Port Blair, Apr 19: On the occasion of World Heritage Day, the first of its kind heritage walk marked the commencement of day long befitting programmes organized by the Department of Art & Culture in collaboration with INTACH, Andaman Chapter.
The Heritage Walk began from the historic Andaman Club where Mrs. Ankita Mishra Bundela, Secretary (Art & Culture) flagged off the walk as chief guest. While expressing her pleasure over the turnout, she said that that it’s a welcome step in conservation of heritage and many more such heritage Walks shall be made popular in future which would not only give a tremendous boost to heritage tourism but also create awareness amongst students, tourists and the masses.
Dr. Francis Xavier, Principal, JNRM gave the first insight on the Andaman Club explaining its historical significance while a brief visit inside the Andaman Club, brought to light the intricate carvings done on the wooden panels. Dr. Xavier emphasized the urgent need of conservation of the tangible heritage that the Andaman Club beholds. The Director Tourism, Dr. Vishwa Kannan, and Convener INTACH, Ms. Samhita Veda Acharya were also present on the occasion.
Mr. Mukeshwar Lal, an eminent archival collector gave several facts on the history of Andamans, right from the Battle of Aberdeen to the hosting of the tricolor by Netaji at the Gymkhana Club .The walk was via the Supply line, touching elements of amalgamation of cultures, like the Police Masjid, Police Gurudwara and Police Mandir, Dr. Rashida Iqbal, Assistant Director (Art & Culture) explained how the 23rd Regiment of Madras Native Infantry was granted the permission to build religious centers at close quarters.
Further, the walkers were taken to the Development Commissioner Bungalow which remained the residence of M.V. Portman for nearly 15 years before being transferred to Viper Island. Further, everyone was shown the War Memorial or Clock Tower which the islanders refer to as Ghanta Ghar .The walk culminated at the Netaji Club Ground where Mr. Lal narrated the story of Zulfekar Ali, (Sunny) who was the first victim of the Japanese Occupation. The walk ended with the beautiful note of Dr. R. Devdas, Director (Art & Culture) who mentioned about the composite culture of the islands which evolved through different phases of the history.
