India’s Cultural Power: A Competitive Edge: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th Nov. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat underscored India’s cultural heritage as a vital asset in today’s global competition dominated by technological, economic, and strategic strengths.

Speaking at the 14th Foundation Day celebration of the National Monuments Authority (NMA) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the Minister highlighted the need for a scientific approach to heritage conservation, ensuring minimal impact on citizens’ daily lives.

Reflecting on historical neglect, Shekhawat remarked that the 200 years leading up to 2014 witnessed attempts to diminish India’s rich legacy by portraying its art, science, and knowledge systems as inferior to Western traditions. He lauded the past decade’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in prioritizing heritage conservation alongside national development, earning global recognition for India’s cultural legacy.

The event also saw the release of the NMA’s Annual Report 2023-24, the first such publication by the statutory body. The report outlines significant milestones, including the establishment of 55 Heritage Bye-Laws (HBLs) for 98 Centrally Protected Monuments and the approval of 53 HBLs for 57 additional monuments.

Shekhawat praised the NMA’s innovative use of technology, such as the NMA Online Application Processing System (NOAPS), integrated with ISRO’s SMARAC mobile app, to streamline construction permissions near protected monuments. This initiative aligns with the government’s “Ease of Doing Business” agenda.

Chairman Professor Kishor K. Basa, senior officials from the Ministry of Culture, the Archaeological Survey of India, and other dignitaries attended the event.

Shekhawat emphasized that the NMA’s achievements in heritage management over the past 14 years have laid a robust foundation for future efforts, ensuring the preservation and promotion of India’s cultural legacy.

“India’s cultural power not only enriches its identity but also elevates its global stature,” the Minister concluded, expressing confidence in the NMA’s continued contributions to safeguarding the nation’s heritage for generations to come.