My Kind of Heritage: People Share 'Ankahi' Stories through Cardboard Coins and Folklore

As residents of the World Heritage City, how much do the people of Ahmedabad appreciate each other’s heritage? This was a question that a group of students asked, at the Centre for Heritage Management of Ahmedabad University. Taking on the conscious responsibility to create awareness of the meaning of heritage, they organised the event Ankahi (unspoken). People from different walks of life came up to narrate stories behind the elements of heritage in their lives – things that stand out as significant parts of their lives.

Some came up with old currency notes, or with cardboard coins that the Indian Government introduced during an epoch of scarcity in metal. Some came up with a variety of caps that are worn by people of North-Eastern India, and headgears that the Western regions of the nation wear as part of their attire. The ‘intangible’ aspect of Heritage was also introduced when a few children came up to narrate folklores which they had either heard from their grandparents or been taught at school. Musicians from various ethnic backgrounds also performed their musical legacy.

The programme was a creative way to bring about sensitivity towards other people’s cultures, to respect the prevailing multiculturalism in the city. The event was organised entirely by second-year students of the ‘Masters in Heritage Management’ programme, at the Centre for Heritage Management campus on February 17.

To grow holistically as a Heritage City, such efforts to encourage sensitisation towards each other’s heritage are highly pertinent.