TravTalk India Online Magazine
IndiGoReach, the CSR arm of IndiGo, and the InterGlobe Foundation recently hosted an immersive ‘My City My Heritage’ walk in Puducherry to highlight the city’s distinctive French and Tamil architectural and cultural legacy. Held at the iconic Notre-Dame-des-Anges Church, the curated walk explored historic quarters, religious landmarks, and traditional marketplaces, offering participants deeper insights into Puducherry’s multicultural heritage landscape.
The curated heritage walk took place at the iconic Notre-Dame-des-Anges Church.
Participants journeyed through historic churches, temples, and vibrant marketplaces, gaining profound insights into Puducherry’s heritage, architectural diversity, and everyday life.
The walk was expertly led by Ashok Panda, Heritage Coordinator and Project Manager at INTACH Pondicherry, a veteran with over 15 years of experience in heritage conservation and urban restoration. Joining him was Puviarasan, Founder of Outdoor Being, a conservationist and experiential educator and a recipient of the Jane Goodall Templeton Prize for India, 2024. Together, they brought Puducherry’s fascinating stories to life.
‘My City My Heritage’ is an ongoing campaign, launched by InterGlobe Foundation in collaboration with Sahapedia, dedicated to raising awareness about India’s diverse cultural and historical legacy. Through engaging conversations and meaningful partnerships, the initiative aims to preserve and promote both tangible and intangible heritage, encouraging citizens to rediscover, connect with, and take pride in the stories that shape their communities. As part of the campaign, IndiGoReach and InterGlobe Foundation had previously conducted successful heritage walks across nine cities — Prayagraj, Bhubaneswar, Shillong, Nashik, Hyderabad, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Ahmedabad, each offering a unique, immersive experience. These walks not only celebrate the distinct cultural fabric of each region but also foster a deeper sense of belonging and appreciation for India’s diverse heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson, InterGlobe Foundation, said, “Our ‘My City My Heritage’ walk in Puducherry offered a unique opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in the city’s distinct blend of French and Tamil cultures. By exploring its historic quarters, we aimed to foster a deeper appreciation for Puducherry’s rich, layered heritage and promote responsible tourism that celebrates its architectural diversity and vibrant local life.”
Both 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.
