Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Inaugurating the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on July 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was being hosted on the land which is one of the oldest living civilisations in the world.
“India is so ancient that every point of time in the present moment is a reflection of its glorious past, he emphasised. Referring to the Capital of India, New Delhi, the PM said it is the centre of thousands of years of heritage and one can find heritage and history at every step of the way. The World Heritage Committee meets annually and is responsible for managing all matters on world heritage and deciding on sites to be inscribed on the World Heritage list. India is hosting the meeting for the first time.
Exhibitions showcased
The Prime Minister also took a walkthrough of various exhibitions showcased on the occasion. He extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries and guests from around the world, especially Unesco Director General Audrey Azoulay and expressed confidence that the World Heritage Committee meeting will script new records in history similar to other global meets in India. PM Modi asserted that “India’s history and sense of history are older and more elaborate than the normal, leading to the need for new perspectives to witness the past with technological developments and new discoveries”.
Underlining the significance of heritage, the Prime Minister said, “Heritage is not only history. Rather a shared consciousness of humanity. Whenever we look at historical sites, it lifts our mind from the current geo-political factors.” He encouraged people to use this potential of heritage for the betterment of the world, using them to connect hearts.
Vikas bhi Virasat bhi
Recalling a time when heritage was ignored in the pursuit of development, the Prime Minister said today, India’s vision is development as well as heritage – Vikas bhi Virasat bhi. Elaborating on the pride in heritage pledge during the last 10 years, he mentioned Kashi Viswanath Corridor, Shri Ram Mandir and the modern campus of ancient Nalanda University.
$1 million for Unesco World Heritage Centre
NEW DELHI: At the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will contribute one million dollars to the Unesco World Heritage Centre. “This grant is for capacity building, technical assistance and conservation of world heritage sites. This money will especially be helpful for the Global South countries. With this idea, India is giving solutions like International Solar Alliance and Mission Life,” he said.
