IITians join heritage walk to Khandagiri and clean it up

Around 100 students from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar took part in Monks, Caves and Kings, the Khandagiri circuit of Ekamra Walks, on Saturday morning. The students not only explored the twin hills of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, but also carried out extensive clean-up activities.

Setting an example as responsible travellers to a historic spot, they ensured this ASI protected site is litter free. It was their first exposure to the city and its heritage. Even the slow drizzle in the morning couldn’t dampen their spirit to explore the ancient caves. These young minds, who have come from various parts of the country, were overwhelmed by the history of the place and legends of Emperor Kharavela. They were highly intrigued with the ancient stone etchings full of information about the past of Odisha and the area.
Tanmay Khobe, a student, inspired his fellow IITians to take up the clean-up activity when he started picking up trash lying on the hill and putting it in his umbrella to throw in a designated dustbin. This act inspired his friends, who joined hands to pick up plastic and other litter from the historical site.
“It was a great morning, as so many youngsters visited the twin hills despite the inclement weather. They were so curious to know about the history and the legends of this place and the meaning of each and every stone carving there. More importantly, the way they behaved like responsible travellers by picking up garbage from this place and trying to make it litter free is commendable,” said Sophia Simon, organiser of the walk.