Connecting to Roots: Preserving Heritage, Inspiring Communities by Swagraam
About the Session:
We all have a place that shaped who we are. ‘Swagraam’ is a digital platform designed to connect people to their roots by celebrating the heritage of their places. It enables individuals to document stories of built heritage, natural wonders, art and crafts, traditions, inspiring people and progressive developments passed down through generations.
This session will explore how these stories not only preserve heritage, but also how WisdomCircle’s senior professionals can spark pride and inspire action for the development of our places.
Key Takeaways for Attendees:
Understand how storytelling can be a tool for heritage preservation and community pride.
Explore meaningful ways to engage with and contribute to Swagraam as volunteers, mentors or champions of their places.
Discover how senior professionals can play a vital role in guiding, curating and amplifying India’s cultural narratives. e.g., run a pilot mentorship program, bring in experts for vetting or editing workshops, or have “senior storytellers” help to curate.
About the Speakers:
*Mahesh H. Chithrappa is the CEO, Swagraam Foundation. He brings nearly 30 years of experience spanning technology, leadership and community development. At Swagraam, he leads a movement to document and celebrate India’s grassroots heritage, bringing people together to conserve traditions and create sustainable development opportunities.
He is passionate about using stories as a bridge — to connect people to their heritage and turn collective pride into sustainable development for their places.
*Poornima Hegde is the Lead Storyteller & Curator, born in Honnavara, Uttara Kannada. With a background in Journalism, she discovered her creative passion in multimedia storytelling. Over the years, she has worked as a content creator, video director, and TV serial scriptwriter, and today she continues to engage audiences through her popular social media channels with unique and insightful content.