US honour for Jodhpur maharaja

Maharaja Gaj Singh II gets the prestigious Hadrian Award 2006 for helping restore historical structures.

Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur has been honoured with the prestigious Hadrian Award 2006 for his contribution towards the cause of restoring decaying historical structures.

HT Image

Singh, who has made saving age-old monuments his life's ambition, was presented with the award, which constitutes a trophy and a citation, by Indian Ambassador Ronen Sen at a glittering function on Friday.

The award was given by non-profit organisation 'World Monuments Fund', which honours one outstanding contributor to the cause of restoring decaying historical structures and helping to preserve them.

Accepting the award, Singh stressed the importance of preserving the country's heritage and culture for posterity to ensure that future generations remain acquainted with their history and roots.

While inviting tourists to visit India to see its rich cultural heritage, he urged investors to get acquainted with the huge opportunities provided by tremendous economic progress in the country.

Singh stressed that preserving monuments helps sustain progress. "They must encourage tourism and related activities which give generate employment at various levels," he said.

The citation described him as the "moving force" in architectural preservation India, particularly his home state of Rajasthan.