Wanted: Young heritage lovers for Mumbai

Itrsquos been a surprisingly busy past week for Mumbairsquos heritage and history lovers a rarity for this small group The joyride began with the exhibition of FW Stevensrsquo original drawings almost 130 years old on display for the first time to the public inside the Sir JJ School of Architecture Itrsquos a stunning reminder of the precise detailed ethic of this guardian of the neoGothic style of architecture who went on to play a defining role in designing Mumbairsquos streetscape Next up we were treated to an engaging illustrated discussion with Christopher W London author of Bombay Gothic a spectacular tribute to this stylersquos presence in the city followed by a panel discussion that included conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah moderated by journalist and author Sidharth Bhatia Students watch an exhibition showcasing original drawings of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus which were on display for the first time in the city PicShadab Khan Finally the Asiatic Society hosted a special address yesterday where curators Dr Antonia Moon and Dr Margaret Makepeace of the British Library in London spoke about the treasures inside the India Office Records Take it from a diehard Bombayphile it doesnrsquot get better than this While at the Claude Bately Gallery that hosted FW Stevensrsquo drawings one was able to chat with Professor Mustansir Dalvi curator of the exhibition The pencil drawings by the Englishman held centrestage even as our chat crisscrossed diverse territory ldquoSo tell me Professor how many of your students pursue conservation architecture I asked The Professor replied ldquoNot too many These days modern projects are more lucrative in every senserdquo he replied with a half smile We didnrsquot need to prod There is a dire need for this ilk Looking around barring students from the host college and some from the neighbourhood the rest of the visitors were enthusiasts experts photographers architects silvergrey bespectacled types and scholars including Christopher London who dropped by This lack of the youthrsquos interest for our cityrsquos heritage was reflected once again at the Bombay Gothic session when one did a quick scan of the audience Barring a handful the average age was 50 And as Abha Narain Lambah outlined the need for our city to respect and restore Mumbairsquos heritage one couldnrsquot help but wish to see more students and young researchers hear her speak of the current state of affairs and hopefully be inspired to own their city She spelt out how we as a city are fast losing out what is left of a rich landscape with its stunning showcase of mixed architectural styles that transcended centuries and influences unlike seen anywhere in the world Author London joined in urging the powers that be to open up Mumbairsquos public buildings so people can appreciate and respect it ldquoYou pay taxes to the BMC but cannot enter its headquarters isnrsquot that sadrdquo he exclaimed as the audience applauded at his observation Itrsquos crucial that we drive away this bogey where heritage is regarded as the domain of ldquooldiesrdquo and ldquoscholarsrdquo Unless and until the youth of this city read school and college students are initiated into this subject that is flourishing in our own backyard by using simple fun methods like field trips and visits to these stunning vignettes of history and heritage and find mention in our textbooks it will continue to be treated as offlimits and thereby unknown territory tragically In all probability and like the buildings that have vanished interest will cease to exist if this isnrsquot addressed soon enough We must act fast this opening up of the city to the next generation will not only educate but help safeguard the city from a host of evils that threaten to destroy its very character that earned it the title of Urbs Primus in Indus Latin foremost city in India in the 19th century The writer is Features Editor MiD DAYu00a0