The Legacy of Mewar: Preserving India's Living Heritage

Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar
in conversation with Ms. Soumya Rajan

Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, 77th Custodian of the House of Mewar and Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), participated in Rendezvous - The Legacy of Mewar, hosted by The Chambers in association with Waterfield Advisors at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, on 28th July 2026. The event commenced with a networking session and welcome address by The Chambers, followed by the introduction of Shriji and Ms. Soumya Rajan, Founder & CEO, Waterfield Advisors, Mumbai. Guests were also presented with an inspiring film showcasing the 1,500-year legacy of the House of Mewar, the rich cultural heritage of Udaipur and the pioneering conservation initiatives undertaken by the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation.

In a thought-provoking conversation titled "Preserving India's Living Heritage: Tradition, Leadership & the Future of Philanthropy”, moderated by Ms. Soumya Rajan, Shriji shared his vision on the enduring significance of heritage, responsible custodianship, sustainable conservation and the evolving role of philanthropy in safeguarding India's cultural legacy. The discussion explored heritage management, sustainable tourism, corporate social responsibility, private philanthropy and collaborative leadership as essential pillars for preserving India's living traditions. During the dialogue, Shriji emphasised that heritage is not the possession of an individual but an invaluable legacy belonging to society, entrusted to every generation for its protection and enrichment. He observed that conservation extends far beyond the preservation of monuments; it is a continuous commitment to safeguarding cultural values, traditions, knowledge systems and collective memories so that they remain relevant and meaningful for future generations.

The interactive question-and-answer session witnessed engaging discussions on heritage conservation, leadership, philanthropy and social responsibility, with participation from distinguished leaders representing the corporate, philanthropic, development and cultural sectors. Among those present were Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL; Mr. Paul Abraham, Senior Advisor, Hinduja Group; Mr. Behram Vakil, Founder, AZB & Partners; Mr. Uday Narayan, Tata Realty; representatives from UNDP India, Motilal Oswal Foundation, Mirae Asset Management, Dasra, NatureFuture, Kushagra Innovation Foundation and several other leading organisations. From MMCF it was attended by Ms. Debasmita Pani, Mr. Balveer Singh Naruka and Dr. Mayank Gupta.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, reaffirming the shared commitment of government, the private sector, philanthropic institutions and civil society to work collectively towards preserving India's rich cultural heritage. The evening concluded with a networking session, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas on strengthening partnerships for the conservation of India's living heritage. The dialogue reaffirmed that heritage is far more than history-it is a living legacy sustained through responsible custodianship, conservation, education, visionary leadership and collective responsibility. Drawing upon the enduring values of the House of Mewar, the conversation underscored the importance of preserving India's cultural identity while ensuring its continued relevance and inspiration for generations to come.

Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar and delegates from Waterfield Advisors at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai