Ram Rattan Sharma
India with its vast history and cultural diversity, is home to numerous ancient sites and heritage monuments that are of immense significance. The Govt. of India has acknowledged the importance of preserving the nation’s timeless and rich cultural heritage. The government’s effort has been led from the front by Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the slogan he gave, ‘Vikas bhi virasat bhi’. The Prime Minister has provided pivotal importance to protecting and promoting Indian knowledge systems, traditions and cultural ethos, both nationally and internationally.
One of the notable accomplishments is the redevelopment of neglected sites of civilizational significance. As of May 2023, total number of 45 projects at a cost of Rs. 158.42 crore covering pilgrimage sites across the country have been approved under PRASAD scheme by the Govt. in its unwavering commitment to safeguard India’s ancient civilizational heritage.
After decades of neglect, various sites with India’s long civilizational history etched on them have been revived through conservation, restoration and development projects. The Kashi Vishwanath corridor and various other projects in Varanasi have transformed the by lanes, ghats and temple complexes in the city. Similarly, Projects like the Mahakaal Lok projects in Ujjain and the Ma Kamakhya corridor in Guwahati are expected to enrich the experience of pilgrims visiting the temple, provides them with world -class amenities, as well as boost tourism and the local economy. In a historic moment, Bhoomi pujan for the Ram mandir in Ayodhya was held in August 2020 and construction of a grand temple is in full swing.
Another remarkable endeavour is the 825 km long Chardham Road project, providing seam less all- weather road connectivity to the four holy dhams. The Prime Minister had earlier laid the foundation stones for reconstruction and development projects in Kedarnath in 2017 including Shri Adi Shankaracharya’s Samadhi which was devastated in the catastrophic flash flood of 2013. In November 2021, the Prime minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated the statue of Shri Shankaracharya Samadhi in Kedarnath. Additionally, two rope way projects connecting Gauri Kund to Kedarnath and Govind Ghat to Hem Kund sahib are set to further enhance accessibility and facilitate the spiritual journey of the devotees.
In yet another instance of dedication to preserving cultural heritage. Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several projects in Somnath,Gujarat, including the Somnath promenade, Somnath exhibition centre, and the reconstructed temple precinet of old (Juna) Somnath. Similarly opening of the Kartarpur corridor and integrated check post was a momentous occasion, enabling easier access for devotees to pay their respects at the revered Gurudwara Kartarpur sahib in Pakistan.
Preservation of the Himalayan and Buddhist cultural heritage also holds a special place in the government’s efforts. As part of the Swadesh Darshan scheme, the govt. has initiated 76 projects aimed at developing thematic circuits that show case the diverse cultural heritage of India. The focus extends to the development of world class infrastructure for the Buddhist circuit, there by enhancing the spiritual experience for devotees. In 2021 the Kushinagar international airport was inaugurated, facilitating easy access to the Mahaparirvana Temple. The Ministry of Tourism is actively developing destinations under the Buddhist circuit in various states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. In addition, the foundation stone for the technologically advanced India international centre for Buddhist culture and a heritage in Lumbini, Nepal, was laid in May 2022 by Narendra Modi, further highlighting the Govt. commitment to the preservation and promotion of Buddhist heritage and India’s cultural diversity.
India’s cultural heritage also received a significant boost through the repatriation of anti-quities. As on April 24,2023 invaluable antiquities of Indian origin have been retrieved back from different countries, out of which 238 have been brought back since 2014. These repatriations stand as a testament to the Government’s commitment to safeguarding and reclaiming Indian’s cultural treasons. The development of 12 heritage cities under the hriday (Heritage city development and augmentation yojana) scheme showcases the commitment of the Govt. to establish itself as custodian of an extra ordinaryheritage.Indiaboasts of an impressive 40 world heritage sites, out which 32 are cultural, 7 are natural and one is under the mixed category show casing the diversity and richness of India’s heritage. In the last nine years alone, 10 new sites have been added to the world heritage list. Additionally, India’s tentative list has expanded from 15 sites in 2014 to 52 in 2022, indicating global recognition of India’s cultural heritage and its potential to attract a large number of foreign travellers.
The cultural richness of India was also exhibited through the month-long Kashi Tamil Sangamam, organised in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, with the objective to celebrate, reaffirm and rediscover the age -old links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi two of the country’s most important and ancient seats of learning. Through such programmes, the govt emphatically promotes the idea of EK Bharat Shreshtra Bharat which aims to celebrate the culture of the country. Recently, the decisions to celebrate state hood days by all the Raj Bhawan’s of all the states across the country also highlights the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtra Bharat.
Through all these ambitious projects and initiatives, the Govt. of India guided by the vision the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has taken significant strides to promote and preserve India’s cultural heritage. They reflect a dep awareness of the Nations rich culture and a steadfast commitment to preserving its heritage. By safeguarding and promoting India’s cultural and spiritual treasure the Govt. aims to enrich the present and future generations understanding of Indian history and culture. With the potential to attract a growing number of international tourists and ongoing efforts to revitalize the heritage sites. India’s ancient civilization and cultural traditions will continue to shine on the global stage.
(The author is former Deputy Librarian University of Jammu)
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