Journalism Students of Vallabh Government College Explore Mandi’s Rich Heritage During International Shivratri Festival Heritage Walk.
Shimla:
Under the aegis of the International Shivratri Festival, a “Heritage Walk” was organized in which the students of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Vallabh Government College Mandi, participated under the dynamic leadership of Flying Officer Dr. Chaman, Head of the Department, and Assistant Professor Aditi Sharma. The academic visit covered the historic monuments, temples, palaces, and heritage sites of Mandi protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The Heritage Walk commenced from the historic Seri Chanani of Mandi. On this occasion, noted author and senior journalist Satya Mahesh Sharma acquainted the students with the rich historical heritage, folk literature, culture, and socio-cultural traditions of Mandi. He emphasized that field visits and on-the-spot reporting are essential for journalism students, as they provide firsthand exposure to society, history, and culture. He also elaborated on Mandi’s historical connections with Bengal, Chamba, and the Western Himalayan region.
Addressing the gathering, Flying Officer Dr. Chaman highlighted the significance of Heritage Walks, stating that such initiatives connect students with their roots while nurturing cultural awareness, historical understanding, and a sense of social responsibility. He remarked that Mandi’s rich cultural legacy, diverse religious sites, and historical traditions embody the universal values of love, brotherhood, tolerance, truth, and non-violence. Programs like Heritage Walks are not only academically enriching but also play a vital role in heritage conservation, fostering cultural sensitivity, and promoting international tourism.
Referring to Mandi as a land of education, Dr. Chaman mentioned the supreme sacrifice of Princess Mandarva, daughter of King Arshadhar of Mandi (Johar), who laid down her life for the cause of women’s education. He stated that Princess Mandarva and her guru, Acharya Padmasambhava of Nalanda University, were sentenced to death as a result of a conspiracy; however, their contributions toward education, humanity, nature, and environmental preservation remain globally revered. The martyrdom site “Khuan (Well)” in Mandi, associated with Acharya Padmasambhava and his disciple Princess Mandarva, is an important center of faith for Buddhist followers across South Asia and the world, where both Buddhists and Hindus offer prayers. This sacred site significantly strengthens international religious tourism. He further mentioned Khuan Rani Temple, Triloknath Temple, and Rewalsar Lake—a confluence of three religions—as places that convey a profound message of love and peace to the world.
During the Heritage Walk organized by the District Administration Mandi, students visited several historic sites, including Khuan Rani Temple, Panchvaktra Temple, Damdama Palace, Raj Mahal, Tamrapatti Shiva Temple, Hanuman Ghat, Sheetla Mata Temple, and Ardhanarishwar Temple.
At the conclusion of the program, Assistant Professor Aditi Sharma delivered the vote of thanks and appreciated the initiative of organizing a historical Heritage Walk under the International Shivratri Festival. The Principal of the college, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, extended his best wishes for this meaningful academic and cultural endeavor.
Selected second- and third-year students of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication—Rekha, Ankush, Suman, Priya, Bhanupriya, Rohit, Jagrati, Nancy, Rishabhdev, Samriddhi Sharma, Mridul, Bhoomika, Deepak Bhardwaj, Mehak, Ojasvi, and Bunty—participated in the educational visit along with Flying Officer Dr. Chaman (Head of Department), Assistant Professor Aditi Sharma, College Superintendent Khushal Thakur, and writers Satya Mahesh Sharma and Anup Kumar.
