Booklet on Kudla highlights city’s rich culture, heritage

Mangaluru: Intach Mangaluru Chapter, in collaboration with Art Kanara Trust, released an illustrated booklet, ‘Chennu: Mangaluru City Profile’ on Saturday at Kodialguthu centre for art and culture, Ballalbhagh. Akshy Sridhar, commissioner, Mangaluru city corporation, launched the booklet in the presence of Subhas Basu, convener, Intach Mangaluru Chapter, and Niren Jain, co-convener.
Akshy Sridhar said: “It is essential to preserve our heritage and maintain our cultural links. The heritage community should draft a proper working methodology and systematic approach.”
He assured them that the city corporation would extend all possible help in such tasks. He suggested that short videos be produced similar to the book to create awareness. He also felt that the book should be made available in schools.
Subhas Basu initiated the programme and informed the audience regarding the concept and ideas behind bringing out this 24-page booklet. “The idea to create a city profile was first instilled in the Intach Delhi chapter. However, this is not a typical tourism guidebook. It is a compilation of various aspects of the city, such as its history, economy, old and new structures and various cuisines. It is a step taken towards sensitising the people and the community to the importance of the native culture of Mangaluru,” he said.
He added that it was deeply saddening to know about the demolition of the old municipal council building and the present demolition of the old DK ZP school at Bengre. “There is a lack of a heritage community within the municipal and governmental systems. It is important to avoid the demolition of these heritage valued buildings,” he opined.
Niren Jain introduced the people and the work involved in the production of the book. Intach plans to expand this booklet into a full-fledged book, he said.
Sharvani Bhat, life member of the Intach Mangaluru chapter, introduced the guest. The cost of printing the booklet has been sponsored by Suez pvt. ltd.