Dr. Kaleemullah Lashari and the SEAS Team: Preserving Pakistan’s Cultural Heritage

The Varun Dev Mandir Conservation Project was a successful undertaking that preserved and rehabilitated a significant example of Hindu cultural heritage in Pakistan. The project was jointly sponsored by US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation, & Sindh Exploration & Adventure Society; it was led by heritage scholars Dr. Kaleemullah Lashari and Dr. Asma Ibrahim, with the support of the volunteers & technicians of SEAS.

 

Dr. Lashari is the President of SEAS Pakistan, he was awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz for his work in the field of archaeology. He is an accomplished cultural heritage expert, and his leadership on the Varun Dev Mandir Conservation Project was essential to its success.

The project team made significant progress in a short period of time. They stabilized the temple’s shaky structure, removed later day interventions, and worked towards improvement in the environment. The team also worked with the Hindu community to involve them for better co-ordination & sustainability of the project. The project also included the conservation process, and component of training to locals in stone carving and other conservation skills.

 

One of the key challenges facing the project team was the lack of information about the temple’s history and construction. The temple is not mentioned in any historical records, and its exact age is unknown. This lack of information made it difficult to develop a conservation plan that was sensitive to the temple’s unique history and character.

Despite this challenge, the project team was able to develop a successful conservation plan. They worked closely with local artisans to develop techniques that would preserve the temple’s original character. The team also used traditional materials and construction methods whenever possible.

The Varun Dev Mandir Conservation Project is a valuable example of how cultural heritage conservation can have a positive impact on both the physical and social environment. The project has preserved a significant example of Hindu cultural heritage in Pakistan, and has also created jobs and provided training to local people.

In addition to its physical and social benefits, the Varun Dev Mandir Conservation Project has also had a significant cultural impact. The project has raised awareness of the importance of cultural heritage conservation in Pakistan, and has helped to strengthen the relationship between the Hindu community and the wider & driesac fabric of communities in Karachi.

The Varun Dev Mandir Conservation Project is a success story that demonstrates the importance of cultural heritage conservation and the power of community engagement. The project’s success is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the SEAS team, and to the support of the US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation, and also the Hindu community.

The conservation project was completed in the year 2018.