New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee here at Bharat Mandapam during which he said that India’s vision is development as well as heritage – ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’.
Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi noted the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima and conveyed his best wishes to all citizens.
PM Modi expressed delight that the World Heritage Committee meeting is commencing on such an auspicious day and India is hosting the event for the first time, the PMO said in a statement.
The Prime Minister extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries and guests from around the world, especially the Director General of Unesco, Audrey Azoulay and expressed confidence that the World Heritage Committee meeting will script new records in history similar to other global meets in India, the statement noted.
Referring to the artifacts returned from abroad, PM Modi mentioned that more than 350 heritage items have been brought back in recent times.
“This return of ancient heritage artifacts is a display of global generosity and respect for history, ” the Prime Minister said. He also pointed out the growing research and tourism opportunities in the field as the technology progresses.
Applauding the World Heritage Committee, the Prime Minister said that hosting this programme is a matter of pride for India. He highlighted that Northeast’s historic Maidam has been nominated to enter Unesco’s popular World Heritage List.
“This is India’s 43rd World Heritage Site and Northeast’s first heritage to get the status of Cultural World Heritage, ” PM Modi said, expressing belief that Maidam with its unique cultural significance will become more popular and gain more traction after bagging a place in the list, the PMO statement said.
PM Modi said that the presence of experts from all around the world showcases the scope and capability of the Summit. He emphasised that the organisation is being hosted on the land which is one of the oldest living civilizations in the world.
The Prime Minister threw light on India’s ancient eras and said: “India is so ancient that every point of time in the present moment is a reflection of its glorious past.”
Referring to the national capital (Delhi), PM Modi said that it is the centre of thousands of years of heritage and one can find heritage and history at every step of the way. He gave the example of the 2, 000-year-old Iron Pillar which has been rust-resistant and gives a glimpse of India’s metallurgical prowess in the past.
