VANDE VRAJA VASUNDHARAM
Sri Armoogum Parsuramen, 1 January 2010
Director and UNESCO Representative
UNESCO office in New Delhi
B-5/29 Safdarjung Enclave
New Delhi 110 029
Dear Sri Parsuramen ji,
With Vrindavan as its centre, Braj, the area between Delhi and Agra, is a fountainhead of the running stream that has spread over the length and breadth of the canvas of Indian culture. It is a home, not only to the cultural expressions centering on the Vaishnava/Krishna experience, but also to Jain and Buddhist literature, art and architecture etc. It has been a witness to Greek, Islamic and Christian cultural interaction, seamlessly integrating them into its fabric.
The creation of Vrindavan as an independent town and revenue entity in 1598 CE was Mughal Emperor Akbar's gift to Brajvasis. With vision, dedication and service, the saints and people of Braj raised Vrindavan to the peak of its glory. Today it is one of the most visited pilgrimage centres in India. Unfortunately, however, this popularity has also been its bane.
The rapid growth of population, both residing and visiting, has necessitated a the development of civic amenities and infrastructure. Despite the best intentions, Vrindavan is finding it hard to conserve its unique landscape and built heritage of groves, temples, kunds, river, riverside architecture, etc.
There is no shortage of resources, agencies and funds, yet the desired results are not visible. What is missing is a comprehensive plan for this unique cultural landscape, taking into account the interlocking character of its devotional, artistic, geographic, social and economic aspects.
Therefore, we the citizens of Vrindavan request that:
1. UNESCO help and participate in the planning process, so that all the relevant agencies may work synergetically, ensuring the best utilization of all available resources, and
2. that you guide us towards the process by which Vrindavan and Brajmandal can be listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
We look forward to working with you in this direction.
In the service of Braj-Vrindavan,
Braj Vrindavan Heritage Alliance
