MOT focus on intangible heritage

Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism & Culture, launched the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India on April 18, World Heritage Day. Ministry of Tourism (MOT) celebrated the special occasion by conducting a series of webinars titled ‘Dekho Apna Desh’.

Through Ministry of Tourism’s webinar on the ancient temple city of Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu), Prahlad Singh

Patel addressed attending participants from India and beyond. He said, “India has a repository of unique Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) traditions, 13 of which have also been recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The National ICH List is unveiled with an aim to recognise the diversity of Indian culture embedded in its intangible heritage. It will raise awareness about the various intangible cultural heritage elements from different states of India at national and international levels, and ensure their protection. This initiative is also a part of ‘Vision 2024’ of the Ministry of Culture.”

The second webinar in the series was titled 'World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism at Humayun’s Tomb'. Highlighting the importance of India’s hospitable culture and traditions in times of COVID-19, the minister shared, “Our tradition and culture is not only ancient, but also invaluable. During the present COVID-19 crisis, it is the values of humanity and warm hospitality of our heritage that define us and make us what we are. As Indians, our motto is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is our family) from the Maha Upanishad, which demonstrates our spirit of warmth and humility through the help extended to all tourists stranded in India. When it came to offer medical help to tourists, we did not flinch and offered it to people from developed nations like

America and even developing countries like Brazil, as well as our neighbouring nations.”

He also added that the Prime Minister has set ‘Vision 2024’ as a timeline, by which we should be able to enlist, preserve and showcase the deep and invaluable heritage and culture of our country’s monuments and traditions.

The National ICH List is unveiled with an aim to recognise the diversity of Indian culture embedded in its intangible heritage

The Intanginble Cultural Heritage list is only going to grow considering the depth and vastness of our ancient civilisation, he said. The list is available on the website of Ministry of Culture.