Discover Delhi's Hidden Heritage Spots with the WaPas App Created by Noida Teens

In a world where technology often seems to separate us from the beauty of history, a group of four innovative teens from Noida has created something truly groundbreaking. Imagine strolling through Delhi’s streets, and your phone sends a gentle ping, alerting you to a hidden historical gem nearby. What’s more, you don’t have to stop and read a hefty guidebook – an audio guide walks you through the site’s captivating story. Welcome to WaPas (Walking Past) – an app designed to seamlessly connect you to Delhi’s forgotten history. Intrigued? Read on to discover how these young minds are reshaping the way we experience heritage and culture.

The Vision Behind WaPas – A Revolutionary Idea by Noida Teens

WaPas (Walking Past) is an extraordinary app developed by four Class 12 students from Shiv Nadar School, Noida. The brainchild of Vihaan Tampi, WaPas was born from a childhood filled with walks through Delhi's majestic, yet often overlooked, historical sites. Vihaan’s father, Chandrashekar Thampi, a heritage expert, would take him on tours across the city, enriching his mind with stories that breathed life into each monument and relic they visited. Yet, Vihaan noticed how many of these magnificent structures were falling into decay, ignored by both the public and the authorities.

This concern led Vihaan to team up with his schoolmates Arnav Vij, Aryan Bardeja, and Karissa Gupta, and together, they set out to build a tool that would reconnect people with Delhi’s rich history. The result? WaPas – a mobile app that notifies users when they are near any of over 500 historical sites in Delhi. But it doesn’t stop there. WaPas provides immersive audio guides and detailed stories about each location, helping users discover the hidden tales behind every monument, tomb, and statue.

What Makes WaPas Stand Out?

WaPas stands out as more than just an app – it’s an experience. The app utilises GPS technology to send notifications to users when they are near a historical site. Imagine walking through the streets of Old Delhi and receiving a ping informing you that you’re near the Jama Masjid, with a snippet of its fascinating history waiting to be unlocked. The best part? You don’t need to read long descriptions or follow cumbersome maps – the app gives you audio guides that narrate the story behind the site. You can also save your favourite spots and revisit them later, making your heritage exploration truly personalised.

With over 500 historical sites in its database, this application doesn’t just focus on famous landmarks but also uncovers hidden gems, like stone age tools and rocks associated with India’s freedom fighters, that many people may not even know exist. This innovative app is designed for easy navigation, ensuring that users of all ages, whether seasoned explorers or first-time visitors, can easily access and enjoy the wealth of information provided.

The development of WaPas was supported by mentors at Adobe, which helped bring the app’s vision to life. The team worked tirelessly to ensure that the information presented was accurate and reliable, collaborating with historians to provide a rich, fact-checked historical experience. This innovation is also making waves internationally – it was recognised by the UN Young SDG Leaders Program and won the Youth Leader of the Year award at the India 2030 Leadership Conclave.

Expanding WaPas Across India and Beyond

While WaPas has already made a significant impact in Delhi, the team has big plans for the future. The app will soon expand to other cities rich in heritage, such as Mumbai and Lucknow, allowing more people to explore the history embedded in India’s urban landscape. But they’re not stopping at India’s borders – the team is also considering expanding the app internationally, adding global heritage sites to the app and possibly even incorporating virtual tours to enhance the user experience.

With an initial investment of Rs. 2 lakh, the app has already proven to be a success, and the team’s drive for growth is unstoppable. Despite preparing for university, the four founders are committed to continuing their work on WaPas remotely, ensuring that the app evolves and reaches its full potential.

This innovative project serves as a reminder of the power of new ideas in shaping the future. For anyone interested in unique business ideas or passionate about preserving cultural heritage, WaPas is a fantastic case study. So, next time you’re in Delhi, don’t just walk past history – walk through it with WaPas.