Walking with Heritage: UBC Students Join CCO in Kathmandu

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At Chiva Chaitya Organization, we had the privilege of welcoming students from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, for a special learning session in Kathmandu. Our CEO, Mr. Amar Tuladhar, shared insights into the conservation challenges and heritage values of the Kathmandu Valley, while students engaged directly with the living heritage around them. This experience reminded us of a simple truth: heritage itself is a classroom, and learning often happens far beyond four walls.




During their time here, the students joined us in heritage walks, observations, and reflective discussions that connected academic study with real-life heritage stewardship. By experiencing Chivas (stone stupas) and Hitis (stone spouts) within the city’s daily rhythm, they witnessed how these ancient structures—blending religious, historical, and practical functions—continue to serve communities today. From courtyards and public squares to narrow alleys, Chivas and Hitis revealed themselves not as relics of the past, but as active, vibrant spaces of faith, culture, and utility.

We were inspired by how deeply the students engaged with our mission to “attend the unattended heritage.” They observed firsthand that preservation is not about freezing monuments in time, but about maintaining authenticity while ensuring they remain functional as places of prayer, reflection, and community use. As we often say, conservation should be “as much as necessary, and as little as possible.” Seeing Chivas that are over 2,000 years old alongside newly built ones reinforced the idea of these monuments as truly “living heritage.”

The students also learned of the challenges: pollution, vandalism, and neglect threaten the continuity of these spaces. That is why CCO’s work—documenting, restoring, and promoting Chivas and Hitis—is so vital. Our efforts support not only the spiritual and cultural lives of communities but also provide access to essentials like clean water. We are grateful for the students’ collaboration in raising awareness and promoting our cause. Their visit reaffirmed that when young minds from around the world connect with Nepal’s heritage, they carry forward lessons of resilience, community, and stewardship that matter as much for the future as for the past.

CCO would like to thank the students for enthusiastically participating in the session, And special thanks to Dr Pasang Sherpa, professor at UBC for making this happen. 

This text has been borrowed from Matt Jones, University of British Columbia.

Date: July 28, 2025











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