25 Nov 2024
Empowering Students Through Heritage Education and Inclusive Cultural Experiences
Calicut: A unique heritage experience unfolded as the Archival and Research Project partnered with Sahapedia and InterGlobe Foundation to organize an Anubhuti program under the My City My Heritage project. Held on November 24 at the Pre-Matric Hostel in Kozhikode, the event brought together over 80 students and was conducted on the sidelines of the World Heritage Week celebration at the museum.
The day began with a guided tour of the Pazhassiraja Archaeology Museum and the Krishna Menon Museum and Art Gallery. Formerly the bungalow of British Collectors, this historic site served as the administrative hub of the Malabar district during the Madras province era. The students explored the museum's rich exhibits and learned about the cultural and historical significance of the premises.
Anubhuti, a flagship initiative by Sahapedia, focuses on making culture and heritage accessible to persons with disabilities and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The program fosters art-integrated learning, ensuring participants can engage with and enjoy heritage in ways that align with their learning needs and aspirations.
The students’ journey continued with an interactive session featuring a folklore practitioner Mr Ganeshan, who specialises in crafting with coconut fronds. This immersive activity provided insights into traditional crafts, allowing the children to connect with Kerala's cultural roots through hands-on learning.
The My City My Heritage project aims to inspire children and youth to engage actively in the promotion, protection, and transmission of heritage. By making heritage relevant and meaningful to participants' learning paths, the project cultivates a deeper connection with India's rich cultural legacy.
The collaboration between the Archival and Research Project, Sahapedia, and InterGlobe Foundation highlights the transformative potential of heritage initiatives. By creating inclusive cultural experiences, this event ensured that heritage remains a vibrant and integral part of their educational journey.