Preserving Heritage. Shaping Policy. Inspiring Change.
M. Saleem
Beg
A planner and practitioner engaged in documentation, conservation, heritage education, and advocacy for the preservation of cultural heritage.
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Preserving Heritage. Shaping Policy. Inspiring Change.
A planner and practitioner engaged in documentation, conservation, heritage education, and advocacy for the preservation of cultural heritage.
Profile & Philosophy
Over five decades of public service across the Jammu & Kashmir State Government, the Government of India, and INTACH — holding leadership roles including Director General of Tourism, Managing Director of Handicrafts & Handlooms, and Member & In-Charge Chairperson of the National Monuments Authority.
Currently serving as Convenor of the INTACH J&K Chapter, leading documentation and conservation of monuments, cultural sites, and natural heritage. Instrumental in securing Srinagar's designation as a UNESCO Creative City (2021) and a World Craft City (2024).
A Journey Through Service & Heritage
Served in various leadership roles across tourism, heritage, handicrafts, and handloom sectors:
Championed the preservation and promotion of tourism, cultural heritage, natural heritage, arts, and crafts across the state.
Revived endangered Kashmiri crafts — particularly kani shawls — by building collaborations with craft communities and stakeholders.
Landmark Conservation & Documentation Initiatives
Authored the research dossier documenting seven traditional crafts — papier-mâché, pashmina, khatamband, woodwork, pinjrakari, ari, and metal craft — that won Srinagar its place in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2021.
UNESCOLed the documentation effort that secured Srinagar's designation as a World Craft City by the World Craft Council (WCC) in 2024 — recognising the city's living craft traditions and the livelihoods of thousands of artisans.
World Craft CouncilTwo-volume documentation of built heritage, sites, and vernacular architecture of Srinagar. Endorsed by UNESCO (2009).
DocumentationRestoration of the historical Mughal gardens of Kashmir. Organised an International Conference on Mughal Gardens of Kashmir in 2010, supporting its World Heritage Site nomination.
World HeritageConservation of the historic 15th-century mosque, renowned for its intricate wooden craftsmanship and a landmark of Kashmiri religious architecture.
ConservationConservation of prominent shrines and religious structures across the region, including historic khanqahs, dargahs, and temples integral to Kashmir's multi-faith heritage.
ConservationLed two major projects: (1) UNESCO-supported project (2008) — condition assessment of the historic building and documentation of the textile collection, primarily jamawars and shawls. (2) Digitization and photo documentation of archaeological artifacts.
MuseumListing and documentation of built heritage of 15 towns of Jammu and Kashmir provinces under the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (Ministry of Culture).
National MissionPreservation of the ecologically significant wetlands and natural landscapes of Bungas and Manasbal — areas rich in biodiversity and traditional cultural association with the Kashmir valley.
Natural HeritageRestoration of papier-mâché — one of Kashmir's most celebrated decorative arts, known for its vibrant hand-painted floral motifs and centuries-old techniques passed down through generations of artisan families.
Decorative ArtsDigitization and photo documentation of archaeological artifacts, including the digitization of a coin collection of 70,000 items through the National Institute of Numismatics, Nagpur.
DigitizationHeritage education project including Art Integrated Learning in 100 schools across four districts of J&K (2010–2013), supported by Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Mumbai.
EducationBooks & Research
Two-volume publication documenting heritage properties, architectural typologies, and cultural sites. Endorsed by UNESCO (2009).
Documents the history, raw materials, skills, and products of Kashmir's willow craft tradition — from kangris and baskets to wicker furniture — aimed at sustaining craft traditions and securing the livelihood of artisans.
Documents the classical Buddhist-Hindu architectural heritage of the Naranag temple complex, built during the era of King Lalitaditya (724–760 AD), representing the grand classical period of Kashmir's building art.
Recognition & Honours
National recognition for sustained contributions to heritage conservation across India.
Jammu & Kashmir Government — highest State civil award. Announced on Republic Day 2017.
For conservation of the historic Amar Singh College, Srinagar — an iconic colonial-era educational institution and architectural landmark.
International Association of Ladakh Studies.
International Collaborations & Networks
Department of Landscape Architecture — Member, Shalimar Gardens Network. Participated in the 2007 Conference on Three Shalimars.
Netherlands — Conservation of ancient shrine & restoration of vernacular architecture
Sustaining Our Cool Heritage (SOCooLH) initiative & research collaboration
Singapore — SOCooLH heritage sustainability research partnership
Delhi/Bangalore — Founder Trustee, Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation
Member, WCC-World Craft City Subcommittee, International AISBL
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