A 'walk' to peek into city's heritage buildings

K V Puttappa(known as Kuvempu) read the  first book of his life ‘Robinson Crusoe’ in 1922 at Central library, which is also documented in his book ‘Nenapina Dhoni.’

Many such interesting facts were revealed from the annals of history and exceptional architectures were remembered at ‘Heritage Walk’ in the palace city.

The ‘Heritage Walk’  in its eighth year was organised by the Department of Archeology, Museums and Heritage, here on Thursday as part of Dasara. The informative journey was flagged off at the ‘Balarama Gate’ the north gate of palace at 7 am by Medical education and district Incharge minister S A Ramdas.

Addressing the gathering Ramdas said “I am very happy that youngsters have participated in this walk. We need to conserve our ancient monuments which represent the glory of Mysore City,” identified as heritage city.

Resource persons such as journalist and historian Echanur Kumar, Archeology and Heritage department deputy director J V Gayathri, Mysore University Ancient History and Archeology department chairman, Prof N S Rangaraj informed about the heritage buildings speciality and characteristics.

Students of GSS College, Teresian College, Mahajana College and Manasa Gangothri were amazed by the information which they had thought were ordinary architectures. Some of the heritage buildings such as Rangacharlu Memorial Hall popularly known as Town Hall, Silver Jubilee Clock tower popular as Doddagadiyaara, Free Mansons Club, Chamarajendra Square, Amba Vilas Palace, Krishnaraja Circle, Devaraja Market, K R Hospital, MMC (Now MMC and RI), Ayurvedic Hospital, Chamarajendra Technical Institute (CAVA) were covered in the walk.The walkers were fortunate to watch the trial of ‘Jamboo savari’ with 14 elephants participating in the grand finale of Dasara, while passing near Cauvery Emporium. MCC commissioner M R Ravi also a student of history  was lauded by Heritage Committee for his support for the walk.  Speaking to Deccan Herald, Radhika Nair a student of Mysore University Ancient History and Archeology  said “I have roamed in these places but I didn’t know about their significance. Now this walk has kindled interest in me to dig more about heritage buildings.”

Mysore senior citizens enthusiastically participated in the walk and they called themselves as ‘ Senior Youth Club’ members.’ They cheered and shouted with joy all through the walk.  The participants were wearing t-shirts printed with Statue Square and surroundings provided by the sub-committee.

The ‘Heritage walk’ will be held on Friday too beginning from the same venue an d time.