In a first of its kind effort to link the new generation kids with Ahmedabad’s rich past, heritage conservation organizations have come forward with a fresh concept of educational heritage walk for kids.
The concept of walk, which is developed by Raheel Patel of Vaarso Foundation, has been considered “a significant development” by World Unesco, Cultural Unit in New Delhi. The three types of routes have been developed targeting various age groups and the common starting point for these three educational walks Jethabhai Sheth ni haveli, about 350 year old structure in Dhobi ni pol.
Raheel Patel, brain behind these walks, says, “We have designed the kid’s heritage walk to educate our next generation. We aim to create opportunity for the new generation to revisit our age old monumental heritage and get an experience of fabric of pols and its community culture.”
Three special routes covering one to one and half km distance in surroundings of Dhobi ni pol are designed for various age groups, route A is for age 6 to 12, route B for age13 to 17, route C for 18 and above. All walks will start after showcasing a film. “With sponsorship of Foundation of Public Interest, we have designed a 14-minute animation educational film talking about the city’s history. Beginning with “jab kutte pe sassa aya” — a myth associated with city’s inception, the storyline of contains the rich and fading culture of the pols, its unique architecture and lifestyleand uses the bhavai form to portrays the city’s history.”
The children will also see vintage wooden toys and craft collection, museum of miniature kites along with the old havelis and pols. “The walks would be given free of cost for municipal school kids; while the students of private schools can avail it with nominal token charges,” said Patel.
