In a world where art intertwines with heritage, there exists a luminary whose presence casts a captivating spell on all who encounter her. Dr Shobhita Punja was a true connoisseur of Indian art and culture; she dedicated her life to unravelling the mysteries and preserving the beauty of India’s artistic legacy. With a heavy heart, we mourn the loss of this revered guardian of heritage, as Dr Punja passed away on 28th June 2023, leaving behind a legacy that will always remain unmatched.
Throughout her illustrious journey, Dr Punja blazed a trail of knowledge and passion; Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Art History and multiple Masters’ degrees, her insatiable curiosity led her to the sacred grounds of Jawaharlal Nehru University and Stanford University, where her wisdom and understanding flourished.
She governed a high role in the Governing Council and Executive Committee of INTACH, which led her to begin Heritage Education and Communication Service for INTACH. A division that educates the youth regarding the importance of Heritage and makes publications and worksheets on matters of heritage for India’s youth. As a Centre for Environment Education’s Governing Council member, she champions the intrinsic link between nature and artistic expression, striving to nurture both. She has remained the CEO of the National Culture Fund, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Also served as a trustee of the Helen Hamlyn Trust, Sanskriti Foundation, and the Mehrangarh Museum Trust, Jodhpur.
Courtesy:tribuneindia.com
She was a wordsmith and a brilliant author who beautifully bridged the gap between our past and the present with her books. She has authored several books, from “Museums of India” to “Divine Ecstasy – The Story of Khajuraho,” allowing the readers to traverse time and immerse themselves in the wonders of India’s artistic legacy. Her last book, co-authored with Rudrangshu Mukherjee and Toby Sinclair, “A New History of India,” is a groundbreaking book that compresses centuries of India’s vibrant heritage into a concise narrative. This ambitious project delves into the nation’s complex history from its origins to the present day.
She had been a cherished guest speaker at various institutions, seminars and taught courses at esteemed places such as Ashoka University. She was a profound educator and cultural catalyst whose passion for the cultural arts and their preservation has left an enduring mark on the world.
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