The Government High School, Nayapalli, is the first Odia medium school in Bhubaneswar to get a Heritage Club for its students.
The INTACH, Bhubaneswar Chapter, conducted an orientation programme in the school on Saturday. Around 120 students participated in the programme and 32 of them were enrolled as members of the Heritage Club.
An Odia version of the booklet on INTACH, which was translated by Binod Chandra Padhi, was released by the school headmaster. A video film on the Rameshwar Temple in Bhubaneswar, produced and directed by INTACH member Jayant Kumar Dash, was also projected to bring about awareness among students about heritage.
The INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) has been active in heritage conservation since its formation in 1984. Its Bhubaneswar Chapter convenor H Balakrishnan informed that this year the chapter plans to form five such Heritage Clubs in Bhubaneswar to sensitise children on the importance of conservation of heritage of Odisha, which is a treasure-trove of artefacts and monuments.
The chapter’s plans include visits to temples and heritage sites by students, explaining the significance of these structures and maintaining cleanliness and sanctity of the rich heritage sites, which largely lie neglected.
Binod Padhi exhorted students to gently protest and try to prevent graffiti in heritage sites like the Khandagiri caves whenever they come across such incidents during their visits.
Balakrishnan said INTACH member Avanish Nayak would conduct a “Temple Quest” competition among students through photographs and subtle clues. This would inspire the Heritage Club members to find out more about these temples on their own during the Puja holidays. Prizes would be awarded to those who score best.
Chapter advisor SKB Narayan advised the students on how to participate meaningfully in activities of the Heritage Club. Co-convenor PC Dhir proposed a vote of thanks.