New Delhi, Dec. 28:
Al Sharq Youth India Hub organized a heritage walk on Monday onwards. This heritage walk was an interesting way to understand and experience the essence of Old Delhi’s life, which is immersed in a rich cultural tapestry.
Al Sharq Youth India Hub is an extension of Al Sharq Forum, an independent, international non-profit organization that aims to consolidate the values of pluralism and justice while developing long-term strategies and programs that contribute to political development, economic prosperity, and social cohesion in the world.
Zahid Afzal of Al Sharq Youth India Hub said heritage walks provide a tangible connection to a country’s rich history and diverse culture. He added that such educational experiences offer an understanding of recognizing cultural heritage as a valuable resource, which can encourage youth to explore career paths in fields such as archaeology, history, conservation, anthropology, etc.
Altogether, 15 youth embarked on the journey to explore the heritage sites of Old Delhi, which contributed to a stronger sense of identity. The group covered 20 heritage sites in old Delhi, which was formerly known as Shahjahanabad. It first visited the abandoned havelis of Gali Khazanchi. Through the Paranthe Vali Gali, the group explored Kinari Bazar.
The next stop was the Naughara, which is occupied by nine houses that were owned by the top nine elite families at the time of the Mughal Empire. One of these houses is potentially a visiting spot for history lovers, as there are countless antique artifacts on display, including the original round pair of spectacles of Mahatma Gandhi. The owner of this house was one of the great freedom fighters of India and also a very close friend of Mahatma Gandhi.
With the visit to Ghalib ki Haveli and Ballimaran, the heritage adventure ended with the kullad of Nagori Chai.
Safia, the core team member, said, “The heritage walk organized by Al Sharq Youth Hub India was a wholesome experience for me. For someone who is extremely interested in Mughal history and the things they used in their daily lives, this walk in unexplored lanes of Chandni Chowk was a delightful experience.”
Khatiba Jamal, a class tenth student, said, “We learned a lot from the heritage walk. This was all interesting and we had lots of fun.”
Sumbul Atique, a resident of Old Delhi and a core team member of Al Sharq Youth India Hub guided the group through the walk.