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.