Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today. This significant event marks the first time India is hosting the World Heritage Committee Meeting, a gathering that plays a pivotal role in managing World Heritage matters and deciding on sites to be inscribed on the World Heritage list.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi expressed his delight at the meeting commencing on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, extending his best wishes to all citizens. He warmly welcomed dignitaries and guests from around the world, including the Director General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay. He expressed confidence that the meeting would set new records in history, akin to other global events hosted by India.
Highlighting India’s recent efforts in preserving heritage, the Prime Minister mentioned the return of over 350 heritage items to India. He described this as a display of global generosity and respect for history, emphasizing the growing opportunities for research and tourism as technology advances.
Prime Minister Modi underscored the pride India feels in hosting the World Heritage Committee meeting, noting the nomination of North East India’s historic Maidam to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. He pointed out that this would be India’s 43rd World Heritage Site and the first for North East India, expecting it to gain more recognition and popularity.
Emphasizing the rich heritage of India, the Prime Minister spoke about the country’s ancient history and its reflection in the present. He highlighted significant historical sites like the 2000-year-old Iron Pillar in Delhi, the 8th-century Kedarnath temple, and the architectural marvel of the Brihadeeswara Temple. He also mentioned Dholavira and Lothal in Gujarat, known for their ancient urban planning and water management systems dating back to 3000 BC to 1500 BC.
The Prime Minister asserted that India’s history necessitates new perspectives and technological advancements to better understand its vast heritage. He cited the recent findings at Sinauli in Uttar Pradesh, including a 4000-year-old horse-driven chariot, calling for a prejudice-free approach to exploring India’s past.
“Heritage is not only history but a shared consciousness of humanity,” Prime Minister Modi said, urging the global community to use heritage to connect hearts and promote human welfare. He encouraged tourism and job creation through the World Heritage Committee meeting, aligning with India’s vision of development alongside heritage.
Recounting India’s commitment to heritage over the past decade, the Prime Minister highlighted projects like the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Shri Ram Mandir, and the modern campus of ancient Nalanda University. He linked India’s heritage preservation efforts with the broader goal of serving humanity, reflecting the inclusive ethos of Indian culture.
Emphasizing India’s role in global welfare, Prime Minister Modi mentioned the worldwide embrace of Yoga and Ayurveda, the theme of the G-20 Summit hosted by India – One World, One Family, One Future – and initiatives like the promotion of millets and the International Solar Alliance. He announced India’s contribution of 1 million dollars to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for capacity building and conservation efforts, particularly benefiting countries in the Global South.
The Prime Minister concluded his address by inviting foreign guests and dignitaries to explore India, highlighting a tour series for iconic heritage sites. He expressed confidence that their experiences would make for a memorable visit.
The inauguration was attended by Union Minister for External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, UNESCO Director General, Ms. Audrey Azoulay, and Chairperson of the World Heritage Committee, Shri Vishal Sharma, among others.
The World Heritage Committee meeting, held from 21 to 31 July 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, will discuss proposals for new World Heritage sites, State of Conservation reports of 124 existing properties, and other key matters. More than 2000 international and national delegates from over 150 countries are participating. The event also features the World Heritage Young Professionals’ Forum, the World Heritage Site Managers’ Forum, and various exhibitions showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and modern advancements.
Several exhibitions have been set up at Bharat Mandapam to showcase India’s culture and heritage. The “Return of Treasures” exhibition highlights some of the 350 artefacts recently retrieved and brought back to India. Additionally, AR and VR technologies offer immersive experiences of three World Heritage sites: Rani ki Vav in Gujarat, Kailasa Temple in Maharashtra, and Hoysala Temple in Karnataka. The “Incredible India” exhibition presents India’s rich cultural heritage, geographical diversity, and tourism destinations, along with modern developments in Information Technology and infrastructure.
The 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee promises to be a landmark event, fostering global cooperation in heritage conservation and showcasing India’s enduring commitment to preserving its rich historical and cultural legacy.
