Hyderabad: Rashtrapati Nilayam in Bolaram celebrated World Heritage Day to promote awareness of India’s rich cultural and architectural legacy. A special video showcased the three official retreats of the President in Delhi, Hyderabad and in Shimla.Students participated in a walk around Rashtrapati Nilayam, where guides explained the historical and architectural value of key buildings. The event featured talks by heritage experts. Veda Kumar Manikonda, chairman of the Deccan Heritage Academy Trust, highlighted the importance of protecting lesser-known heritage sites and emphasised community involvement in conservation.Madhu Votteri, a senior fellow at the Union culture ministry and walk coordinator with Telangana Tourism, shared insights on how heritage walks exploring crafts, caves, sanctuaries and museums can raise public awareness. Kalpana Ramesh, founder of Kava Design Studio and The Rain Water Project, discussed the use of traditional materials like lime in restoring old structures and their relevance to water conservation.The event was also appreciated by participants. “The walk was a delightful journey through time. Surrounded by lush green scenery, students enjoyed a refreshing blend of nature and history. Even though the weather was quite hot, the experience remained fun-filled and memorable,” said Sakshi Tiwari, mentor at Suchitra Academy. A Class 6 student from the same school added, “The green surroundings were beautiful and the old pictures of Hyderabad’s heritage were fascinating.”Students from the Keshav Memorial Institute of Commerce & Sciences also attended. Madhurima Jupudi, head of department, BBA, said, “The visit was an enriching experience. It helped students understand the architectural value of the estate and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.” Kavya Sree, a student, said, “It was a rare opportunity to explore a place of such historical value. Walking through Rashtrapati Nilayam made me feel more connected to our culture. I’ll remember this experience for a long time.”
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