New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today. This is the first time India is hosting the prestigious event, which is dedicated to managing World Heritage matters and deciding on new sites for the World Heritage list.
Addressing the gathering on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, Prime Minister Modi expressed his delight at the convergence of this significant day with the commencement of the World Heritage Committee meeting. He extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries, including UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay, and expressed confidence that this meeting would set new benchmarks, akin to previous global events hosted by India.
Highlighting India’s recent achievements in heritage preservation, the Prime Minister mentioned the return of over 350 ancient artifacts from abroad, underscoring the global respect for historical legacy. He also praised the ongoing research and burgeoning tourism opportunities facilitated by advancements in technology.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi celebrated the nomination of North East India’s historic Maidam to the UNESCO World Heritage List. He described this as India’s 43rd World Heritage Site and North East India’s first to achieve this status, expressing hope that Maidam’s unique cultural significance will attract global attention.
The Prime Minister reflected on India’s rich heritage, pointing out examples such as the 2000-year-old Iron Pillar and the 8th century Kedarnath Temple, highlighting the nation’s engineering and architectural prowess. He also noted significant sites like Dholavira and Lothal in Gujarat, known for their advanced urban planning and water management systems dating back to 3000 BC.
Emphasizing the need for new perspectives on India’s extensive history, Modi invited the global community to explore India’s heritage with fresh insights. He spoke about recent discoveries, such as the 4000-year-old horse-driven chariot from Sinauli, which challenge existing historical paradigms.
The Prime Minister stressed that heritage transcends mere history, serving as a shared consciousness of humanity. He encouraged leveraging heritage to foster global connections and enhance mutual understanding, highlighting the importance of the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting in promoting global welfare and tourism.
Recalling a time when development overshadowed heritage, Modi emphasized India’s current vision of integrating development with preservation, exemplified by projects like the Kashi Viswanath Corridor and the Shri Ram Mandir. He reiterated that India’s commitment to heritage reflects a broader sense of service to humanity.
Prime Minister Modi also announced India’s contribution of 1 million dollars to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for capacity building, technical assistance, and conservation efforts, particularly benefiting countries in the Global South. Additionally, a certificate program in World Heritage Management for young professionals in India was unveiled.
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