NEW DELHI (India CSR): InterGlobe Foundation, the philanthropic arm of InterGlobe Enterprises, and IndiGoReach, the CSR arm of IndiGo, in collaboration with Sahapedia, organised an enriching and immersive Heritage Walk in Lucknow under the ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign. This specially curated walk was designed to celebrate and promote the rich cultural heritage of Lucknow, showcasing the city’s deep history and expansive architecture.
Raising Awareness About India’s Cultural Legacy
The ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign raises awareness about India’s cultural and historical legacy. It creates awareness and encourages dialogue and collaboration to preserve and protect the city’s tangible and intangible heritage, thus empowering local residents to rediscover the history and culture that surrounds their city. This initiative has already organized similar heritage walks in several cities, including Prayagraj, Bhubaneswar, Shillong, Nashik, Hyderabad, and most recently, Kozhikode.
Exploring Lucknow’s Rich History and Architecture
The walk titled “Awadhi Begum, Nawab aur British” showcased Lucknow’s exciting history and explored the dynamic fusion of Mughal and Awadhi traditions that define its cultural heritage. The walk commenced at Begum Hazrat Mahal Park and concluded at Amir-ud-Daulah Park, passing through landmarks such as Sher Darwaza, Saadat Ali Khan Maqbara, Sapper’s Tomb, Butler Park, and more. The route explored the city’s cultural blend, as evident in its architecture, music, and cuisine. Led by conservation architect Nishant Upadhyay, the event was attended by members of the local community, government officials, media, and senior leadership of InterGlobe Foundation and IndiGo.
Rohini Bhatia on Connecting People with Lucknow’s Heritage
Speaking on the occasion, Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson, InterGlobe Foundation, said, “We are delighted to bring the Heritage Walk experience to the radiant city of Lucknow, where tradition blends perfectly with contemporary India. By exploring the historical landmarks and hidden gems of Lucknow, we hope to connect people with the city’s vibrant past and inspire them to become active stewards of its cultural legacy for generations to come. This initiative builds on our commitment to showcasing India’s heritage and fostering a deeper appreciation of our shared history and traditions.”
Pieter Elbers on Celebrating India’s Cultural Diversity
Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “Lucknow is a treasure trove of India’s cultural heritage, showcasing a mesmerizing fusion of traditional elegance and modern charm. The 7th city to join our ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign, Lucknow’s rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking architecture is alluring. This heritage walk celebrates the city’s glorious past, connecting visitors to the people, places, and stories that have shaped its identity. At IndiGo, we believe that travel has the power to bring people closer and foster a deeper understanding of cultures. Through our ‘My City My Heritage’ initiative, we aim to celebrate India’s rich diversity, one city at a time, while helping people to travel to destinations such as Lucknow and enabling them to experience the beauty of India.”
Reviving and Celebrating India’s Urban Heritage
InterGlobe Foundation, in partnership with Sahapedia, launched the ‘My City My Heritage’ project in 2019, dedicated to reviving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Indian cities. This initiative transcends traditional preservation efforts by actively engaging with local communities to explore, document, and share the diverse heritage assets that shape urban identities. After initially covering ten cities across India, the program has expanded to explore the cultural legacy of Srinagar, Kozhikode, Lucknow, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), aiming to create an immersive experience for a diverse audience.
Heritage Conservation Initiatives by InterGlobe Foundation and IndiGoReach
Both the InterGlobe Foundation and IndiGoReach have undertaken various projects to promote heritage conservation and preservation in India. Some of the major initiatives of InterGlobe Foundation include the conservation and cultural revival of Abdur Rahim Khan-I-Khanan’s mausoleum in Delhi, the cultural mapping and documentation of ten cities, the restoration of ‘Indra Kund’ stepwell in Delwara, the tile restoration of Qutb Shah’s Mausoleum, and Heritage Fellowships. IndiGoReach has done projects for the conservation of Qutb Shah’s Mausoleum at the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park in Hyderabad and the restoration of the interiors of the Lal Bagh Palace in Indore.
(India CSR)
