Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 05: With a view to promote heritage awareness amongst tourists, tour operators, hoteliers, college students and other stakeholders, the Directorate of Art and Culture, A&N Administration, in association with INTACH Andaman & Nicobar Chapter conducted a Heritage Walk today on World War-II trail. The Heritage Walks across the city was a step toward rekindling public awareness of the Islands’ rich and layered history.
A diverse group of citizens, students from BBA (Tourism), JNRM, tourism stakeholders, senior officers of the Administration, freelance guides and officers & staff of Art & Culture Department led by Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS Secretary (Art & Culture), came together to walk through time, tracing the footsteps of the island’s storied past.
The Secretary, Art and Culture also participated in the heritage walk. Expressing her views on the occasion, she highlighted the need for institutionalization of heritage walks in these Islands and urged the stakeholders to promote it amongst visiting tourists and others interested in knowing the history of these islands. She further reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to continue such heritage initiatives so that the heritage of the A&N Islands reaches a wider audience.
The legacy trail commenced from the National Memorial Cellular Jail, that eternal symbol of India’s struggle for freedom. From there, the group proceeded to the Japanese Bunker, the Battle of Aberdeen Memorial, and the historic Andaman Club, before making their way to the Clock Tower, Farzand Ali Market, Netaji Club and Zulfikar Ali’s Memorial.
The President AATO, Mr. M. Vinod, President ANTOA, Mr. Simson, President, Hoteliers’ Association of A&N Islands, Mr. Divakar Murthy and other stakeholders participated in this walk.
INTACH convenor from ANI, Ms Samhita Veda Acharya addressed the participants, highlighting the cultural and educational importance of such walks in connecting the present generation with the memories of the past. Historian Dr. Pronob Kumar Sircar offered detailed insights and shared rare, fascinating anecdotes about each site.
Passing through different historical sites & spots, the walk culminated at Netaji Club ground where AATO member, Mr. Saikat Biswas proposed the vote of thanks.
