UNESCO’s WHC is responsible for managing all matters of World Heritage and deciding new sites for the World Heritage list.
- This is the first time India is hosting the meeting.
- While addressing the inauguration of WHC the PM said, 'heritage is not only history but a shared consciousness of humanity.’
About Heritage
- Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations (UNESCO). It can be tangible (like monuments) or intangible (songs, dance, etc.).
- In 1972 UNESCO adopted an international treaty ‘Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage’.
Importance of Heritage for Humanity
- Preserving cultural identity: Classical dances like Bharatnatyam and Kathak preserve our cultural heritage, passing down stories, customs, and rituals through generations.
- Shaping human society: Ellora Caves (showcasing Buddhism, Brahminism, and Jainism) exemplifies India's deep-rooted spirit of tolerance within its civilization.
- Scientific values: 8th century Kedarnath temple situated at an altitude of 3500 meters which remains a challenging place for infrastructure development today also.
- Educational Value: Findings from Sinauli (Uttar Pradesh) pointed out that horse-driven chariots were used 4000 years ago.
- Architectural inspiration: Chausath Yogini Mandir inspired the design of new parliament.
India’s Initiatives for Protecting Global Heritage
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