New Delhi, July 31: Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighting India’s commitment to heritage conservation said that India has long advocated for the values of the World Heritage Convention.
“Our commitment extends beyond borders which are reflected through various conservation and capacity-building initiatives we undertake with our neighbouring countries,” he said here today, on the successful conclusion of the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting.
For the first time, India proudly hosted the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee Meeting, from 21st to 31st July, 2024. Organized at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, this significant event marked a milestone in India's longstanding association with the World Heritage Convention, which began in 1977. India's active participation in the World Heritage Committee, serving four terms, underscores its dedication to international cooperation and capacity-building.
The session of the 46th WHC was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the presence of distinguished guests on 21st July. In the inaugural session, in line with his vision of "Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi" Prime Minister Modi announced a $1 million grant to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. This contribution will support capacity building, technical assistance, and conservation efforts, particularly benefiting Global South countries.
The Union Culture Minister in his briefing highlighted, “In the last 10 years, Bharat has touched new dimensions of modern development, while also taking a pledge of ‘Virasat Par Garv’”.
He mentioned numerous heritage conservation projects like the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and the construction of a modern campus of the ancient Nalanda University are being undertaken across the country. India’s efforts under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi have led to the successful inscription of 13 World Heritage Properties in the last decade, positioning India at the 6th spot globally for the most World Heritage Sites, he emphasized.
Briefing the media on the session’s outcomes, the Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that the 46th session of WHC witnessed the inscription of 24 new World Heritage Sites, including 19 cultural, 4 natural, and 1 mixed property. Moidams from Assam became India's 43rd World Heritage Site, a significant achievement as it is the first cultural site from Assam to receive this recognition. Located in the Charaideo district, Moidams are sacred burial mounds of the Ahom dynasty, reflecting six centuries of cultural and architectural development.
