The Secunderabad Clock Tower, which lies in the heart of the city, became the focus of interest for more than 20 children recently.
The student volunteers of the Tourism, Heritage and Culture Club of Gitanjali Devashray, decided to adopt this ancient monument and spread awareness to the local citizens about it.
The Tourism, Heritage and Culture Club is an initiative that has been proposed by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department, with a view to promote greater awareness and understanding among the student community regarding our rich culture, heritage and tourist attractions.
“The clubs, which comprise student volunteers, can take on any activity which will promote our heritage, culture and tourism,” says Mr Jayesh Ranjan, Secretary of Tourism, Andhra Pradesh.
“The volunteers will be encouraged to adopt a monument, clean up the surroundings and suggest ways to improve the building and its surroundings.”
The children undertook a heritage walk till the Clock Tower, carrying banners and placards for general awareness. They were given a small brief about the monument by the coordinating teacher before they went around admiring it themselves.
After this they all drew and coloured their sketches of the Clock Tower, writing their own slogan based on the monument and the history about it.
On their way back to school, they handed over pamphlets to the general public passing by, spreading awareness about this beautiful, architectural and historical marvel.
Protect them
Prabhat Koutha, a Std. VII student feels, “we should do whatever we can to protect our monuments so that the future generations get to see them too.” His classmate, Harshika Reddy found the history of the tower interesting.
When the children were making their sketches they observed that the number four, is not denoted as ‘IV' on any of the clock faces, but as ‘IIII'.
This interesting observation led to them noticing and questioning every part of this tower and its surroundings.
The tower and its fenced surroundings are maintained by the horticultural department.
Anjali Sharma and Chitra Santosh, the teacher coordinators for the club, intend suggesting in their report that this monument should have a guard on duty who can guide visitors around it.
It should then be put onto the list of tourist spots for our out station visitors. However, they definitely feel that school and college children should visit this monument and see how beautiful it is.
“The activities of the club do not end here. The club is supposed to make an activity calendar and do activities on a regular basis through the year.
The Department has provided the teacher coordinators, with a list of activities they can choose from, however, they can choose to do something of their own liking too,” says Ms. Utpala Prasad, the coordinator of Tourism, Heritage and Culture Clubs.
With the establishment of these clubs one hopes that our heritage and culture will be protected.
To know more about Tourism, Heritage and Culture Clubs or to give in valuable suggestions one can mail secy_trsm@ap.gov.in.
