Thu Dec 18 17:18:18 UTC 2025: News Article:
Former Judge Champions Local Heritage Education in Vijayawada Workshop
VIJAYAWADA, India – December 18, 2025 – Former Supreme Court Justice Jasti Chalameswar urged educators to prioritize local heritage education for children at a workshop organized by INTACH-Vijayawada. Speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day event, Justice Chalameswar emphasized the importance of understanding local history, highlighting the disparity between knowledge of international events and local historical figures. He cited the lack of readily available records on Sri Krishnadevaraya, a prominent southern Indian king, compared to the well-documented history of his contemporary, King Henry VIII of England.
The workshop, a collaboration with Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS), aims to equip teachers with the tools and knowledge to engage students with their local heritage. INTACH-Vijayawada also plans to establish Heritage Clubs in schools.
N.K. Narasimha Rao, former Commissioner of the Academy of Rural Development, stressed the need to focus on positive aspects of heritage to inspire future generations, citing the wealth of folk art forms in Andhra Pradesh as a valuable teaching tool. He emphasized the importance of transferring positive historical knowledge to future generations.
HECS Principal Director Purnima Datt highlighted the uniqueness of Indian heritage, showcasing the diverse cultural and geographical features that set India apart. She cited examples such as the world’s oldest Banyan tree and the Gol Gumbaz.
Teachers from various schools participated in the interactive session that followed, demonstrating a commitment to integrating local heritage into their curriculum.
First Piper 