Mangalore: CIL, NSS Members Undertake Heritage Walk in City
Pics: Prajwal Ukkuda
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RS/CN)

Mangalore, Apr 19: Students from the Centre for Integrated Learning (CIL) walked along the main streets of the city holding placards that read ‘Save Heritage’ on Saturday April 18, the eve of World Heritage Day.

Students of CIL and NSS volunteers of the Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy, observed World Heritage Day in a befitting manner by organizing a unique ‘heritage walk’ through the busy Hampankatta area from St Aloysius Chapel to the deputy commissioner’s (DC) office.

The event was organized by CIL in association with Lions Club Mangalore, in an effort to create awareness among the general public and student populace in particular, on the significance of heritage monuments in the city.

Speaking of the significance of the event at the assembly at St Aloysius Chapel, Prof Surendra Rao, former chairman, department of history, Mangalore University, categorically stated that it was not just the onus of history students to save our heritage, but the responsibility of every citizen.

Pointing out the importance and priority accorded by the administration and the people in the west, especially the Europeans, in preserving their monuments that date back even to medieval times Rao lamented the habit of Indians to consciously vandalize our historic master pieces.

“Heritage is beautiful and reflects the richness of the past and thus, it is the responsibility of everyone to recognize heritage structures so as to enable its conservation. Heritage sites can be refurbished or rehabilitated, but can never be replaced,’’ he cautioned.

A colourful and educative poster on ‘Mangalore Heritage’ was released on the occasion by Vitobh Bhandarkar, president, Lions Club Mangalore. The hallmark of the programme was that the show was totally managed by the high school students from different schools in the city who are members of CIL.

While Raghutej Marla of Lourdes Central School compered the programme, Susham Shetty and Thushar Sangam from Lourdes welcomed the gathering and talked about CIL, respectively. Satvik Krishna of Canara High School introduced the speaker and Ruth D’Silva from St Theresa proposed the vote of thanks.

The participants then walked from the chapel through the heritage corridor covering District Court, St Aloysius College, Light House at the Tagore Park, Milagres Church, District Wenlock Hospital, Lady Goshen Hospital, Government College (University College), Hamilton Circle, and culminating at the DC office.

The students met DC V Ponnuraj and presented the Mangalore Heritage poster after an informal interaction at his office.