Donning the role of heritage protectors, nearly 60 schoolchildren picked up broomsticks and dustbins to clean up Mughal architecture Sheesh Mahal located at Shalimar Bagh in North-West Delhi area. As a part of its 'Adopt a Heritage' programme, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) roped in Rukmani Devi Public School (RDPS) to send its kids to clean Sheesh Mahal every month.
Following the request, students of Rukmani Devi Public School made a symbolic contribution to the conservation of the ASI protected monument.The students not just cleaned up the monument with brooms, but also planted trees. Accompanied by their teachers and Principal, the students pledged to do their bit in protecting the monument from encroachments, scribbling and littering.
The drive, under the umbrella of ASI, enlightened the kids about the historic and cultural importance of the monument through the cleaning campaign and planting of trees. The children spent four hours cleaning the monument with a feeling of contentment.Besides this, the schoolchildren performed a street play to convey the message of preserving the rich heritage and took oath of looking after the monuments in the Capital.
"I will not scribble, deface or encroach upon any monument. I will respect the monuments and heritage like my parents and teachers. I will render all possible help to conserve and preserve our heritage," voiced the students while taking the pledge."We need to preserve the architectural relics of bygone times and it is absolutely imperative to mobilise awareness among students about the enduring tapestry of our built heritage," said Anita Garg, the Principal of RDPS.
The drive was carried out in the presence of ASI officials from the Delhi Circle who explained the students about the significance and the need to nurture the monument which was renowned for its beauty established by Emperor Shahajahan in 1658 as a resting lodge.
The ASI initiated 'Adopt a Heritage' in a bid to create awareness among the youth by roping in schools and colleges to mobilise students to promote heritage preservation. Vasant Kumar Swarnkar, Superintending Archaeologist, Delhi circle, ASI said, "We want as many students as possible to come forward and volunteer to serve the rich heritage. Students participate in cultural awareness, cleanliness of monuments and pledge to protect and preserve the monument as their own property. This is a significant exercise as the youth can positively promote awareness regarding heritage conservation in the long run."