Researchers archaeologists & journalists were present in numbers at the site in Pakistan. But are discussions what the 4000-year-old site needs?
Mohenjodaro, Pakistan - For three days last week, Mohenjodaro - which means mound of the dead - seemed full of life. There was electricity, internet, staff were in action and, most importantly, there were visitors.
Based in Pakistan's Sindh province, Mohenjodaro is an archaeological site dating back to 2,500BCE.
I visited the site last May, when temperatures exceeded the 50 degrees Celsius mark. Walking around the site last year, a feeling of emptiness and neglect had surfaced quickly. Talking to the officials stationed at Mohenjodaro and providing the guided tour, the feelings turned into facts.
Falling tourism numbers, funding issues and lack of interest by the government meant that Mohenjodaro was crumbling - in its existence and also in the minds.
But last year, there was a change at the helm of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities. Funds were released, as researchers, archaeologists, politicians and journalists were called to the three-day International Conference on Mohenjodaro and the Indus Valley Civilization.
The site became lively. More than 1,000 people walked through the dates daily. A heavy security presence patrolled the area. Even the province's chief minister graced the occasion, promising more funds.
Visitors walked through the ruins, researchers presented their papers, power supply remained uninterrupted and local craftsmen had an audience to whom they could present their work. The event was well-organised and carried out without a glitch.
However, the sudden burst of interest and adoration for Mohenjodaro was a temporary sight, according to locals, and will be forgotten as soon as the ministers and researchers pack their bags.
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