India is hosting a World Heritage Committee (WHC) meeting for the first time in New Delhi. The 46th WHC meeting will be held from 21 to 31 July at Bharata Mantapam and will be attended by more than 2000 delegates. The committee will scrutinise and decide on the 27 sites proposed for inclusion in this year’s prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
Inaugurating the meeting on Sunday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Moidam in India’s northeast state of Assam is proposed to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list at this time. It’s unique due to its long-lasting cultural legacy and will be an attractive tourist spot. India’s heritage is artistic and depicts the scientific advancement of those times. For example, the Kedarnath temple, built without mortar in the 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, which spreads amazingly in horizontal and vertical dimensions. The 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 sought after everywhere. A new university was recently established at Nalanda, where the flourishing 5th-century 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 on the list. Forty 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.
Three hundred fifty antiquities brought back to India are displayed 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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