As part of the 12th Edition of the Pondicherry Heritage Festival, themed “Heritage of Education in Puducherry,” AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, in collaboration with BPK, Puducherry, organised an orientation session on “Heritage Education in Puducherry: Preserving Performing and Fine Art Traditions” on August 27, 2026.

On this occasion, Dr P. V. Bose, Principal (i/c), BPK, Puducherry, spoke on the significance of heritage and the responsibility of preserving it for future generations. He emphasised that heritage represents the cultural identity, collective memory and historical continuity of a society. He highlighted the need to create greater awareness among young people and educational institutions about the importance of safeguarding traditional knowledge, artistic practices and cultural expressions.

Dr Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary, AuroBharati, highlighted Puducherry’s distinctive position as a spiritual, cultural and educational centre. He spoke about the evolution and expansion of the heritage of education in Puducherry and emphasised the significant role played by performing and visual art traditions in enriching the region’s cultural heritage. He stressed the need for sustainable measures to preserve these traditions and ensure their transmission to younger generations. He also underlined the importance of integrating heritage awareness into educational activities and encouraging students to actively engage with local cultural traditions.

Faculty members of BPK, including Dr Prabhakaran, and others shared their perspectives on the preservation and promotion of Puducherry’s performing and visual arts. Their observations highlighted the importance of documentation, practice and intergenerational transmission of traditional art forms.

The session was interactive and enriching, providing students with an opportunity to understand the importance of Puducherry’s educational, cultural and artistic heritage and their role in its preservation.