JOIN USKarnataka Christian Educational Society (KACES) is all set to open a heritage centre which will exhibit the rich indigenous culture of Mangalore.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, KACES Secretary Rev Dr Hannibal Cabral said that Mangalore was brought into limelight in the 19th century by the missionaries from Basel.
The missionaries brought in printing technology, started industries and tile factories making ‘Mangalore tiles,’ a globally famous brand. They contributed immensely to Kannada literature and documented the rich culture of the region through journals and photographs.
Though the documentations are safely stored in the Karnataka Theological College (KTC) Archive library for research purpose, the items are not kept on public display.
The new heritage centre will act as a museum, giving a slice of the bygone era to its visitors.
“The letter press which has printed several books and journals in the 19th century is presently kept under sheets as it is of no use. We are planning to polish the machines and keep it for display. We shall also keep some of the first tiles manufactured at the Basel Mission tile factories on display,” says Cabral.
“We have started collecting other items for the heritage centre. An old binoculars used by the missionaries, a cradle, a map-globe which has places written in Malayalam, some of the old printing blocks, old photographs and many other antiques will be kept on display,” he says.
“People can also donate their personal collections to the heritage centre. These items along with the donors name will be displayed,” he says.
The proposed centre will come up in the Press building in KACES campus and Rs 2 lakhs has been allotted for the purpose. There are plans to formally open the heritage centre at the inauguration of ‘Saamarasya 2013,’ an annual cultural fiesta organised by KACES.