Heritage Heroes: How Influencers Are Preserving Indian Culture

World Heritage Day, also known as International Day for Monuments and Sites, is celebrated on April 18th each year. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving historical monuments and World Heritage sites for future generations. Working silently but steadily are a bunch of heritage influencers who are painstakingly documenting and popularising the deep heritage of India.

Umair Shah: Coin Collector Turned Storyteller

Delhi-based entrepreneur Umair Shah, known as Sikkawala on Instagram, has taken on the role of a heritage curator. Alongside managing Noon Social, a digital marketing studio, Shah conducts heritage walking tours in Delhi-NCR and western Uttar Pradesh. His fascination with ancient coins evolved into a passion for history, which he now shares through engaging storytelling. By humanizing historical figures and incorporating intriguing anecdotes, Shah brings the past to life, making it accessible and captivating for all.

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Mohammad Anas: Reviving Old Delhi’s Tales

Anthropologist Mohammad Anas, the creative force behind Unzip Delhi on Instagram, breathes new life into the stories of Old Delhi. With roots in Shahjahanabad dating back over 250 years, Anas draws from his family’s oral tradition to revive age-old legends. Through visual and oral storytelling, he sheds light on the rich cultural heritage of the walled city, preserving its legacy for generations to come.

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Rameen Khan: Crafting Modern-Day Baithaks

CityTales, spearheaded by Rameen Khan, reimagines historical narratives through modern storytelling sessions. With a focus on the walled city of Delhi, Khan blends poetry, mysticism, and Mughal history to create immersive experiences. By infusing qissa-goi with contemporary flair, CityTales aims to ignite a renewed appreciation for heritage and culture.

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Maroof Umar: Preserving Heritage Through Film

Graphic designer and photographer Maroof Umar, known as maroofculmen on Instagram, uses his expertise to document lesser-known heritage monuments of Lucknow. Through visually stunning short films, Umar captures the essence of these historical landmarks, employing drone shots, evocative music, and captivating narratives. His videos serve as a digital archive, preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

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A post shared by Maroof Umar | Heritage Storyteller (@maroofculmen)

Yunus Lasania: Uncovering Hyderabad’s Untold Stories

Journalist Yunus Lasania, founder of The Hyderabad History Project, is dedicated to preserving the heritage of his city. Through heritage walks and engaging social media content, Lasania shares captivating stories of everyday spaces and historical landmarks in Hyderabad. By blending oral and written history with archival photos, he offers a multifaceted glimpse into the city’s rich past.

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Alisha Sadikot: Fostering Engagement with Mumbai’s Heritage

Alisha Sadikot, an independent museums and heritage learning professional, is passionate about fostering public engagement with art and heritage in Mumbai. Through her Instagram handle, The Heritage Project, Sadikot delves into the city’s history, unraveling stories of its iconic landmarks and cultural heritage. Her work aims to ignite curiosity and appreciation for Mumbai’s diverse heritage.

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Instucen: Educating Through History and Archaeology

Instucen, or the India Study Centre, is an organisation with members dedicated to promoting history and archaeology education. With a surge in its online followers during the pandemic, Instucen continues to educate through workshops, courses, and conferences. Their archaeological explorations in Maharashtra and commitment to preserving cultural heritage highlight the importance of historical education in today’s digital age.

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These are just a few of the heritage influencers who are attempting to make a meaningful difference in the world of content creation. It takes a lot of passion, leg work and research to put out credible heritage related content that will serve not just to popularise the study of heritage, but serve as a repository of knowledge and information in a world that is sometimes callous towards the conservation of monuments and preservation of culture. On World Heritage Day, these influencers stand as beacons of cultural preservation, ensuring that the stories of our past remain alive for generations to come.