India is a torch bearer for modern times, and given its rich heritage, ancient and modern history, it’s story is crucial for sustainable, peaceful and prosperous future of the planet. For context, France became part of EU more or less from an Empire status, and USA, though an old state, became true democracy only around 60 years back. As Indian democracy is celebrating ‘azaadi ka amrit mahotsav’, every citizen needs to do something towards preserving, protecting and upholding democratic values. First and foremost of these is to be self-confident, willing to put in honest and hard work needed to produce success and grandeur, as have been amply demonstrated time and again in this land – this is where heritage sites, monuments and museums play a key role. India’s material culture produced over the years, has also captivated the world like anything. Indian Monuments attract the people in millions from world over. India has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than majority of the countries.
On this World Heritage Day, as the world celebrates its efforts to salvage the rich cultural heritage, India also takes pride for its efforts on the front. India has 10 more of its sites added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list since 2014, taking the total to 40. Considering that 49 more sites are on India’s World Heritage Tentative list, India’s heritage monuments will be a game changer in the tourism sector.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has created an online portal for Indian Heritage Sites/Monuments with an e-ticketing facility & a “Must See” List that features outstanding monuments. On the other hand, initiatives like ‘Adopt a Hertitage’ Scheme aim to enhance tourism experience of travellers. The scheme allows Public or Private sector companies to become ‘Monument Mitras’ after putting forth a proposal for adopting sites. As of now, 24 MoUs have been signed with Ministry of Tourism, ASI and Monument Mitras for active collaboration in upgrading and developing amenities at tourist heritage sites.
The government has also built many monuments of national importance to give our young generation a richer sense of Indian history. “Today, the development of tourist centres is not just a part of the government scheme, but a campaign of public participation. The development of our cultural heritage is a great example,” said PM Modi during the inauguration of the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple, Gujarat. This initiative of building new monuments of national Importance across the country has set new avenues for Indian heritage and its popularity across the globe. The government built the National War Memorial in New Delhi, the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, APJ Abdul Kalam memorial in Rameshwaram, etc. Similarly, the places associated with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Shyamji Krishna Varma have been given grandeur. Adivasi museums are also being built across the country to bring forth the glorious history of Indian tribal society.
India, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, is an all-embracing confluence of religions, traditions and customs. A walk through any of the Indian heritage site fills one with ancient exuberance infused with stories of great rulers, spiritual leaders, artists, and all other beings that once walked the Indian soils. The finesse of Indian handicraft, the ethnicity of jewellery here, its silk and cotton textiles, even sweets and classical instruments, everything has come down as a heritage from ancient times and is being kept alive generation after generation. All said, Indian heritage is such a treasure and so subtle that it not only encompasses art, music, flora & fauna, print,designs and classical dances,but also its architectural advancement and intelligent engineering.
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