Heritage isn’t just history, PM Modi says while inaugurating Unesco event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent out a strong message to the world citing “heritage” as a unifying factor that has the power to transcend current geopolitical factors and pave the way for solutions for betterment of the world.
“Heritage is not just history but a shared consciousness. Whenever we see any heritage in the world, our minds overcome the geopolitical factors. We must tap into this potential of heritage for the betterment of the world and to connect hearts,” PM said while inaugurating the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee. The meeting is being held in India for the first time.
“It is India’s clarion call to the world to come together to promote each other’s heritage and amplify the spirit of human welfare, encourage tourism and create more job opportunities,” he said.
Modi said that there was a time when heritage was ignored in the pursuit of development, but today, India’s vision is development as well as heritage - ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’. He mentioned steps such as Kashi Viswanath Corridor, Shri Ram Mandir, Modern Campus of ancient Nalanda University. “This resolve of India regarding heritage is linked with the feeling of serving the entire humanity. Indian culture talks about us, not just about self,” he added.
Modi also announced that India will contribute $1 million to the Unesco World Heritage Centre for capacity building, technical assistance and conservation of world heritage sites. He underlined that this money will be useful for the countries of the Global South.
Reiterating that India considers the preservation of global heritage as its responsibility, the PM highlighted the engineering marvels that define India’s diverse heritage - from Kedarnath temple to Dholavira and Lothal. Referring to the Capital, he cited the example of the 2000-year-old ‘Iron Pillar’ which has been rust-resistant and gives a glimpse of India’s metallurgical prowess in the past.
“India’s heritage is not merely history, but also science... India’s civilization and history are much older and widespread than the history that we know. As we are getting new evidence, and as it is getting scientific verification, we are developing a new perspective to view the past,” he said.