World Heritage is defined as the shared wealth of humankind. World heritage is a wonderful reminder of our rich past. It is our duty to protect the heritage and offer it to the coming generations. Heritage sites need to be protected and preserved. They are valuable assets of human civilization. The seeds of World Heritage Day were sown on April 18, 1982. The International Council for Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) had organized a symposium in African at Tunisia. The calls were made for celebration of an “International Day for Monuments and Sites” all over the world. The idea picked up the pace and the committee approved the suggestion. The proposal then moved to UNESCO General Conference where a resolution was passed in November 1983.
Since that fateful day, the world has annually celebrated the “International Monuments and Sites Day” also known as “World Heritage Day” on April 18. Our monuments and sites can only be protected with the collective efforts of the international community. On World Heritage Day, awareness campaigns are organized to educate public about the diversity of cultural heritage and the efforts that are required to protect and conserve it. Heritage sites are vulnerable to several factors and we must do everything in our rights to protect these valuable assets.
Billabong High International School organized a World Heritage Assembly, with great zeal and fervour.
It was an assembly which saw active participation from all the children. We also welcomed two honourable guests who gave us special insight into the importance of World Heritage Day. They gave us relevant examples from our national heritage monuments/sites which made us feel proud of our rich, cultural heritage. Our school Billabong High is planning to give the children an in-depth exposure in the form of field trips to our national heritage sites.
As a student of BHIS I am thankful to our school for organizing a magnificent assembly to mark the World Heritage Day. I am looking forward to another great assembly. This assembly has made me more passionate towards history and the rich heritage of India…….
Anika Bajpai
Grade 7ND