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ভারতের ঐতিহ্য শুধু ইতিহাস নয়, বিজ্ঞানের প্রতিফলন: প্রধানমন্ত্রী মোদী

Published By : Admin | July 21, 2024 | 19:45 IST
India is committed to promoting global cooperation and engaging local communities towards heritage conservation efforts
“India is so ancient that every point of the present here tells the story of some glorious past”
“Return of ancient heritage artifacts is a display of global generosity and respect for history”
“Maidam, first entry in the UNESCO World Heritage list from Northeast are special due their uniqueness”
“India's heritage is not just a history. India's heritage is also a science”
“The history of India and Indian civilization are much older and broader than the common understanding of history”
“It is India’s clarion call to the world to come together to promote each others’ heritage and amplify the spirit of human welfare”
“India's vision is - development as well as heritage- Vikas bhi Virasat bhi”

My colleague in the Union Cabinet, S. Jaishankar ji and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat ji, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay ji, other members of the cabinet Rao Inderjit Singh ji and Suresh Gopi ji, Chairman of the World Heritage Committee Vishal Sharma ji, and all other dignitaries, ladies, and gentlemen,

Today, Bharat is celebrating the holy festival of Guru Purnima. First of all, I extend my greetings to all of you and all the countrymen on this festival of knowledge and spirituality. The 46th meeting of the World Heritage Committee is starting on such an important day. This event is being held in Bharat for the first time, and naturally, this brings special joy to all countrymen, including myself. I welcome all dignitaries and guests who have come from all over the world on this occasion. Especially, I extend my greetings to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. I am confident that this event in Bharat will also set new records of success like every global event.

Friends,

I was just looking at the exhibition of ancient heritage brought back from abroad. In the past few years, we have brought back more than 350 ancient heritages of Bharat. The return of ancient heritage shows global generosity and respect for history. The Immersive Exhibition here is also a wonderful experience in itself. As technology evolves, immense possibilities for research and tourism are emerging in this field.

Friends,

The program of the World Heritage Committee is associated with a proud achievement for Bharat. I have been informed that the historical ‘Maidam’ of our North East India is proposed to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This will be Bharat’s 43rd World Heritage Site and the first heritage from North East India to receive the status of Cultural World Heritage. Maidam is very special due to its unique characteristics. I am confident that its popularity and global attraction will increase after it is included in the World Heritage List.

Friends,

The experts who have come from all corners of the world for today’s event reflect the richness of this summit. This event is taking place on the soil of Bharat, which is one of the world’s oldest living civilizations. We have seen different centres of heritage in the world. But Bharat is so ancient that every point of the present here tells the tale of a glorious past. Take the example of Delhi... the world knows Delhi as the capital city of Bharat. But, this city is also a centre of thousands of years old heritage. You will find historical heritage at every step here. There is an iron pillar weighing several tons just 15 kilometres from here. This is a pillar that has been standing in the open for 2,000 years and is still rust-resistant. This shows how advanced Bharat’s metallurgy was at that time. It is clear that Bharat’s heritage is not just history. Bharat’s heritage is also a science.

Friends,

Bharat’s heritage also showcases a glorious journey of top-notch engineering. Just a few hundred kilometres from Delhi is the Kedarnath temple at an altitude of 3,500 meters. Even today, that place is geographically so remote that people have to walk several kilometres or go by helicopter. It is still very challenging for any construction today... most of the year, it is impossible to work there due to snow. But, you will be surprised to know that such a big temple in Kedarnath valley was constructed in the 8th century. Its engineering took into account the harsh environment and glaciers. Moreover, no mortar has been used in the temple. But, the temple stands firm till today. Similarly, there is also the example of the Brihadeeswarar Temple built by Raja Chola in the south. The architectural layout of the temple, its horizontal and vertical dimensions, its sculptures … every part of the temple seems astonishing.

Friends,

Gujarat, the state I come from, has places like Dholavira and Lothal. The urban planning in Dholavira from 3000 to 1500 BCE... the kind of water management system and arrangements... they amaze experts even in the 21st century. The planning of the fort and lower town in Lothal... the arrangement of streets and drains... this tells the modern level of that ancient civilization.

