Divine spots may win Mylapore Living Heritage tag

A policy paper prepared by the Mylapore Institute for Policy Research (MIPR), a city-based think tank established with the initial support of India Cements, says the ancient quarter’s unique multi-cultural identity renders it eligible for this prestigious status. “Mylapore remains the citadel of ancient culture. It has the imprints of colonial, Dravidian, European and Hindu cultures, adding to its multi-cultural fabric. It also has a rich cultural tradition, with temple rituals being performed for hundreds of years, which are still a part of daily life today,” said Shiv Kumar, President, MIPR. 

Tracing the history of Mylapore, Kumar said, “In ancient times, Mylapore was a hub of commercial and religious activity. Tamil was firmly established as the principal language of worship, following the Bhakthi movement. There was also a peaceful coexistence of the dual tradition of Nayanmars and Alwars in Kapaleeswarar and Adi Kesava Perumal temples, which fostered a unique atmosphere.” 

Kumar compared Mylapore to St Paul’s in London, a popular ancient quarter within a metro. “You don’t have this kind of eco-system anywhere else in India. Apart from the Margazhi festival in December, there are many festivals and events happening all around the year. Many great musicians have lived in these bylanes down the ages. This mix of different cultures – the Portuguese influence is seen in the Santhome Basilica – right in the heart of a bustling metropolis is not found anywhere else in the country,” he added. 

The draft of this policy paper has been submitted to the Department of Tourism. However, it is the state government that can officially apply for this status. Kumar added that the proposal had been well-received at the bureaucrats’ level. 

“We will soon present this to the state government. We have volunteered our help to make the application to UNESCO. The government too would have to ensure the designated area is well-maintained, with a decent level of hygiene and sanitation. After following the process, if Mylapore gets UNESCO’s Living Heritage status, it will be the first metro in the country to receive such an honour. This will give a huge boost to tourism and we can finally attract tourists who would pay for the experience,” concluded Kumar.