Hyderabad: IndiGoReach, the CSR arm of IndiGo, and InterGlobe Foundation, the philanthropic arm of InterGlobe Enterprises, joined hands to organize their fifth Heritage Walk at the historic Qutb Shahi Complex in Hyderabad. The event, held on January 20, 2024, is part of the ongoing ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign, aimed at promoting awareness about the significance of India’s rich heritage and culture.
The Qutb Shahi Tombs Complex, a testament to the 16th and 17th-century Qutb Shahi Dynasty, was chosen for its profound historical significance. Led by Mr. Ratish Nanda, CEO of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the Heritage Walk included visits to the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park, the Mausoleum of Muhammad Qutb Shah, and concluded with an exploration of the Statue of Equality, dedicated to the 11th-century Indian philosopher Ramanuja.
The event garnered enthusiastic participation from the local community, government officials, and senior leadership of IndiGo and InterGlobe Foundation. Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo, expressed his delight, stating, “Through our fifth Heritage Walk, we are delighted to contribute to the exploration and preservation of these medieval landmarks, which have stood as a testimony to the Qutb Shahi dynasty and the rich history of the town.”
Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson of InterGlobe Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to preserving India’s cultural and historical treasures. She remarked, “The ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign echoes InterGlobe Foundation’s commitment to fostering a deep admiration for India’s cultural and historical treasures.”
The Qutb Shahi Tombs Complex, comprising mausoleums, mosques, stepwells, and pavilions, was the focus of conservation efforts by IndiGoReach, specifically for the Mausoleum of Muhammad Qutb Shah. As the IndiGoReach program concludes, InterGlobe Foundation will take over the next phase of conservation in collaboration with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
The ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign, initiated in November 2022, has previously conducted similar walks in Prayagraj, Bhubaneswar, Shillong, and Nashik. The campaign draws on material developed in collaboration with Sahapedia, showcasing diverse heritage and cultural aspects of ten Indian cities.
Both IndiGoReach and InterGlobe Foundation have undertaken various projects individually to promote heritage conservation in India. Notable projects include the conservation and cultural revival of Abdur Rahim Khan-I-Khanan’s mausoleum in Delhi, cultural mapping and documentation of ten cities, and the restoration of the stepwell “Indra Kund” in Delwara, Rajasthan. IndiGoReach also undertook projects for the restoration of the interiors of the Lal Bagh Palace in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
The ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign continues to be a significant platform for discussions and collaborations focused on preserving India’s diverse heritage, both tangible and intangible.
