Old district collector’s office stands tall as symbol of Mangaluru’s rich heritage
Mangaluru: Amid the bustling streets of the Bunder area in Mangaluru City stands a majestic red building—a relic of the British era—with its tiled roof and colonial architecture.
Known as the Old District Collector’s Office, this historic structure witnessed decades of administrative history, serving as a bridge between the past and the present.
The old building, with its vintage aesthetics, takes visitors on a journey down memory lane. For decades, it served as the administrative hub for the undivided South Canara district, which encompassed Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kasaragod. It stood witness to momentous events, including the World Wars, the British rule, the freedom movement, and the dawn of independent India. It also marked the transition from British ICS officers to Indian IAS officers and the post of the district head from District Collector to Deputy Commissioner.
Although administrative operations of the Deputy Commissioner's office have since moved to the adjacent new office, the old structure remains a proud symbol of Mangaluru's rich heritage.
To celebrate and promote this heritage, a series of art and cultural activities is being organised on Nov 30 and Dec 1 as part of Heritage Week.
A drawing competition for government school students from Classes 3 to 10 will be held on Nov 30 at 10 am. The students will sketch traditional monuments of their choice.
In the afternoon, at 2 pm, college students will participate in an art design competition. This contest invites creative perspectives on the old Deputy Commissioner’s building, encouraging participants to propose innovative designs to enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Traditional walks are scheduled from 11 am to 12 pm and again from 3 pm to 4 pm. An open dialogue session will follow at 4.30 pm. Following this will be a prize distribution ceremony. The day's activities will conclude with a musical performance at 6 pm.
In addition, a two-day exhibition of traditional artifacts will be open to the public from 10 am to 6 pm, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.
The Deputy Commissioner’s office stated that these events are part of ongoing efforts to foster cultural activities and boost tourism, ensuring that the old District Collector’s Office remains a vital link to Mangaluru’s glorious past.
