New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has launched heritage clubs in 75 CM-Sri government schools, with the initiative aimed at connecting students with the capital’s rich history, culture and architectural heritage.
The programme has been jointly initiated by the Delhi Government’s Department of Art, Culture and Language and Delhi Archives. The clubs will provide students with opportunities to explore Delhi’s heritage beyond textbooks through educational visits, interactive activities and cultural programmes.
The Delhi government identifies Rekha Gupta as the current Chief Minister on its official district administration websites.
Heritage Clubs to Take Learning Beyond Textbooks
The heritage clubs are designed to help students understand Delhi’s history and cultural identity through direct experiences.
The planned activities include:
- Heritage walks across important historical locations
- Visits to museums and archives
- Digital storytelling sessions
- Exposure to traditional arts and cultural practices
- Heritage festivals and related activities
The initiative seeks to give students an opportunity to observe and understand historical places and cultural traditions directly rather than relying only on classroom lessons.
CM Rekha Gupta Emphasises Connecting Students With Their Roots
At the launch programme, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted the importance of combining education with awareness of the city’s heritage.
She said students should not only learn history but also understand their connection with their surroundings and cultural roots.
Gupta noted that Delhi, as the national capital, has a distinctive historical identity shaped by different periods, cultural traditions, religious sites and architectural landmarks.
According to the Chief Minister, heritage clubs will give students opportunities to explore these aspects of Delhi and understand the significance of historical sites located around them.
She also said that several lesser-known aspects of Delhi’s history can be brought to students through such programmes.
Students to Explore Delhi’s Cultural and Architectural Heritage
Delhi has a diverse heritage that extends across different historical periods. The heritage club initiative is intended to introduce students to this diversity through practical and interactive learning.
The programme will encourage students to:
- Learn about important historical places in Delhi.
- Understand the cultural traditions associated with the city.
- Explore archival material and historical records.
- Learn about traditional art forms.
- Develop awareness about the importance of preserving heritage.
The broader objective is to encourage young people to understand the value of their surroundings and develop an interest in preserving Delhi’s cultural heritage.
Government Plans Further Support for Students and Schools
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also spoke about the government’s plans to improve facilities and the learning environment in Delhi’s government schools.
She said students should receive quality education, safety and an environment that supports their overall development.
The Chief Minister also emphasised the need to address gaps related to school infrastructure, facilities for teachers and the overall development of students.
The initiative forms part of the broader focus on improving government schools and providing students with opportunities beyond conventional classroom learning.
Education Minister Ashish Sood Highlights Delhi’s Cultural Identity
Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood said the government is focusing on education, art, culture and the city’s heritage.
He said the objective is also to strengthen Delhi’s identity as a cultural centre alongside its role as the national capital.
Sood noted that Delhi has a long and diverse history, while several aspects of its local heritage and cultural traditions have received less attention over time.
Through the heritage clubs, students will get opportunities to learn about:
- Delhi’s historical development
- The freedom movement
- Important personalities associated with the city
- Art and cultural traditions
- Local heritage and historical landmarks
Culture Minister Kapil Mishra on Expanding Heritage Exploration
Delhi Culture and Language Minister Kapil Mishra said the city’s heritage extends beyond widely known landmarks such as Mehrauli and the Red Fort.
He said the heritage clubs will encourage students to explore a broader range of Delhi’s cultural and historical legacy.
The initiative is therefore intended to expand students’ understanding of the city by introducing them to lesser-known locations, traditions and historical narratives.
Heritage Clubs: Key Highlights
- Number of schools: 75 CM-Sri government schools
- Location: Delhi
- Launched by: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta
- Departments involved: Department of Art, Culture and Language and Delhi Archives
- Focus: History, culture, architecture and heritage awareness
- Activities: Heritage walks, museum visits, archive visits, digital storytelling and traditional arts
- Other activities: Heritage festivals and cultural programmes
- Primary beneficiaries: School students
- Broader objective: Connect students with Delhi’s heritage and encourage awareness about its preservation
Officials and School Representatives Attend Launch
The launch event was attended by Education Minister Ashish Sood, Culture and Language Minister Kapil Mishra, Department of Art, Culture and Language Secretary K. Mahesh, Education Director Ankita Anand, along with teachers and principals from CM-Sri schools.
The participation of education and culture department officials reflects the initiative’s focus on combining classroom education with direct exposure to Delhi’s historical and cultural resources.
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