The past is never dead. Substantiating this statement, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan at Kodunganoor started a heritage club two years back. The school authorities believe that bestowing knowledge should not be confined to the subjects the children have to learn. As part of their activities, the students are introduced to heritage sites and buildings through classroom sessions and the children are encouraged to collect photographs and historical details about each. The club, which had sixty student members from standard eight to eleven in the last academic year, is looking forward to continue its slew of activities once the reopening blues are over.
The teaching staff at the school take turns to be the in-charge of the club. At the beginning of each academic year, the teacher-in-charge prepares a list of names of students who are willing to join the club. Last year, the slot was for Jyothi J Nair, a biology teacher at the school.
“It is important to keep the students well-informed about our heritage buildings, monuments and also of the rulers who during whose times these structures were made,” she said. “For a flying start, I want the students to first understand the history behind heritage buildings and the maintenance required for preserving them,” she added.
After a session of brainstorming which the team had thoroughly enjoyed, they began compiling pictures of heritage buildings and monuments all over the world and organised them into a photo album and prepared charts on finer details including the year of making and then rulers. “We were working with the aim of releasing a magazine,” said Jyothi.
The students collected photographs and pictures of palaces, temples, ruins of old forts, epitaphs on tombs etc. They also conducted a numismatic exhibition. The pictures were compiled into photo albums and charts. Soon, the club organised an exhibition at the school.
“Watching and understanding the significance of each of these monuments, students who are not part of the club also gain knowledge. They will also become keen to know more which is what we are aiming at,” said Jyothi. The club went on to publish a magazine titled ‘Bharatheeyam’ based on the information they collected on the monuments in India.
Sona Susan Zcharia, an eighth standard student of the school, said she was inspired by the club’s activities last year. “I was especially impressed by the exhibition of old coins which the club members had gathered themselves. I have joined the club this year and look forward to working with the team.”
This year, the new teacher-in-charge of the club Jyotishkala has in mind a few additional activities. “A power point presentation on heritage buildings for senior students, class projects and essay competitions are on the anvil,” she said. “If the club is provided transport facilities and finances, then we will also think of having a study tour to historical sites in South India,” she added.