India is hosting World Heritage Committee (WHC) meeting for the first time, in New Delhi. The 46th WHC meet is being held from 21 to 31 July at Bharata Mantapam and is being attended by more 2000 delegates. The committee will scrutinise and decided on the 27 sites proposed for inclusion in the prestigious UNESCO
India is hosting World Heritage Committee (WHC) meeting for the first time, in New Delhi. The 46th WHC meet is being held from 21 to 31 July at Bharata Mantapam and is being attended by more 2000 delegates. The committee will scrutinise and decided on the 27 sites proposed for inclusion in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site list this year.
Inaugurating the meeting on Sunday, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Moidam in India’s North East state of Assam is proposed to be included in UNESCO World Heritage Site list this time. It’s unique due to its long prevalent cultural legacy and will be an attractive tourist place. India’s heritage is not just cultural but is also depicts of scientific advancement of those times. For example, Kedarnath temple built without the use of mortar, way back in 8th century, still stands tall in the rugged terrains of snow-clad Himalayan mountains. Similarly, Brihadeeshwar temple in India’s South is incredible for its magnitude and architectural layout that spreads amazingly in both horizontal as well as vertical dimensions. Remains of 3000 year old Dholavira city in Gujarat astonishes town planners of today with its meticulous layout. Capital Delhi is a centre of 1000 year old traditions.
International Yoga Day is celebrated all over the world. Ayurveda’s healing power is being sought after everywhere. A new university is recently established at Nalanda, where the 5th century ‘s flourishing University was destroyed by the invaders.
Audrey Azoulay, Director General, UNESCO, said: “195 countries have pledged to preserve, promote and pass on World’s Heritage. Archaeological Society of India has been protecting India’s heritage since 160 years. India’s support is to be re-enforced in continuing our efforts with determination to conserve heritage, of which Taj Mahal and Kajuraho are part of. We appreciate India’s support in upkeep of Heritage in Cambodia and Vietnam as well.”
There are a total of 1100 World Heritage Sites in the list. 40 of those are in India.
P M Modi reiterated that India thinks not as ‘me’ but as ‘us’. Hence last year’s G20 meeting’s slogan was ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, meaning ‘World is a Family’. India will contribute $ one million to UNESCO WHC capacity building, technical assistance and World Heritage Sites conservation-especially to help global south countries.
350 antiquities brought back to India are on display at the WHC meeting venue -Bharata Mandapam. Arrangements are made for delegates to explore rich heritage across India.
Written by: Madhura Katti
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