The Hindu Business Line : A walk thru heritage

EVER visited Old Womens' Island? Heard of Mesquita's? Know who built the Wankaner Palace? If the Mumbaikar's answer to any of these questions is an embarrassed no, we suggest you take a walk. A Bombay Heritage Walk, that is.

Every month, from March to October, the Bombay Heritage Walk takes groups of people on walks through the vintage spots of Mumbai. These walks, each roughly about 90 minutes, trail through specific areas of Mumbai and help educate people about the architecture, history and evolution of the city's landmarks. Walkers can choose to meander through the bustle of Crawford market, absorb the quaint East Indian settlement of Khotachiwadi or even gape at a model of the second oldest ship in the world.

Born out of the enthusiasm of two young graduates of architecture, the Bombay Heritage Walk has been around since April 1999 and was started as a part of the Kala Ghoda festival. Five years since, it has expanded to include specific routes with a common theme and has helped dignitaries like Chelsea Clinton understand the city and its origins.

``Conservation is somehow perceived as a topic for the elite. The walks help people appreciate heritage and the city much better. It is rewarding when people who have been on the walk call us up and alert us about heritage buildings that are going to be demolished. Promotion of conservation is the first step to preservation of heritage,'' said Brinda Gaitonde, Co-Founder and Organiser of the Bombay Heritage Walk.

A large part of the walkers are people who are in their 30's and want to know better, the city they inhabit. Retirees and old time residents are also enthusiastic walkers. ``In fact, some of them point out details of buildings that we ourselves did not know of,'' said Gaitonde.

Lukewarm response from students is one of the disappointments of organising these walks. ``Awareness among students is crucial to future conservation efforts. We wish the walks would appeal to this community better,'' lamented Gaitonde.

Bombay Heritage Walks is devising more routes and specific walks for various classes of people. ``We want people to be passionate about heritage,'' says Gaitonde. And a walk is all it takes!

The Bombay Heritage Walk works on a no-profit, no-loss basis and charges Rs 75 per person. They also undertake walks for corporates or other groups and can be contacted at heritagewalks@hotmail.com