Friends,

Bharat’s history and civilization are much more ancient and extensive than ordinary historical knowledge. As new facts are coming to light... as scientific verification of history is happening... we need to develop new perspectives to view the past. World experts present here must know about the evidence found in Sinauli, Uttar Pradesh. The findings of Sinauli belong to the Copper Age. But, they match the Vedic civilization rather than the Indus Valley Civilization. In 2018, a 4,000-year-old chariot was found there, which was horse-driven. These researches, these new facts tell us that a new thinking free from preconceived notions is needed to understand Bharat. I urge all of you to be part of this new understanding of history in the light of new facts, and to take it forward.

Friends,

Heritage is not just history, but a shared consciousness of humanity. Whenever we see any heritage anywhere in the world, our minds rise above the current geo-political factors. We have to use this potential of heritage for the betterment of the world. We have to connect hearts through our heritage. And today, through the 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting, Bharat calls out to the entire world... Let us all join together to advance each other’s heritage... Let us all join together to expand the spirit of human welfare! Let us all join together to promote tourism while preserving our heritage, and to create more and more employment opportunities.

Friends,

The world has seen a time when heritage was ignored in the race for development. But today's era is much more aware. Bharat’s vision is – ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ (development as well as heritage)! In the last 10 years, Bharat has touched new dimensions of modern development, while also taking a pledge of ‘Virasat Par Garv’ (pride in heritage). We have taken unprecedented steps for the conservation of heritage. Be it the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi, the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, or the construction of a modern campus of the ancient Nalanda University, many such works are happening across the country. Bharat’s resolve towards heritage is connected with the spirit of serving humanity. The culture of Bharat speaks of 'Vayam' (we) rather than 'Swayam' (self). The spirit of Bharat is - Not Me, Rather Us! With this mindset, Bharat has always tried to be a partner in the welfare of the world.

Friends,

Today, the whole world celebrates International Yoga Day. Today, the world is benefiting from Ayurveda science. This yoga and Ayurveda are scientific heritages of Bharat. Last year, we also hosted the G-20 summit. The theme of this summit was - 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'. Where did we get this inspiration from? We got this inspiration from the idea of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The World is One Family). Bharat is promoting millets to address challenges like food and water crises... our thought is - 'Mata Bhumih: Putroham Prithivya' which means, this earth is our mother, we are her children. With this thought, Bharat is giving solutions like the International Solar Alliance and Mission LiFE today.

Friends,

Bharat also considers it its responsibility to protect global heritage. Therefore, we are not only conserving Indian heritage but also cooperating for heritage conservation in Global South countries. Bharat is assisting in the conservation of many heritages, such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Cham Temples in Vietnam, and stupas in Bagan, Myanmar. In this direction, I am making another important announcement today. Bharat will contribute 1 million dollars to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. This grant will be used for capacity building, technical assistance, and conservation of world heritage sites, especially benefiting Global South countries. A certificate program in World Heritage Management for young professionals has also started in Bharat. I believe the cultural and creative industry will become a major factor in global growth.

Friends,

In the end, I would like to make one more request to all the guests who have come from abroad... Do explore Bharat. We have also started a tour series for iconic heritage sites for your convenience. I believe this experience will make your visit memorable. Once again, best wishes to all of you for the World Heritage Committee Meeting. Thank you very much, Namaste.

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Arya Vaidya Sala has played a significant role in preserving, protecting and advancing Ayurveda: PM Modi
January 28, 2026
Ayurveda in India has transcended time and region, guiding humanity to understand life, achieve balance and live in harmony with nature: PM
We have consistently focused on preventive health, the National AYUSH Mission was launched with this vision: PM
We must adapt to the changing times and increase the use of modern technology and AI in Ayurveda: PM


Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Governor of Kerala, all the dignitaries associated with Arya Vaidya Sala, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure for me to join you all on this solemn occasion. Arya Vaidyasala has played a significant role in preserving, protecting, and advancing Ayurveda. In its 125-year journey, this institution has established Ayurveda as a powerful system of treatment. On this occasion, I remember the contributions of Arya Vaidyasala's founder, Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier. His approach to Ayurveda and his dedication to public welfare continue to inspire us.

Friends,

Arya Vaidyasala in Kerala is a living symbol of India's healing tradition, which has served humanity for centuries. Ayurveda in India has not been confined to any one era or region. Throughout time, this ancient system of medicine has shown the way to understand life, achieve balance, and live in harmony with nature. Today, Arya Vaidyasala manufactures over 600 Ayurvedic medicines. The organization's hospitals in various parts of the country treat patients using Ayurvedic methods, including those from over 60 countries around the world. Arya Vaidyasala has built this trust through its work. When people are in pain, all of you become a great source of hope for them.

