Minister Meenakshi Lekhi Unveils Revamped ASI Website and Adopts Heritage Monuments

New Delhi: Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs, Meenakshi Lekhi, inaugurated the redesigned website of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the National Museum. The Minister also presented Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for the adoption of monuments under the Adopt a Heritage 2.0 initiative to representatives of corporate houses. This initiative aims to bridge modernity with tradition and promote inclusivity through digitalization.

Meenakshi Lekhi emphasized the significance of digitalization as an ally of inclusion and a means to align India with modernity while preserving its rich heritage. The event aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi,’ fostering collaboration among the government, corporates, and citizens under the theme of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Pryas.’

Speaking on the occasion, Culture Secretary Govind Mohan highlighted that the journey has just begun, with 14 out of 4000 monuments set to be adopted under the Adopt a Heritage 2.0 program. The adopted monuments will undergo enhancements to provide visitors with a more enriching and interactive historical experience, showcasing their significance in India’s culture.

The ASI’s revamped website will serve as a valuable resource for students, researchers, and the public, offering comprehensive information about more than 3600 monuments under its protection nationwide. The digital overhaul underscores ASI’s commitment to leveraging technology for wider accessibility to the nation’s cultural treasures.

The MoUs for Monument Adoption formalize the commitment of corporate entities to adopt specific monuments, contributing to their maintenance and improvement of public showcasing. The selection process for Smarak Sarathi/Sathi involved due diligence, discussions, and assessments of commitment and potential at each monument. Selected entities will be responsible for providing and maintaining amenities related to hygiene, accessibility, safety, and knowledge, positioning them as heritage-friendly entities.

The Adopt a Heritage 2.0 initiative builds upon the existing program, emphasizing the collective responsibility of public and private entities in safeguarding India’s heritage for future generations and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The monuments included in the adoption initiative are Qutub Minar, Purana Qila, Uggar Sain’s Baoli, Humanyun’s Tomb, Upper Fort Aguada, Elephanta Caves, Agra Fort, Bhimbetka, Buddhist Stupa, Kailasanatha temple, Group of Temples Khajuraho, Safdarjung Tomb, Group of Monuments, Mamallapuram, Area between Jamali Kamali and Balban’s Tomb, Sun Temple, Konark.