INTACH engaging teachers in a push to integrate heritage education in schools

Around 50 school teachers from Amritsar walked the withered, narrow lanes of history inside walled city as they learnt in detail about the centuries-old heritage imprints. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Amritsar Chapter, under the aegis of INTACH Punjab organised a heritage walk, offering participants, read school teachers, a deep dive into the city’s rich cultural and historical tapestry. Held free of cost, the event aimed at engaging educators in a push to integrating heritage education in schools, underscoring the community’s commitment to preserving Amritsar’s heritage.

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The walk commenced at the Partition Museum, Town Hall, a century-old building, where INTACH Amritsar Convener Gagandeep Singh Virk led the group in pledging to safeguard the city’s invaluable heritage. Emphasising collaboration, he encouraged all participants to work together as partners in this noble cause. The heritage tour was guided by Gurvinder Johal, who showcased the architectural and cultural gems of Amritsar’s historic areas, captivating attendees with stories of the city’s past.

“The walled city has several structures, buildings, havelis that open as a portal to the past, but need community protection from urbanisation and decay. Heritage walks must be carried out frequently, engaging community members into safeguarding these remnants of our past,” said Johal.

Surinder Kochhar, author and historian, addressed the tour, his insights enriched the experience, offering participants a profound understanding of Amritsar’s historical significance.

Speaking about the initiative, Gagandeep Singh Virk explained that the primary objective of the walk was to familiarize school teachers with Amritsar’s cultural heritage, enabling them to impart this knowledge to their students. “Preserving our rich heritage requires creating awareness among the masses, and students are the most effective medium for this,” he said. “The walk aimed to inspire educators to integrate Amritsar’s history into their teaching, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility among the younger generation,” he added.

By blending education, history, and gastronomy, the walk was not only a journey through history but also a celebration of Amritsar’s culinary legacy. Participants were treated to a delightful breakfast of pooris at Mata Sri Longan Wali Temple, refreshing glass of Lassi, ending the feast with fresh, deep fried and candied, jalebis.