Govt continuously working to preserve rich heritage of the country and building cultural infrastructure: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India is building cultural infrastructure along with the preservation of rich heritage during the Amrit Mahotsav. He said, emphasis has been laid on building local and rural museums and efforts have been made to build ten special museums to showcase the contribution of the country’s tribal community in the freedom struggle.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the International Museum Expo 2023 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi today. Speaking on this occasion, the Prime Minister congratulated the people on the 47th International Museum Day. He expressed confidence that this occasion will be a huge turning point for the world of museums in India. Highlighting the importance of museums in the country’s development, Mr. Modi said, people get inspiration from the past and also realize their duties towards the future through museums. He said, years of slavery caused a great loss to the country as a lot of written and unwritten heritage was destroyed. He said, it is not only India’s loss but the heritage of the entire world.

The Prime Minister said, India’s heritage also becomes the source of global unity. He gave examples of holy relics of Lord Buddha which were conserved over the generations and now uniting followers of Lord Buddha all over the world. He stressed on the need to save resources considering the whole earth as one family. He suggested that the museums should become active participants in conserving the resources for the coming generations.

Expressing concern over the smuggling and appropriation of artefacts, Mr. Modi said, pointed out that many artefacts have been taken out of the country in an unethical manner. He urged everyone to work together to put an end to such crimes. He said, several countries have started returning artefacts to India due to the country’s increasing prestige in the world. He added that around 240 artefacts and antiquities were brought across the world in the last nine years. Highlighting the importance of Ayurveda and Shree Anna millets, he suggested that new museums can come up about the journey of Shree Anna and other grains. He said, people from all over the country are coming to the Prime Minister Museum to witness the country’s development journey after independence. He said, museums are not just visiting places for the country’s youth but it provide career opportunities. He said, they can act as the medium of global cultural exchange.

The International Museum Expo has been organised as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate the 47th International Museum Day. The theme of the expo is museums, sustainability and well being. The Prime Minister has unveiled the mascot of the International Museum Expo, the Graphic Novel – A Day at the Museum, the Directory of Indian Museums, the Pocket Map of Kartavya Path, and Museum Cards. The Mascot of the International Museum Expo is a contemporary version of dancing girl made of wood in the Chennapatnam art style. During the programme, Mr Modi also inaugurated a virtual walkthrough of the upcoming National Museum at the North and South Blocks. The Museum will highlight and showcase country’s rich civilizational culture, historical events, personalities, ideas and achievements. The Prime Minister also took a walkthrough of Techno Mela, Conservation Lab and the Exhibitions showcased on the occasion.