Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 7: A World War II-themed heritage walk held in Sri Vijaya Puram on October 3 brought participants through several historically significant sites as the Department of Art & Culture sought to strengthen awareness of the islands’ historical and cultural heritage.
The Heritage Walk, titled “World War-II”, was organised by the Department of Art & Culture and led by local historian Pronob Kumar Sircar. The walk began at the National Memorial Cellular Jail and concluded at Gandhi Park’s Shinto Shrine, covering several important heritage landmarks along the route.
The programme drew participation from students and teachers, along with freelance tourist guides, members of the public and representatives of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) and Andaman Nicobar Tour Operators Association (ANTOA).
The participation brought together people from different sections of the community to trace sites associated with the islands’ historical legacy. The Department of Art & Culture said the initiative formed part of efforts to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands while promoting heritage-based tourism.
The walk offered participants an opportunity to engage directly with heritage locations along the route rather than limiting the programme to a conventional indoor awareness session. The route connected the National Memorial Cellular Jail with Gandhi Park’s Shinto Shrine through other important heritage landmarks.
The department said the involvement of students, teachers, guides, members of the public and tourism-sector representatives reflected a shared interest in preserving and promoting the islands’ cultural heritage.
The October 3 programme was centred on the World War II theme and used the heritage sites along the route as the setting for the walk. The event concluded at the Shinto Shrine in Gandhi Park after participants traversed the identified heritage landmarks.
The Department of Art & Culture organised the programme as part of its heritage-focused activities, combining historical site visits with public participation in an effort to maintain engagement with the islands’ cultural legacy.
