Pune: The "Heritage Yatra 2025", a unique cultural heritage initiative jointly organized by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and MIT Art, Design and Technology University (MIT-ADT), witnessed an enthusiastic response from school students on its second day. The event, held at P. L. Deshpande Garden on Sinhagad Road, saw a vibrant gathering of students from various schools across Pune, who began visiting the specially curated Kalagram from early morning.
Students from MIT Vishwashanti Gurukul School in Loni Kalbhor, Sinhgad Spring Dale School, and Vishwakarma Junior College in Bibwewadi were among the first to arrive and explore the cultural exhibits. As the day progressed, the number of student visitors kept growing, reflecting the immense popularity of the event.
The initiative was officially inaugurated on Thursday by Prithviraj B.P., Additional Commissioner of PMC, and Prof. Dr. Mangesh T. Karad, Executive President of MIT-ADT University. The event was graced by notable dignitaries including Prof. Dr. Rajesh S., Vice Chancellor; Dr. Mahesh Chopade, Registrar; renowned singer Priyanka Barve; Dr. Ashwini Pethe, Principal, School of Architecture; Assistant Commissioners Namdev Bajbalkar (Sinhgad Ward), Rajesh Kadbane (Kondhwa Ward), and Govind Dangat (Shivajinagar Ward); Sunil Mohite (Heritage Department, PMC), Rohidas Gawhane (Superintending Engineer, PMC), Yuvraj Deshmukh (Chief Engineer, Projects), and Rajesh Kamthe (Administrative Head, Cultural Department).
Kalagram – A Walk Through Heritage Designed to replicate India’s cultural legacy, the Kalagram features stunning installations, including a magnificent replica of the Ayodhya Temple at the entrance, which is drawing immense admiration. Exhibits like natural woodcraft, pottery displays, and traditional Indian architectural knowledge systems offer a rich learning experience for all visitors.
‘Heritage Playland’ – A Crowd Favorite Among Kids One of the main attractions of the event is the ‘Heritage Playland’, a specially designed activity zone for children. This section includes heritage-based crossword puzzles, worksheets on Indian languages, capitals, UNESCO heritage sites, and monuments. Students actively participated in these challenges and were rewarded upon completion. A student from Sinhgad Spring Dale said, “Solving crosswords made us think deeply, and learning about heritage sites helped improve our general knowledge.”
Another highlight was the ‘Maha Mystery Puzzle’, a jigsaw puzzle activity based on the forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Games like ‘Around India’, ‘Dart and Discover’, and ‘Mystery Box Challenge’ also proved to be both fun and educational. Students from MIT Vishwashanti Gurukul shared, “The Mystery Box game was so exciting! With 10 levels of challenges, it was both fun and informative. We learned a lot about historic sites and monuments.”
Creative Workshops Draw Huge Participation Workshops on Warli painting and tie & dye art saw a tremendous response from students and citizens alike. Participants shared how these hands-on activities helped them understand the underlying concepts of the traditional arts. Students were visibly proud and delighted to see their own creative pieces come to life.
The “Heritage Yatra 2025” has not only served as a platform for entertainment and creativity but has also played a crucial role in connecting the younger generation with the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India.
