Having a deep insight into a city and its heritage helps you widen your knowledge and pass on the understanding of it to the present and upcoming generation. And in Bengaluru, a group of volunteers trained by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage are incorporating the stories behind the local history of the city in children.

The kids first learn about the history and heritage of the city through six weeks of activities in class and then they are taken to field trips to get a better understanding. The volunteers spend an hour every week with class 7 and 8 students.

In a conversation with Deccan Herald about the indoor and outdoor activities, a volunteer, Pallavi Murthy who is also an architect said: “In class, we try to tell the people’s history through games, activities like comparing the old map of Pete area with new ones etc. On the field, there are several places, from Begur inscription to the Tipu Palace, that stand as evidence for stories beyond the dynasties.”

The convener of the NGO’s Bengaluru chapter, Meera Iyer told the portal that the idea of taking the city’s heritage to schools came into action when she got in touch with two non-profits, Mantra and Makkala Jagruti. The plan is to include eight schools and they have already commenced the classes in four schools.

Engaging youth in history can urge them to safeguard the heritage and preserve it for the future. The volunteers at INTACH are doing a wonderful job and we hope such initiatives are taken in each and every city.