IndiGo and InterGlobe foundation unite for Heritage walk at Qutb Shahi complex in Hyderabad

Saturday, January 20, 2024

IndiGoReach, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of IndiGo, along with InterGlobe Foundation, the philanthropic arm of InterGlobe Enterprises, successfully organized their fifth Heritage Walk at the Qutb Shahi Complex in Hyderabad, Telangana, on January 20, 2024. This event is part of the broader ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of heritage and culture in India. Initiated in November 2022, the campaign has facilitated discussions and collaborations to preserve both tangible and intangible heritage across the country.

The Qutb Shahi Tombs Complex, constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries, was chosen as the latest site for the ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign due to its profound historical significance. Guided by Mr. Ratish Nanda, CEO of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the Heritage Walk explored the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park, the Mausoleum of Muhammad Qutb Shah, and concluded with an exploration of the Statue of Equality, dedicated to the 11th-century Indian philosopher Ramanuja. The event garnered enthusiastic participation from the local community, government officials, as well as senior leadership from IndiGo and InterGlobe Foundation.

Speaking at the occasion, Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said, “Hyderabad is a major tourist hub known for its timeless architecture, technological advancements, and rich cultural and scenic beauty. IndiGo proudly connects Hyderabad to 54 domestic and 13 international destinations,  across the extensive 6E network. Through our fifth Heritage Walk, we are delighted to contribute to the exploration and preservation of these medieval landmarks, which have stood as a testimony to the Qutb Shahi dynasty and the rich history of the town. As India’s preferred carrier, we aim to strengthen tourism, travel, and highlight the rich history and culture of Hyderabad. We will continue to demonstrate our commitment to being responsible and contributing back to the community we serve while enhancing the accessibility to these architectural marvels through our unparalleled  network, connecting people and places.”

Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson, InterGlobe Foundation, said, “We are delighted to conclude yet another successful Heritage Walk, this time in the vibrant city of Hyderabad. The Qutb Shahi Complex offered an enlightening experience, set against the captivating historical backdrop of Hyderabad’s rich cultural and natural beauty. As we walked through the Qutb Shahi tombs and the Statue of Equality, we were constantly reminded of the need to preserve and celebrate our cultural heritage. The ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign echoes InterGlobe Foundation’s commitment to fostering a deep admiration for India’s cultural and historical treasures. These walks align with our objective of preserving and promoting India’s built and natural heritage”.

The Qutb Shahi Tombs Complex, featuring mausoleums, mosques, stepwells, a hammam, and pavilions, was constructed during the reign of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty. IndiGoReach contributed to the conservation of the Mausoleum of Muhammad Qutb Shah at the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park. While IndiGoReach’s program has concluded, InterGlobe Foundation, in collaboration with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), will spearhead the next phase of conservation efforts. This mausoleum, dedicated to the fifth Sultan of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty, Muhammad Qutb Shah, is one of the four prominent structures in the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park.

The ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign builds upon materials developed by InterGlobe Foundation in collaboration with Sahapedia. This project documented and celebrated the diverse heritage and cultural aspects of ten Indian cities, including Prayagraj, Indore, Nashik, Bhubaneshwar, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Goa, Kolkata, and Shillong. Over two hundred cultural points of interest were identified, and the information gathered, including cultural mapping articles, self-guided trails, listicles, museum mapping, cultural calendars, and photography, has been compiled into city booklets, available in both print and digital formats.

Both InterGlobe Foundation and IndiGoReach have individually spearheaded various projects to promote heritage conservation and preservation in India. Notable projects by InterGlobe Foundation include the conservation and cultural revival of Abdur Rahim Khan-I-Khanan’s mausoleum in Delhi, cultural mapping of ten cities, and the restoration of the stepwell “Indra Kund” in Delwara, Rajasthan. Additionally, IndiGoReach has undertaken projects such as the restoration of the interiors of the Lal Bagh Palace in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

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