Susheela Nair
Cochin
HERITAGE at its monumental best is what the visitor is privy to in Kerala, God’s Own Country. Head for Fort Kochi. Stroll down its winding streets to discover the old-world magic of this erstwhile trading colony where Chinese fishing nets still haul a good catch and shops flaunt antiques on Jewish Street. The bungalows, centuries old, are a tribute to the rich culture of the area – a medley of portuguese, Dutch, Keralite and even Chinese influences. Their foundations are redolent of ancient history. One such heritage home is Koder House.
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Civil Society News
Agra
MICROSOFT unveiled its all new Windows Vista and Office 2007 logos in front of India’s most iconic image, the ethereal Taj Mahal. The highlight of the ceremony was a riveting dance performance by 50 street children, dressed in the signature blue, green and yellow olours of Windows Vista & Office 2007. Trained by Ashley Lobo and his troupe, the children were from Childhood Enhancement through raining and Action (CHETNA). The Taj was a perfect locale- misty morning, children dancing in vivid colours and a lovely marble monument behind. It looked like a perfect mélange of history, romance and futuristic technology.
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Jauymini Barkataky
Delhi
ONE morning I joined a heritage walk through the streets of Old Delhi’s Walled City. The walk was organised by Katha and Intach. The idea was to explore the Chandi Chowk of the 1920s, lucidly described in Krishna Sobti’s novel, ‘The Heart has its Reasons.’ The book is about disparities in the lives of the rich and poor during that period. So at 8:30 am I found myself trudging through the haunts of a forgotten era. The walk took us to places of historical interest mentioned in Sobti’s book. The Walled City used to be called Shahjahanabad or the city of emperors a long time ago. As I took each step I felt I was reliving history.