New Delhi, Sept. 18 -- The Delhi government on Friday launched Heritage Clubs in 75 CM Shri government schools to connect students with the Capital's history, culture, architecture and documentary heritage through practical, student-centric activities.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the initiative would enable students to move beyond textbooks and experience Delhi's heritage first-hand. "Merely studying history is not enough, it is important to connect children with their roots," she said.
She said students should understand the significance of historical buildings and sites around them and their connection with Delhi's history. "It is important for our children to know their roots and the history of their city," Gupta said.
The Heritage Clubs will be supported by the Department of Art, Culture and Language and the Delhi Archives. A range of activities will be organised throughout the year, including heritage walks, visits to historical sites, museums, archives and libraries, heritage quizzes, poster and painting competitions and exhibitions.
Students will also undertake local history projects, prepare replicas of historical monuments, make short documentaries and films on Delhi's culture and heritage, and document oral histories and local traditions through interactions with senior members of communities. Traditional art and crafts will also be introduced, while Heritage Days and Heritage Festivals will be organised.
Education Minister Ashish Sood said connecting the younger generation with Delhi's heritage was essential. "It is a key objective of the government to establish Delhi not only as the political capital of the country but also as its startup and cultural capital," he said.
He said students would be introduced to Delhi's history, the freedom struggle, its heroes and personalities, besides its art, culture and local traditions. Art, Culture and Language Minister Kapil Mishra said, "Delhi's history is not limited to Mehrauli and the Red Fort." He said the clubs would introduce government school students to the "real history, rich heritage and culture of Delhi".
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.