To restore or not!

If ever I have a change of heart to move out of IT and try a new job, I would fancy a restoration engineer or a museum curator role. The bliss of working on an old monument or artifact of significance as a restoration engineer would bring such joy and solace to my curious mind. If I don't qualify for the role due to a lack of knowledge or physical strength, a museum curator role will be an ideal post-retirement or early retirement. The prospects of explaining the history of an artifact and passing the learned wisdom to curious visitors would leave a lasting memory. Wow! what bliss that would be? All these up in the air thoughts are as per the new trend of 'Great retirement' where many people are considering quitting their job and pursuing their interests.

While on that thought, throughout my numerous visits to the small or large monuments, museums and places of significance in history, I gained newer perspectives that opened a whole new world for me. Each artifact, building and site tells a unique story, craving its place in the history & geography of the bygone era yet standing firm to face the new world. Each witnessing countless generations exchanging hands, some treasured and some ignored until their significance is certified. I wonder what we in the current time will pass on to the generations five hundred years from now.

With virtual reality taking center stage, most of the old and present artifacts/buildings are now captured digitally for the next generation to witness from the comfort of their home. However, once everything present today is recorded and even the newer creations already in the digital-first model, there might be no enthusiasm to view things in their physical reality. Since the necessity to visit a monument physically, say the Taj Mahal or the Pyramids, will be reduced, not many will fancy seeing it. I hope it doesn't kill the excitement of people packing up to visit such places.

These thoughts open a can of questions. Importantly, how will the current state of any monument, museum, or place of significance be cherished, maintained and secured for future generations? It's a Hercules task to restore them today. Undoubtedly it will be rough as we move ahead. The sheer amount of money, labor and planning to maintain even a compact place is high. This amount grows in proportion depending on the age, size and perceived importance of any building. Most importantly, the focus and inspiration of the concerned government authority, charities supporting it if any, and the interests of the tourist/visitors should allow sustainable maintenance and repair.

Our country is one of the richest in terms of the number and size of historical monuments, palaces, forts, museums and other buildings of importance. The scale of preserving and maintaining it for future generations is enormous. Yet it is common off-late to see such places not given much-needed attention. Baring a few national monuments, many are in shabby conditions and left to the mercy of the tourists. At times, it's difficult to see the place given the huge litter around this drives away tourists, leaving it insignificant. I never can fantom what fun it brings to people to scribe their names on walls. Neither will they remember it nor the tourist will appreciate it. I believe no one in their right senses would want to leave uncleanliness and a nonsensical impression on their descendants. Compared to my various visits to places outside of our country that has undergone restoration and renovation to preserve it for the future make me hopeless about our state.

Roman Baths, in The UK, are the old ruins of the public baths from the 1st century is one of my favorites, having visited it multiple times. I find it clean, well represented and new on every visit. I am always awestruck by the amount of work undertaken to restore it, from the 5th century to till date. The various authorities, charities and the pricy entrance fees from tourists ensure they are up and running for a long time. Likewise, many monuments and museums across-the-world, are preserved through grants and funds.

It is also worth noting that post-pandemic many are now falling short of much-needed funds and public engagement to preserve the history. Unfortunately, the popularity and annual footfall are the leading decision factors on whether to maintain a place or not. Given the current geopolitical, economic, and climatic challenges, many such monuments are on the edge of extinction. It's a sad reality that if these places are closed and never open again, we might lose track of how humanity progressed in various parts of the world. If only we could do as little as keep them clean and not destroy them might save them for a few more years. Eventually, we will face the crossroads of letting the past slip away by not preserving it or venturing into the future with a good hold of our roots for the eras to come. Only time will decide.