For Chitra Nair, a 16-year-old, a school trip to Sawandurga or Tipu Sultan palace was something she tried to avoid. And she succeeded by calling in sick on the day of the trip.
For Chitra Nair, a 16-year-old, a school trip to Sawandurga or Tipu Sultan palace was something she tried to avoid. And she succeeded by calling in sick on the day of the trip. Reason: She wanted to meet up with her friends at Bangalore Club and play snooker.
Chitra is not the only one disinterested in heritage. Many others too who prefer to sit at home rather than taking a stroll down historic lanes. “If I am not keen on visiting heritage sites, there is nothing I can do about it. Anyway, I read about them in my history books and know the basics. I am not interested in learning further,” says Chitra matter-of-factly.
Chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda, who handles the tourism portfolio, had announced in the budget that Karnataka’s potential in heritage and religious tourism would be harnessed to attract both domestic and international tourists. While efforts are made to engage youngsters in heritage tourism, the government needs to understand that the sector needs constant attention.
“Youngsters are very dynamic. The whole purpose is defeated if the government decides on a policy today but implements it only after two years,” argues K Shiva Shanmugham, senior vice-president, Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI).
He points out that it has been a year since the industry body asked the government to provide free transportation for students to visit heritage sites. “We asked the government not to charge schools when they take out students for excursions to these sites. Though I was told that the proposal would be implemented soon, nothing much has been done till now,” regrets Shanmugham.
However, there are many who feel the issue needs to be addressed differently. “Do you really think that children will start taking interest in heritage tourism if free transportation is provided? I feel parents must inculcate these values in children. Instead of taking them out for movies, they should plan a trip to these sites,” asserted an expert who did not wish to be named.
RK Singh, executive director (project and business development), Jungle Lodges and Resorts Development, says: “We have a lodge near Hampi and provide children 50% discount, in addition to organising various group activities. We approach colleges and schools regularly. However, the problem lies in the curriculum, which should focus more on the heritage of the state as well as the country. Bangalore University does not even have a heritage course.”
According to the managing director of Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), K Sundar Naik, all packaged tours are linked to heritage sites. “We run full buses every month. There are 23 routes and the demand only increases,” he said, adding that a taxi is provided if a family wishes to travel to specific sites.
If packaged tours were the last resort to make the people of the city or the state take an interest in their heritage, that would be a sad state of affairs. It, possibly, is right now.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}