Heritage walks are a fantastic way to connect with history, culture, and architecture. Anoushka Jain, the founder of Enroute Indian History (EIH), a women-led organization conducted an unique heritage walks in Delhi. These walks not only provide an opportunity to explore historical sites but also create a safe space for women to reclaim public spaces at night.
Let’s delve into this inspiring initiative that is bridging the gap between popular knowledge and academic history.
Anoushka Jain’s Love for Heritage
Anoushka Jain, a history enthusiast with a background in history and art, had a deep passion for heritage. Her journey began as a self-taught history lover, which eventually led her to establish Enroute Indian History in 2019. Her aim was to make heritage accessible to everyone and bridge the gap between academic understanding and popular knowledge.
Enroute Indian History’s Mission
EIH focuses on creating a safe and inclusive environment for women to explore historic monuments. They organize various types of heritage walks, digital tours, and custom-designed walking tours. One of their standout events is the “Ladies Night Walk,” a unique initiative to empower women to freely enjoy the city’s heritage after dark.
Creating Safe Spaces for Women
Monument sites are not always considered safe, especially for women, at night. EIH addresses these concerns by organizing women-only walks, attracting a diverse audience of all ages. Each ticket comes with a plus one, allowing women to bring friends or family and enhance their sense of security.
Enriching Heritage Exploration
EIH doesn’t stop at women-only walks. They’ve introduced “Badass Begum” walks open to everyone, highlighting heritage sites built or designed by women. The organization also conducts morning and evening walks for all, offering a wide range of experiences.
Expanding Horizons
While EIH currently operates in Delhi, they have plans to expand to Kolkata, Meerut, and Kashmir. Their dedication to introducing heritage to the younger generation is evident through the RSR learning approach, which integrates heritage into school curricula.
Anoushka Jain and Enroute Indian History have successfully merged their love for heritage with a vision to empower women and create safe spaces for exploration. Their passion for bridging the gap between academic insights and common knowledge is both inspiring and transformative. As they continue to expand their reach, more people will have the opportunity to connect with history in a meaningful and engaging way, ensuring that heritage remains a vibrant part of our lives.
