A heritage walk focusing on World War II–era landmarks in Sri Vijaya Puram was organised on March 14 by the Department of Art & Culture of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration in collaboration with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Andaman and Nicobar Islands Chapter, drawing participation from tourism students and representatives of local tour operators.
The early morning programme brought together BBA students from Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM) along with office bearers from the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) and the Andaman Nicobar Tour Operators Association (ANTOA). The initiative aimed to familiarise participants with the historical and cultural legacy of the islands through direct engagement with sites connected to the region’s wartime past.
The walk began at the National Memorial Cellular Jail, one of the most significant historical landmarks in the islands, before moving through several locations in and around Sri Vijaya Puram associated with events during World War II. Participants were introduced to the historical background, architectural characteristics and narratives linked to these sites, providing context about the period when the islands witnessed strategic military activity during the war.
Organisers designed the programme to create an immersive learning experience, particularly for students pursuing tourism-related studies and individuals associated with the travel sector. By visiting historically important locations on foot, participants gained first-hand exposure to places that continue to shape the collective memory and heritage of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
During the programme, INTACH convenor Samhita Veda Acharya addressed the participants and emphasised the importance of heritage walks as a means of connecting younger generations with the historical experiences of the islands. She highlighted the role of such initiatives in strengthening awareness about cultural heritage while encouraging people to explore and document the stories embedded in local landmarks.
According to the organisers, the programme also served as an educational platform for tourism students and local guides, enabling them to expand their understanding of the islands’ historical landscape. By strengthening historical awareness among tourism stakeholders, the initiative sought to contribute to responsible cultural tourism while ensuring that important historical sites remain part of public discourse.
The heritage walk forms part of a broader series of initiatives aimed at promoting awareness about the islands’ historical sites and encouraging both residents and visitors to engage with their cultural significance. Officials involved in the programme said similar activities are being planned to further highlight the unique historical layers that define Sri Vijaya Puram and surrounding areas.
As part of the ongoing series, the Department of Art & Culture will organise another heritage walk titled Kalapani Trail on April 4. The event is expected to focus on locations associated with the colonial-era penal settlement history of the islands.
Interested individuals and groups who wish to participate in the upcoming heritage walk can contact the Librarian of the Department of Art & Culture through the phone number 9476037145 or via email at artand.culture@and.nic.in for further details.
