Heritage walk programmes for the sustainable development of Heritage resources

From 2008, DHAN (Development of Humane Action) Foundation has been organizing Heritage Walk programmes through its Centre for Development Heritage and Tourism to promote heritage literacy among the public in various parts of Tamil Nadu. The heritage-walk programmes create awareness among the host communities and help them to understand the historical and archaeological importance of their villages.

The heritage-walk programmes, which are arranged at different historical sites, the historical importance and archaeological significance are presented to the public by eminent historians and archaeologists by offering simple lectures, explanations, demonstration, stories, answering queries and documentation including brochures on heritage and history. The response of local community is very encouraging, due to the simplified presentation of historical information from the inscriptions and the social context and stories associated with the temples and sculptures; and they finally have begun to understand the heritage value of the neighbourhood. They have become aware that they have to preserve their heritage and contribute to the maintenance of the temples and environment of the villages. Collaborative action and Contribution of Heritage Development in Little known Historical Important locations of Tamilnadu is happening with the collaboration with INTACH , Taminadu Tourism , Travel Club Madurai, Local Panchayat and with major collaboration of People Institutions of DHAN Collective Development works to make it a sustainable Development . So for DHAN Foundation organize more than 300+ Heritage walk in 210 little known Heritage sites in various Districts of Tamilnadu Madurai, Thanjavur, Thirunelveli, Sivagangai, Kanchipuram, Thiruvallur,Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram districts. This initiative is on going with the Technical Support of Dr,G.Sethuraman the Art Historian and Dr.V.Vedachalam ,Archaeologist.