India’s heritage needs saviours. Here are 15 of them

Heritage is a big word. The tag turns buildings into icons and cities into tourist hubs. Whether it’s growing native grains or restoring old films, a motley crew of Indians has been making headway with heritage conservation. What they’re saving isn’t stuff that belongs in a museum; it needs to be lived in, enjoyed, nurtured and appreciated. From snakes to storytelling traditions, the treasure trove of living heritage in India is vast and enriching and deserves to survive. Here are just some of the heroes doing the heavy lifting for the generations to come.