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Govt plans to train heritage tour guides
A new programme, which seeks to train people in the art of telling history of our heritage, is taking shape. Neelam Pandey reports.
A new programme, which seeks to train people in the art of telling history of our heritage, is taking shape.
Aptly named 'Virasat Goi', the programme has been chalked out by the Delhi government in collaboration with Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and Jamia Millia Islamia.
This six-week course module will teach aspirants not only about the history of the monuments but also ways in which they could be told to the visitors in the most interesting manner.
Officials explained that the need for the course arose out of the fact that while general information regarding historical buildings is displayed on boards, several interesting details and related anecdotes are given a miss.
"There are times when visitors ask questions related to not just the general details of the monument such as its date of construction, etc, but also the historical significance and anecdotes. Therefore, we decided to put in place a system ensuring training individuals to communicate the history and other information of the monuments in the most engaging manner," said a senior Delhi government official.
The tourism department, which has prepared the plan, has sent the proposal to the tourism ministry. Once approved, the six-week course module will help guides to correlate the literature and oral information with the evidence available at the site.
"A degree in history/art or architectural history is not essential to be a heritage walk guide. What is most important is one's interest in a place, good sense of direction and most importantly, an ability to share knowledge and insight with a touch of humour," added the official.
So far, 18 people have been short-listed for the practical training, which includes etiquette and elementary English.
"This programme is part of Hunar Se Rozgar scheme of the government and is aimed at youngsters," said an official.
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