InterGlobe Foundation, the philanthropic arm of InterGlobe Enterprises, and IndiGoReach, the CSR arm of IndiGo, in collaboration with Sahapedia, organised an enriching Heritage Walk under the ‘My City, My Heritage’ campaign. The specially curated walk was held in Kozhikode, Kerala, and explored the rich history and cultural legacy of the Zamorin era.
The ‘My City, My Heritage’ campaign promotes awareness of India’s heritage and culture, fostering conversations and partnerships to preserve both tangible and intangible heritage. It acts as a catalyst for the local citizens of these cities and towns to learn more about the rich history and culture that engulfs their surroundings. Similar walks have been held previously in Prayagraj, Bhubaneswar, Shillong, Nashik, and Hyderabad.
The walk, themed “Zamorin’s Trail: Exploring Kozhikode’s Glorious Heritage,” offered participants a unique opportunity to delve into the city’s vibrant past. It commenced in the morning from the Tali Shiva Temple and concluded at the 1980s restaurant, passing through significant heritage landmarks, including Palayam, SM Street (Mittai Theruvu), Kuttichira’s historic mosques, Gujarati Street, the Big Bazaar Market, and more. The journey truly highlighted the city’s rich legacy of cosmopolitanism, religious harmony, governance, literature, and scholarship. Led by Sruthin Lal, a culture and heritage practitioner, the walk was attended by members of the local community, government officials, media, and senior leadership of IndiGo and the InterGlobe Foundation.
Speaking on the occasion, Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson, InterGlobe Foundation, said, “We are thrilled to showcase the naturally beautiful and culturally rich city of Kozhikode through the ‘My City, My Heritage’ campaign. Building on our previous Heritage Walks, this initiative reinforces our ongoing efforts and commitment to preserve and promote India’s built and natural heritage. Kozhikode’s enduring cultural significance, shaped by centuries of history and diverse influences, offers a fascinating glimpse into India’s rich heritage, and we are delighted to share this experience with the community.”
Speaking at the occasion, Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “Kozhikode, a prominent tourist destination, is distinguished by its rich cultural heritage. This sixth Heritage Walk underscores IndiGo’s commitment to celebrating and preserving the historical legacy of the Zamorin era. IndiGo’s extensive network connects Kozhikode to 6 domestic and 4 international destinations, enhancing global accessibility to this culturally significant region. As India’s leading airline, we remain dedicated to promoting tourism and showcasing Kozhikode’s unique history, further solidifying our commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and community engagement by connecting people, places, and culture.”
InterGlobe Foundation, in partnership with Sahapedia, launched the ‘My City, My Heritage’ project in 2019, dedicated to reviving and celebrating the rich 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 rich heritage of Srinagar, Kozhikode, Lucknow, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), aiming to create an immersive experience for a diverse audience.
Both the InterGlobe Foundation and IndiGoReach have undertaken various projects to promote heritage conservation and preservation in India. Some of the major initiatives of the 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 the Indra Kund stepwell in Delwara, tile restoration of Qutb Shah’s Mausoleum, and Heritage Fellowships. IndiGoReach has done projects for the conservation of Qutub Shah’s Mausoleum at the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park in Hyderabad and the restoration of the interiors of the Lal Bagh Palace in Indore.