US, Singapore citizens join Ekamra Walks

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Bhubaneswar: Despite a rainy and humid weather, 60 visitors joined the fifth Museum Walk at the Crafts Museum, Kala Bhoomi Sunday. They also participated in the proposed Heritage Corridor along the Pokhariput-Khandagiri Road.
It’s worth mentioning that within a short span of five weeks, the Museum Walk has attracted more than 400 visitors from all age groups.
The visitors also took part in the live pottery-making activity and basked in the serene atmosphere of Kala Bhoomi, where music (jugalbandi) and folk dances programme were organised at the amphitheatre. In fact, these cultural add-ons have been made a regular feature for every event.
Pledging their love for heritage, art, crafts and handlooms, 85 participated in two Sunday walks — Ekamra Walks Old Town Circuit and the Museum Walk at Crafts Museum, near Gandamunda.
While 25 came for the Old Town heritage trail early in the morning, 60 came to join the Museum Walk in the afternoon. A Ph.D. student from University of Michigan, USA, joined both the walks. An NRI Odia family from Philadelphia, a senior advertising professional based in Singapore and a banker from Bilaspur were among the walkers, who joined the 82nd Ekamra Walks Old Town Circuit Sunday.
Saachi Das Kuwayama, daughter of Odissi dancer Mona Liza Das, who is now based in Chicago, is doing her doctoral studies from University of Michigan in Anthropology. Currently, in the city for her study related work, she is staying with her maternal grandfather. Saachi’s father is from Japan.
“I really liked the Heritage Walk and also planning to join the Monks, Caves and Kings at Jain heritage site Udayagiri-Khandagiri during my stay here. I am really amazed to see the temple architecture and the uniqueness of the Kalingan temple building techniques,” said Saachi.
Rashmi Ranjan Rout, IT professional from Philadelphia, USA, came from Cuttack with wife Bhabapreeta Das and son Maanav. Rashmi Ranjan, who works with German-based multinational IT major SAP, said, “It was really nice to know and re-discover our roots. My son Maanav, who is in Grade VII in the US would also benefit immensely from this Heritage Walk.”
Bhabapreeta said, “We have been to these monuments before, but with proper guide and a group of like-minded walkers the experience was something very different from the previous visit.”
Swathi, a journalist from Business Line, the business newspaper of The Hindu, New Delhi, joined the heritage walkers and was impressed with the overall experience. “I liked it a lot and it actually gave me a broad overview of the history, architecture, traditions and culture of Old Bhubaneswar,” she said. Swathi was part of a team of journalists, invited by Odisha Tourism to take part in the pre-event media briefing for Make in Odisha-2018, scheduled to be held in November this year.
Nihar Das, Global Account Director for P&G spanning across 65 markets worldwide, came to the walk with his college friend at BJB College, Bhubaneswar, Santosh Sahoo. Das who hails from Bhubaneswar is currently based in Singapore. Both belong to 1985-87 batch of Plus II Science of the college. Santosh is now a Chief Manager with the Oriental Bank of Commerce, Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh. The duo joined the Monks, Caves and Kings Heritage Walk in Udayagiri-Khandagiri Saturday.
Regarding the monuments of Old Town, the Singapore-based professional said, “We need to keep the monuments and nearby areas cleaner. Today, during the walk, garbage was found at many locations and not lifted till 9am. The civic authorities should act fast.”