India, Aug. 14 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Strengthening India's Cultural Identity
India's rich cultural legacy reflects its civilizational heritage and national identity. It has strengthened heritage conservation through digitisation, tourism infrastructure, and cultural preservation. The Government has undertaken major initiatives to preserve, promote, and revitalise India's cultural assets. These efforts have strengthened tourism, connectivity, visitor facilities, and local economic development while safeguarding the nation's cultural identity.
Enhancing Heritage Preservation
Adopt a Heritage 2.0
Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)
Swadesh Darshan
Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, the focus has moved beyond circuit-based development to adopt a destination-centric approach.
Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)
Archaeology and Monument Preservation
Archaeological Survey of India
National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA)
HRIDAY Scheme
Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY)
Reclaiming India's Cultural Treasures
The Government has intensified efforts to repatriate sacred relics and antiquities taken abroad through colonial exploitation, foreign occupations, and illegal trafficking.
Repatriation of Sacred Relics
Major repatriation achievements include:
Global Exposition of Sacred Relics:
India expanded the international exposition of sacred Buddha relics to strengthen cultural and civilizational ties.
Domestic exhibitions were also organised in New Delhi and Ladakh in 2026, showcasing the reunited Piprahwa relics.
Repatriation of Antiquities
Museums and Cultural Infrastructure
Museum Grant Scheme
India's First Archaeological Experiential Museum-Vadnagar, Gujarat
Global Recognition Through UNESCO
Preserving Knowledge Through Digitisation
Digitisation of Cultural Heritage (Gyan Bharatam)
Gyan Bharatam Mission
National Manuscript Survey
Digitisation of Museum Collections
Technology-Enabled Heritage Conservation
Modern technologies such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scanning, GIS (Geographic Information System)-based mapping, and drone surveys are being used to strengthen heritage documentation and conservation. The Government is also leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support the digitisation, documentation, and accessibility of cultural assets and heritage data.
Harnessing AI for Cultural and Knowledge Preservation
India is using AI to preserve languages, manuscripts, and cultural heritage while improving access to education and public services.
Vedic Heritage Portal
UNESCO Recognition:
Conserving India's Cinematic Heritage
National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM)
National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC)
Carrying India's Cultural Legacy Forward
India's cultural heritage is a living link between its past, present, and future. Through sustained conservation, digitisation, restoration, and promotion, the Government has strengthened efforts to safeguard this legacy while widening public access. These efforts will help create a future where heritage remains a dynamic source of knowledge, identity, and inspiration for generations to come.
References:
Ministry of Culture
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2289399®48&lang1
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2099146®48&lang2
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2242375®3&lang1
https://www.indianheritage.gov.in/assets/docs/Visitors%20footfall%20at%20the%20Centrally%20Protected%20Ticketed%20Monuments%20under%20ASI%20for%20FY%202023-24.pdf
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2286588®48&lang1
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2243793®3&lang2
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2223734®3&lang2
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2286586®3&lang1
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2240543®3&lang1
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2289928®48&lang2
https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/mgsch
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2236932®3&lang1
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2034457®48&lang2
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2165457®48&lang2
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2288288®48&lang1
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2293807®48&lang1
Ministry of Tourism
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID2041555®48&lang2
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2227369®48&lang2
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2196921®48&lang2
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2150720®3&lang2
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2238959®3&lang1
https://x.com/tourismgoi/status/1765670310605725718
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2200321®3&lang1
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs:
https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AS397_T4BASb.pdf?sourcepqals
Ministry of Home Affairs:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2093139®48&lang2
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID2093525®3&lang2
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting:
AS453_KIMPcM.pdf
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2201518®3&lang1
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID1560338®48&lang2
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2268814®48&lang2
PIB Backgrounders:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2253199®3&lang1
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId158940&ModuleId3®3&lang1
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2225474®3&lang2
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2182427®48&lang2
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Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.