The Creative Expressions Competitions for school and college students were held on January 25th and 26th at Akalavya School. These competitions featured a diverse range of activities, including singing, instrumental performances, painting, creative writing, photography, and many other remarkable events. Dr Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary, AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society participated in the program and shared innovative ideas about the rich heritage of Puducherry during various cultural activities. It was a distinct honor to have Ms. Anita Roy, the Senior Superintendent of Police in Puducherry, in attendance at the event. Thanks to the entite PHF team for successfully hosting this occasion.

Now in its eleventh year, the Pondicherry Heritage Festival continues to celebrate the singular character of this extraordinary town and its environs. Originally conceived as a way of drawing attention to the need to conserve Pondicherry’s outstanding architectural legacy, the festival has expanded its scope to embrace all manner of intangible traditions. We boast a diverse built environment, an idyllic seaside natural setting, a rich spiritual and intellectual history, and fascinating combination of indigenous and imported cultural practices. It is the interplay of these factors that gives Pondicherry its distinctive flavor.

In a world that values newness and embraces rapid, incessant change, it is increasingly challenging to appreciate old things and old ways that contribute to the richness of life. The objective of the Pondicherry Heritage Festival is to bring attention to the traditions and places we love and wish to see passed down to future generations of Pondicherrians. Once our minds are focused and our priorities are clear, we must act with passion and purpose to preserve those things that make Pondicherry unique within India and, indeed, place it among the most interesting cities of the world.

The event jointly organized by PondyCAN, People for Pondicherry’s Heritage, INTACH, AuroBharati, Akalavya International School, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Alliance Française de Pondichéry, The festival will encompass a variety of activities, including singing, instrumental performances, painting, creative writing, photography, and numerous other noteworthy events.