BJP leader CR Kesavan: Under PM Modi, India’s Cultural History Has Gained More Respect

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader CR Kesavan praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, stating that the Prime Minister has been leading Bharat’s cultural revival. He emphasized that Modi’s vision for a modern Viksit Bharat is deeply intertwined with reconnecting people to their civilizational heritage and traditions.

Speaking to ANI, Kesavan said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a modern Viksit Bharat is inextricably linked with reconnecting our people back to our civilizational heritage and tradition. We have seen how, under PM Modi’s sterling leadership, India’s cultural history has gained more respect, renown, and recognition on a global stage.”

“PM Modi has been at the forefront of Bharat’s cultural revival. For Modiji, our Bharat civilisation is not only limited to the borders,” he said.

Adding ahead, Kesavan said, “This is why it is indeed most befitting that India, for the first time ever will be hosting the World Heritage Committee, and PM Modi will be inaugurating it today on the auspicious Guru Purnima Day commemorating the birth of the great sage, Ved Vyas.”

This announcement comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to inaugurate the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee on July 21, 2024, at 7 PM at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The Prime Minister will also deliver a speech at the event. The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, will be present at the inauguration, according to a PMO release on Saturday. This marks the first time India will host the World Heritage Committee meeting, which will run from July 21 to 31, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

The World Heritage Committee meets annually to manage all matters related to World Heritage and to decide which sites will be added to the World Heritage List. This meeting will discuss proposals for new site nominations, State of Conservation reports for 124 existing World Heritage properties, International Assistance, and the Utilisation of World Heritage Funds, among other topics. Over 2,000 international and national delegates from more than 150 countries are expected to attend.

In addition to the World Heritage Committee Meeting, the World Heritage Young Professionals’ Forum and the World Heritage Site Managers’ Forum will also be held concurrently.

Additionally, various exhibitions will be organized at Bharat Mandapam to showcase India’s culture. The Return of Treasures Exhibition will feature some of the artefacts that have been retrieved and brought back to the country, with more than 350 artefacts repatriated to date. Utilizing the latest AR and VR technologies, an immersive experience will be offered for three world heritage sites in India: Rani ki Vav in Patan, Gujarat; Kailasa Temple at Ellora Caves, Maharashtra; and Hoysala Temple in Halebid, Karnataka, according to the release.

An ‘Incredible India’ exhibition will also be set up to highlight India’s rich cultural heritage, ancient civilization, geographical diversity, tourism destinations, and modern advancements in information technology and infrastructure, the release added.