The 10-day international program engaged 45 youths for heritage preservation, conservation and awareness
The UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) 2025 - Let’s Heritage Program in The Historic City of Ahmedabad, organised by Elixir Foundation supported by UNESCO, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Ahmedabad World Heritage City Trust, Archaeological Survey of India, GLS University, Ahmedabad University, and Samrat Namkeen, concluded with commitment and reflections of the young heritage volunteers from across India.
The event brought together dignitaries, partners, volunteers, and organisers to mark the culmination of a powerful ten-day journey that immersed youth in the living heritage of India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City – Ahmedabad. As part of the WHV programme, 45 youth volunteers led by Ms Niyati Bajpai, Manager Heritage Programs at Elixir Foundation, explored the city's diverse historical landmarks, connected with communities, and participated in workshops, conservation sessions and creative storytelling formats to understand the layers of heritage that shape the city’s soul.
Hon’ble Mayor Smt. Pratibhaben Jain presided over the ceremony and congratulated the volunteers on their dedication, while proudly referencing Ahmedabad’s recent recognition as the Cleanest City of India, adding to its prestige as the country’s first heritage city. “The living heritage of Ahmedabad is not just in its monuments, but in its people, traditions, and values. You all have experienced it closely. Now it is your responsibility to share this learning, this pride, with others around you,” she said in her address.
The ten-day WHV journey from 12 July to 21 July, 2025 was filled with enriching study visits to places like the Sabarmati Ashram, Sarkhej Roza, Adalaj Stepwell, Dandi Kutir, Swaminarayan Temple, LD Museum, Jethabhai ni Vav and Kavi Dalpatram Chowk. The volunteers also participated in a community awareness program with students at Adani Vidya Mandir, and were part of experiential activities such as the Mata ni Pachedi craft workshop, material conservation workshop at Ahmedabad University, heritage walk from Mandir to Masjid, nature trail and a jamming session.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mr. Madhish Parikh, Founder and President of Elixir Foundation, said “This journey has not just been about monuments, but about stories and values that live through them. The youth who participated here will become torchbearers of heritage in their own communities.”
Dr. Avni Shah, Dean, Faculty of Performing Arts at GLS University, added “When young people walk into heritage spaces with curiosity, they don’t just learn history, they connect it with their present and future. That is what makes this experience transformative. GLS University is proud to partner and support the WHV Program in our city”
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