Friends,

For Arya Vaidya Sala, service is not just an idea, this spirit is also visible in their action, approach and institutions. The Charitable Hospital of the organization has been continuously serving the people for the last 100 years, 100 years is not a small time, for 100 years. Everyone associated with the hospital has contributed in this. I also congratulate the Vaidyas, doctors, nursing staff and all others of the hospital. You all deserve congratulations for completing the 100 years journey of the Charitable Hospital. The people of Kerala have kept the traditions of Ayurveda alive for centuries. You are preserving and promoting those traditions as well.

Friends,

For a long time, ancient medical systems in the country were viewed in silos. Over the last 10-11 years, this approach has undergone a significant shift. Healthcare is now being viewed holistically. We have brought Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy, Siddha, and Yoga under one umbrella, and a Ministry of AYUSH has been specifically created for this purpose. We have consistently focused on preventive health. With this vision, the National AYUSH Mission was launched, and more than 12,000 AYUSH Wellness Centers were opened, providing yoga, preventive care, and community health services. We have also connected other hospitals in the country with AYUSH services and focused on the regular supply of AYUSH medicines. The objective is clear: to ensure that people in every corner of the country benefit from the knowledge of India's traditional medicine.

Friends,

The government's policies have clearly shown an impact on the AYUSH sector. The AYUSH manufacturing sector has grown rapidly and expanded. To promote Indian traditional wellness to the world, the government has established the AYUSH Export Promotion Council. Our effort is to promote AYUSH products and services in global markets. We are seeing its very positive impact. In the year 2014, AYUSH and herbal products worth approximately Rs 3 thousand crores were exported from India. Now, AYUSH and herbal products worth Rs 6500 crores are being exported from India. The farmers of the country are also getting huge benefits from this.

Friends,

Today, India is also emerging as a trusted destination for AYUSH-based medical value travel. Therefore, we have taken steps like the AYUSH Visa. This is providing better access to AYUSH medical facilities to people coming from abroad.

Friends,

To promote ancient medical systems like Ayurveda, the government is proudly showcasing it on every major platform. Whether it's the BRICS summit or the G-20 meeting, wherever I got the opportunity, I presented Ayurveda as a medium for holistic health. The World Health Organization (WHO)'s Global Traditional Medicine Centre is also being established in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda has started functioning in Jamnagar itself. To meet the growing demand for Ayurvedic medicines, medicinal farming is also being promoted on the banks of the river Ganga.

Friends,

Today, I want to share with you another achievement of the country. You all know that a historic trade agreement has just been announced with the European Union. I am happy to inform you that this trade agreement will provide a major boost to Indian traditional medicine services and practitioners. In EU member states where regulations do not exist, our AYUSH practitioners will be able to provide their services based on their professional qualifications acquired in India. This will greatly benefit our youth associated with Ayurveda and Yoga. This agreement will also help in establishing AYUSH wellness centers in Europe. I congratulate all of you associated with Ayurveda and AYUSH on this agreement.

Friends,

Ayurveda has been used for treatment in India for centuries. However, it is unfortunate that we have to explain the importance of Ayurveda to people, both in the country and abroad. A major reason for this is the lack of evidence-based research and research papers. When the Ayurvedic system is tested on the principles of science, people's faith is strengthened. Therefore, I am happy that Arya Vaidya Shala has continuously tested Ayurveda on the touchstone of science and research. It is working in collaboration with institutions like CSIR and IIT. Drug research, clinical research, and cancer care have also been your focus. Establishing a Centre of Excellence for Cancer Research, in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, is an important step in this direction.

Friends,

Now, we must increase the use of modern technology and AI in Ayurveda to adapt to the changing times. Much innovation can be done to diagnose disease and develop different treatments.

Friends,

Arya Vaidya Shala has demonstrated that tradition and modernity can coexist, and that healthcare can become a foundation of trust in people's lives. This institution has adapted to modern needs while preserving the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. Treatment has been streamlined and services have been made accessible to patients. I once again congratulate Arya Vaidya Shala on this inspiring journey. I wish that this institution continues to improve people's lives with the same dedication and spirit of service in the years to come. Thank you very much.