaeologists access international standard restoration methods, modern technology and conservation skills based on the principle of respecting original values. In return, India also has the opportunity to study more deeply the Champa heritage – a factor reflecting the long-standing relationship between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
During the meeting, many contents on professional training were shared by ASI. Deputy Director General of ASI - Mr. Janhwj Sharma (in charge of Conservation and World Heritage) said that the Institute of Archaeology in Noida, about 30 km from the center of Delhi, is organizing regular training courses and short-term seminars. Many technical staff from Myanmar and other countries in the region are studying here. ASI is ready to develop training courses on conservation, archaeology, disaster risk management or relic management according to the proposal received through the Ministry of External Affairs of India.
Deputy Director General of ASI – Mr. Janhwj Sharma (in charge of Conservation and World Heritage). PHOTO: QUYNH PHUONG
Mr. Sharma also emphasized the importance of documentation in any restoration project: it is necessary to know the current condition and history of previous interventions to avoid damaging the monument, similar to how a doctor must review a patient’s medical records before treating. Today’s records will be the basis for future generations of experts to continue to preserve accurately and responsibly.
Archaeology has become an “invisible bridge” connecting India and Vietnam through thousands of years of shared heritage. Archaeologists, experts and collaborative projects like My Son are the ones who tell the story of the past in the language of science – helping the heritage to be revived in the present.
This journey not only reflects professional achievements but also symbolizes friendship, knowledge and belief in the enduring vitality of culture; where the past is preserved, the present is connected and the future is nurtured from the common values between the two countries.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/an-do-viet-nam-gan-ket-qua-khu-hoi-sinh-di-san-qua-hop-tac-khao-co-xin-chao-an-do-p2-185251121161224339.htm
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