Revival of India’s Civilizational Heritage: A Transformative Journey in the past 9 years.

India, with its rich cultural heritage and uninterrupted recorded history, holds the distinction of being the world’s largest repository of UNESCO world heritage sites, surpassing 400,000 in number. Unlike other ancient civilizations where heritage is preserved in monuments and museums, India’s living heritage is ingrained in daily life through temples, festivals, customs, and sacred pilgrimage sites being an non-abrahamic religion.

Despite the efforts of visionary leaders like Tilak, Aurobindo, Tagore, and Vivekananda to revive and share India’s rich civilizational heritage after independence, political and educational forces of Congress influenced by colonial and Marxist ideologies frequently disregarded and undermined the profound wisdom of ancient India.

With a new hope under PM Modi’s leadership, India experiences a cultural resurgence, with initiatives to preserve monuments, establish conservation institutes, and construct significant landmarks. The approach combines development with heritage preservation, instilling a deeper sense of history in the younger generation. This renewed focus cultivates an appreciation for India’s civilizational heritage, fostering a transformative shift in society.

The government’s focus on revitalizing historical sites has yielded tangible outcomes, such as hosting the G20 summit in Kashmir with 56 international delegates. In Kupwara, a Mata Sharda temple and a Gurudwara were opened near the Line of Control, thanks to the support of local Kashmiris, leading to a revival of tourism in the region. Numerous heritage sites across India have been revived and redeveloped, including the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and projects in Varanasi, with an investment of Rs 800 crores. The ongoing reconstruction of the Somnath Temple, the Ujjain Mahakal Corridor, and the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya are other notable examples of preserving our spiritual heritage. More than Rs 1000 crores have been spent on monument conservation, preservation, and maintenance in the past three years. Prime Minister Modi’s visionary PRASAD project aims to link major pilgrimage sites in the Northeast and has a budget of Rs 193 crores. The Kamakhya temple in Assam is receiving a significant facelift, alongside efforts for economic and infrastructural development in the region. Initiatives like the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage in Lumbini further showcase the government’s commitment to rejuvenating diverse cultural and religious sites. Additionally, the construction of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Abu Dhabi highlights the international reach of India’s heritage initiatives.

Modi’s leadership has promoted India’s ancient wellness systems, including the global initiative of the International Day of Yoga.Furthermore, Ayurveda, the traditional Indian healthcare system, has been revitalized and promoted, gaining international recognition as a holistic medical alternative. Previously undervalued, Ayurveda now boasts over 500 institutions in India alone.

Celebrations of Indian festivals abroad, initiatives like the International Day of Vesak, and promoting Indian art and music have enhanced India’s soft power and appreciation for its civilizational roots. Repatriation efforts have brought back over 230 antiquities since 2014, with a total of 244 invaluable artefacts being returned. Discussions with global leaders have led to countries voluntarily returning stolen antiquities. India has seen an increase in UNESCO World Heritage sites, with 10 new inscriptions in the past 9 years and a rise in the Tentative List from 15 to 52 from 2014 to 2022.

The PM has shown reverence to neglected national heroes like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sri Aurobindo, and Veer Savarkar. Notable tributes include the monumental statue of Sardar Patel in Gujarat and the statue of Subhas Chandra Bose in Delhi. Under Congress rule it was a constant matter of shame for Indians that the statue of British King George stood on the canopy of India Gate for 75 years even after Independence. Modi Ji also corrected an historical blunder by redesigning the flag of the Indian navy by removing the British Cross and putting the symbol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Additionally, the PM has honoured great gurus such as Adi Shankara, Ramanuja, Buddha, Mahavira, and Guru Nanak, acknowledging India’s dharmic roots by erecting their statues across the length and breadth of India.

Keeping in mind the historical significance of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the Ross Island was renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island in 2018 whereas the Neil and Havelock islands have been named as Shaheed and Swaraj Dweep respectively. While other 21 islands were renamed after 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees. Projects such as the revitalization of Varanasi and Mathura have breathed new life into these historic cities, restoring their architectural splendour and enhancing their cultural value. The “Namami Gange” initiative aims to clean and rejuvenate the sacred Ganges River, an essential part of India’s civilizational heritage.

Under Modi’s leadership, The 900 km Char Dham road project ensures all-weather connectivity to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. The Swadesh Darshan scheme, with an outlay of Rs 5,399 crore, reboots tourism infrastructure across 76 projects, with 50 already completed. This includes theme-based pilgrim trains like the Ramayana circuit train. These initiatives enhance connectivity, provide easy access to cultural and religious sites, boost tourism, and promote a deeper understanding of India’s heritage.

Modi’s government prioritizes India’s civilizational heritage in education. The New Education Policy emphasizes regional language instruction and aims to rediscover the nation’s old glory. NEP 2020 fosters economic growth, social justice, and scientific advancement, equipping the younger generation with a comprehensive understanding of their cultural roots. It is with the aim that an informed and ideological future will remain firm on its roots and lead the world towards peace. Modi established institutions like the National Institute of Ayurveda and the National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation, and Museology to promote the study and research of India’s civilizational heritage.

The creation of Central Vista will be transformational in itself as the temple of democracy will let the entire world see how India is the true mother of democracy by showcasing references from Rigveda suggesting words like Sansad and samiti. While the installation of sengol will continue as a symbol of our culture forever. Modi’s Digital India campaign digitizes historical records, manuscripts, and artefacts, preserving India’s cultural heritage. The promotion of traditional industries like handloom and handicrafts through the Make in India campaign revives age-old practices and empowers artisans

Modi’s unwavering dedication and profound understanding of India’s civilizational roots have breathed new life into the sacred geography of this land, honouring every region from the Himalayas to Tamil Nadu, and from Kashmir to the Northeast. This remarkable work has not only revitalized our cultural heritage but also brought about unprecedented economic growth, empowering millions of people. On the global stage, Modi’s leadership shines bright as he fosters enduring friendships with leaders worldwide, solidifying India’s position as a ‘Vishvaguru’. The nation’s respect and admiration have soared, showcasing the abundance of our civilizational heritage to the world.

In conclusion, the decline and loss of culture and traditions in various parts of the world have become evident. However, Modi’s efforts have successfully reestablished the bond between modern India, ancient India, and the India of the future. By elevating India’s standing as a global power across diplomatic, economic, military, and cultural realms, he has brought forth a renewed sense of pride in Indian heritage. Importantly, his appeal extends beyond the ideologies, as people from all walks of life in India are embracing and celebrating the richness of their culture, moving away from radical ideologies and joining the mainstream. This revival of cultural appreciation and unity marks a significant milestone for India’s journey towards a brighter future.