New Delhi: Students in Delhi govt’s CM Shri schools will soon get an opportunity to explore the capital’s history beyond textbooks through heritage walks, oral history projects, documentary-making and visits to historical sites.Chief minister Rekha Gupta Friday launched Heritage Clubs in 75 CM Shri schools as part of a Delhi govt initiative to introduce students to the city’s historical, architectural and cultural legacy and encourage its conservation.“The Heritage Clubs would help students connect directly with Delhi’s rich heritage and experience it first-hand rather than merely reading about it in books,” said CM Gupta.The initiative, to be implemented by Department of Art, Culture and Language in collaboration with Delhi Archives, will include year-round activities such as heritage walks, visits to museums, archives and libraries, heritage quizzes, poster and painting competitions, exhibitions and the preparation of replicas of historical monuments.Students will also undertake local history projects, document oral histories and traditions through interactions with senior citizens and create short films and documentaries on Delhi’s heritage. Heritage Days and Heritage Festivals will also be organised, while students will be introduced to traditional arts and crafts.Gupta said the programme would help children better understand their surroundings, roots and identity. Delhi’s heritage offers children an opportunity to understand not just their city but also their roots and identity, and adding that several aspects of the city’s history had not adequately reached younger generations and the heritage clubs could help bridge that gap, she added.Education minister Ashish Sood said it was important to familiarise students with Delhi’s history, the freedom struggle, its leaders and the city’s art, culture and traditions.CM Shri schools are Delhi govt’s model schools focused on quality education, modern infrastructure and holistic student development. The capital currently has 75 such schools.
