Community-Led Heritage Conservation: The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Cultural Preservation

The recent 'Markets, Museums and Mysuru' heritage walk, organized under the 'My City My Heritage' campaign, serves as a pertinent case study on the intersection of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and cultural preservation. By facilitating direct interaction between citizens and historic landmarks such as the Jaganmohan Palace and the iconic Devaraja Market, the initiative underscores a shift from state-centric heritage management to a more inclusive, community-led model of conservation. In the context of rapid urbanization, historic urban landscapes often face the threat of neglect or insensitive modernization. Initiatives like this are vital because they foster a sense of 'ownership' among local populations, which is the first step toward sustainable preservation. When citizens are reconnected with their local history, they become active stakeholders in protecting the architectural and cultural integrity of their cities. Furthermore, the involvement of corporate entities like the InterGlobe Foundation demonstrates how CSR funds can be effectively channeled beyond traditional sectors like education or healthcare, moving into the realm of 'cultural capital'—a critical component of India's soft power and identity.