New Delhi: Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, underscored the significance of India’s cultural heritage as a unique strength in the global arena, during the 14th Foundation Day celebrations of the National Monuments Authority (NMA) at Bharat Mandapam. Addressing the audience, the Minister emphasized that India’s cultural power, alongside its technological, economic, and strategic advancements, enhances its global standing while preserving its heritage with dignity.
“India’s rich cultural legacy provides it with a distinct edge in a world dominated by competitive strengths,” he stated, advocating a scientific approach to heritage conservation that minimizes disruption to citizens’ daily lives.
Reflecting on history, Shekhawat remarked that the 200 years prior to 2014 saw systematic efforts to undermine India’s rich cultural traditions, promoting a narrative of inferiority compared to Western ideals. He highlighted the transformational changes over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, which have prioritized both national development and heritage preservation.
“Over the last 10 years, the renewed focus on heritage conservation has elevated India’s global prestige, transforming public perception about the importance of preserving our rich legacy,” he said.
Milestones in Heritage Conservation
During the event, the Minister released the first-ever Annual Report (2023-24) of the NMA, which outlines significant achievements in heritage management. Key highlights include:
- Heritage Bye-Laws (HBLs): NMA has so far laid 55 HBLs covering 98 Centrally Protected Monuments, with 53 additional HBLs for 57 more monuments approved.
- Ease of Doing Business Initiative: The NMA has adopted cutting-edge technology to streamline permissions for construction activities around protected monuments, integrating ISRO’s SMARAC mobile app with color-coded zonal maps for efficient monitoring.
- NOAPS Portal: The NMA Online Application Processing System has been instrumental in simplifying regulatory processes, reflecting the government’s commitment to modernization.
The event also featured the participation of Professor Kishor K. Basa, NMA Chairman, senior officials from the Ministry of Culture, and dignitaries from the Archaeological Survey of India.
Shekhawat lauded the NMA for its significant contributions over 14 years, expressing confidence in its ability to further enhance India’s heritage management. “The NMA has laid a solid foundation, and with continued progress, it will play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting India’s cultural legacy for generations to come,” he affirmed.
The Minister’s address highlighted how the interplay of cultural pride, technological innovation, and strategic planning has positioned India as a leader in heritage preservation, offering a renewed identity to its people and respect on the global stage.