Iftekhar Ahsan's Calcutta Walks Transforms Kolkata's Heritage Landscape
For more than twenty years, Iftekhar Ahsan has been reintroducing Kolkata to its own residents and visitors through his innovative initiative, Calcutta Walks. By interpreting the city's streets, stories, culinary delights, and forgotten corners through immersive walking tours and heritage-led experiences, Ahsan has played a pivotal role in shaping a burgeoning culture of heritage appreciation—long before it became a mainstream trend. This dedication and foresight firmly establish him as a true Changemaker in the urban conservation space.
The Evolving Face of Kolkata: Progress and Accessibility
Ahsan observes that while it is easy to focus on Kolkata's challenges, the past quarter-century has also witnessed significant advancements. He highlights the enhancement of public spaces, improved accessibility, and a renewed celebration of the city's rich heritage. "The Indian Museum has evolved into a better version of itself. The Maidan area has seen considerable improvements. The riverfront is now substantially more inviting, complete with dedicated walkways," Ahsan explains. He further notes that the expanding Metro network has made the city more navigable and connected for everyone.
For someone who began conducting heritage walks long before they gained popularity, this cultural shift is particularly gratifying. Ahsan recalls starting his journey at a time when "nobody was doing walks." Today, heritage walks are widely recognized as a valuable means to promote the city's identity. "I feel a profound sense of pride that we were pioneers in initiating city walks in Kolkata," he adds, emphasizing the growing appreciation for urban exploration.
Heritage as an Asset: A Call for Collaborative Conservation
Iftekhar Ahsan advocates for a forward-thinking approach to heritage, moving beyond mere nostalgia. He calls for a more imaginative model of conservation where government bodies, institutions, entrepreneurs, and citizens all play active roles. "Kolkata requires a flexible playbook that allows its heritage to be creatively reused and reimagined. The city's heritage is its greatest asset, yet many perceive it as a burden due to a lack of role models, clear guidelines, or a strategic framework to follow," he states.
To overcome this challenge, Ahsan underscores the critical importance of citizen participation. His own work, through city walks and heritage-led spaces, embodies this philosophy, demonstrating how community involvement can transform preservation efforts into vibrant, living experiences.
Kolkata's Village-Like Connectivity and Human Warmth
One of Kolkata's most remarkable strengths, according to Ahsan, is its enduring sense of community in an increasingly impersonal urban world. Beyond its architectural splendor and unique atmosphere, it is the city's inherent humanity that leaves the deepest impression on visitors. Time and again, guests from across the globe remark on the kindness they encounter on Kolkata's streets.
"I consistently hear from international visitors that people here are exceptionally nice, even when there is no obligation to be so," Ahsan shares. "Residents are kind and make time for one another. Despite the fast-paced urban environment, they have preserved the softness and warmth characteristic of close-knit communities. This sense of camaraderie is something everyone notices and cherishes."
Envisioning a Boutique Kolkata: A Lyrical Future
When asked to imagine Kolkata twenty-five years from now, Ahsan's response is characteristically poetic. He does not aspire for the city to become the largest, most glamorous, or most anonymous urban center. Instead, he hopes it retains its unique character while thoughtfully embracing modernity.
"I envision a Kolkata that manages to preserve as much of its distinctive charm and character as possible while progressing into a modern world that avoids becoming a nameless, faceless metropolis," he articulates. This concept of a "boutique city"—textured, intimate, and unmistakably distinctive—lies at the core of his vision. "We don't need to be the biggest or the fanciest. We can aspire to be the most boutique city in the world," Ahsan asserts. For him, the ideal Kolkata is one that safeguards its quirks and authenticity while integrating contemporary conveniences.
Kolkata possesses a unique texture and tapestry that sets it apart. Social media platforms have empowered people to rediscover and share the city's beauty more widely. Those who hold a deep affection for Kolkata must continue to showcase its splendor, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.
