Bhubaneswar: Enthusiasts from different walks of life – a globe-trotter who has visited over 100 nations, students and a communication expert from city-based Centurion University, and a journalist par- ticipated in the 24th Monks, Caves and Kings heritage walks at the Udaygiri and Khandagiri twin hills here Saturday to learn the history, socio-anthropology and political scenario in ancient Odisha. Paulo from Italy, who is visiting Odisha for the first time, seemed to be very excited after the her- itage walk. “I am delighted to know the stories behind the caves at the Twin Hills as many narrate how this land once held sway over the entire sub-conti- nent. The guide explained us every- thing and I wish more people par- ticipated in this walk,” he said.
The Italian guest fur- ther said that he wants join the Ekamra Walks in Old Town Circuit Sunday.
Four students from Centurion University Swagatika Mohapatra, Anamika Singh, Unmuna Priyadarshini and Apurva Pattnaik were also part of the heritage walk and had a wonderful time away from their
busy schedules at campus. “We are extremely happy to learn about the wonderful stories related to Odisha, its brave hearts, its artisans and their craft, Jain tra- ditions of leading ascetic lives and how the royals’ patronage of re- ligion, art and culture.
All these in- spired us to learn more about Odisha’s past,” said Apurva. Anamika, a communication consultant, observed that Ekamra Walks with its trail in the Twin Hills has really helped the soci- ety as it makes people aware about their culture, heritage, and his- tory, besides helping them to con- nect to their roots. “More and more people must join the heritage walks in the city so that they know about the history, genesis and influences of various rulers and dynasties over time. We should also be proud that Bhubaneswar changed the thoughts of a great part of the world by introducing the philosophy of Buddha in foreign lands after the Kalinga War,” she in- formed. Sandip Bal is a frequent par- ticipant in city’s heritage walks and expeditions. He said, “We need to encourage more and more stu- dents to participate in these walks to ensure that they are aware of their heritage and culture and spread this message among others”.
