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India's heritage is not just a history. India's heritage is also a science: PM Modi

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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Greetings, Friends,

Yesterday, the Honorable President’s address was an expression of the self-confidence of 140 crore countrymen, an account of the collective endeavor of 140 crore Indians, and a very precise articulation of the aspirations of 140 crore citizens—especially the youth. It also laid out several guiding thoughts for all Members of Parliament. At the very beginning of the session, and at the very start of 2026, the expectations expressed by the Honorable President before the House, in the simplest of words and in the capacity of the Head of the Nation, reflect deep sentiments. I am fully confident that all Honorable Members of Parliament have taken them seriously. This session, in itself, is a very important one. It is the Budget Session.

A quarter of the 21st century has already passed; we are now beginning the second quarter. This marks the start of a crucial 25-year period to achieve the goal of a Developed India by 2047. This is the first budget of the second quarter of this century. And Finance Minister Nirmala ji is presenting the budget in Parliament for the ninth consecutive time—the first woman Finance Minister in the country to do so. This moment is being recorded as a matter of pride in India’s parliamentary history.

Friends,

This year has begun on a very positive note. A self-confident India today has become a ray of hope for the world and also a center of attraction. At the very beginning of this quarter, the Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union reflects how bright the coming directions are and how promising the future of India’s youth is. This is free trade for an ambitious India, free trade for aspirational youth, and free trade for a self-reliant India. I am fully confident that, especially India’s manufacturers, will use this opportunity to enhance their capabilities.

I would say to all producers: when such a “mother of all deals,” as it is called, has been concluded between India and the European Union, our industrialists and manufacturers should not remain complacent merely thinking that a big market has opened and goods can now be sent cheaply. This is an opportunity, and the foremost mantra of seizing this opportunity is to focus on quality. Now that the market has opened, we must enter it with the very best quality. If we go with top-class quality, we will not only earn revenue from buyers across the 27 countries of the European Union, but we will also win their hearts. That impact lasts a long time—decades, in fact. Company brands, along with the nation’s brand, establish a new sense of pride.

Therefore, this agreement with 27 countries is bringing major opportunities for our fishermen, our farmers, our youth, and those in the service sector who are eager to work across the world. I am fully confident that this is a very significant step toward a confident, competitive, and productive India.

Friends,

It is natural for the nation’s attention to be focused on the budget. But this government has been identified with reform, perform, and transform. Now we are moving on the reform express—at great speed. I also express my gratitude to all colleagues in Parliament who are contributing their positive energy to accelerate this reform express, due to which it continues to gain momentum.

The country is now moving out of long-term pending problems and stepping firmly onto the path of long-term solutions. When long-term solutions are in place, predictability emerges, which creates trust across the world. In every decision we take, national progress is our objective, but all our decisions are human-centric. Our role and our schemes are human-centric. We will compete with technology, adopt technology, and accept its potential, but at the same time, we will not allow the human-centric system to be diminished in any way. Understanding the importance of sensitivities, we will move forward with a harmonious integration of technology and humanity.

Those who critique us—who may have likes or dislikes toward us—this is natural in a democracy. But one thing everyone acknowledges is that this government has emphasized last-mile delivery. There is a continuous effort to ensure that schemes do not remain confined to files but reach people’s lives. This tradition will be taken forward in the coming days through next-generation reforms on the reform express.

India’s democracy and India’s demography today represent a great hope for the world. From this temple of democracy, we should also convey a message to the global community—about our capabilities, our commitment to democracy, and our respect for decisions taken through democratic processes. The world welcomes and accepts this.

At a time when the country is moving forward, this is not an era of obstruction; it is an era of solutions. Today, the priority is not disruption, but resolution. Today is not a time to sit and lament through obstruction; it is a period that demands courageous, solution-oriented decisions. I urge all Honorable Members of Parliament to come forward, accelerate this phase of essential solutions for the nation, empower decisions, and move successfully ahead in last-mile delivery.

Thank you very much, colleagues. My best wishes to all of you.