The major initiatives and achievements of the Ministry of Culture during the Year 2024 are as follows:

Archaeological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture, successfully hosted the 46^th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Delhi from 21^st to 31^st July 2024. The meeting was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, and attended by nearly 2900 international and national delegates from more than 140 countries. Delegates included Ministers of Culture, Ambassadors, UNESCO officials, Advisory Bodies, technical experts and senior government officials. During the meeting, Young Professionals Forum and Site Managers’ Forum and a grand exhibition were also hosted.

During this session, the Ministry also initiated Project PARI (Public Art of India). More than 200 artists and 300 students participated in creating wall paintings, Murals and Sculptures at prominent areas of Delhi.

India’s nomination from Assam; “Moidams—the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty” was inscribed on the World Heritage List as a cultural property in July, 2024. This property contains the necropolis of the medieval royal family of the Ahoms. With this, India now has 43 properties on the World Heritage List, besides 56 properties on UNESCO’s Tentative List.

The Government of India and the Government of the United States of America signed “Cultural Property Agreement” on 26th July 2024 to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of antiquities from India to the USA. The agreement was signed by Shri Govind Mohan, Secretary, Ministry of Culture and H.E. Eric Garcetti, Ambassador of the United States of America to India in the august presence of Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

A total 358 retrieved Antiquities have been repatriated as on date. Out of these,13 Antiquities had been retrieved upto 2013. 345 retrieved antiques have been repatriated in the last decade i.e from 2014.  In addition, 297 more antiquities are in the process of shifting from USA to India which were handed over by US President Joe Biden to the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi during his visit from 21-24th September to USA. This is a concrete step towards building a Viksit Bharat 2047 through the preservation of Bharat’s 10,000+ years of cultural heritage.

The world’s largest museum, the Yuga Yugeen Bharat Rashtriya Sangrahalaya, is being developed at the North and South Block Secretariat Buildings on Raisina Hill, New Delhi spanning over 1,55,000 sq m. India is collaborating with the France Museums Development, the designated operator for the government of the French Republic, to develop the new museum.

An MoU was signed on 2nd August, 2024 between Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) and UCL Institute of Archaeology, London to enhance the study and understanding of collections of human skeletal remains through the application of latest methods in the field of bio archaeology (including human osteology, skeletal/dental histology and stable isotope analysis). This partnership will provide current and future academic staff, doctoral students, and post-doctoral researchers at UCL Institute of Archaeology with access to the human skeletal remains under AnSI’s authority to undertake osteological, histological and stable isotope analyses for the purposes of research.

Anthropological Survey of India and Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow signed an MoU on 16th August, 2024 on the subject “Reconstruction of Population History of South Asia using Ancient and Modern Genomics”.

On October 3, 2024 the Government recognized Assamese, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit and Bengali as classical languages. This decision expands the number of classical Indian languages to 11, which already includes Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Oriya. The recognition of these languages as classical languages highlights the Government’s commitment to preserving India’s rich linguistic heritage. This designation boosts efforts for research, development and promotion of these languages, fostering cultural pride and academic exploration. It enhances their global visibility, encourages literature, and aids in the documentation of ancient texts, contributing to a deeper understanding of India’s diverse cultural history.

In a historic and momentous event, the revered Relics of Lord Buddha, along with those of his esteemed disciples, Arhanta Sariputra and Arahanta Maudgalayana, were taken to Thailand for 26-day exposition. The unprecedented exposition marks the first time that the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples were showcased together. An Official delegation led by the Governor of Bihar, Sh. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Minister of Social Justice and empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar accompanied the sacred Relics from India to Thailand on 22nd February, 2024. The delegation comprised of venerable monks from Kushinagar, Aurangabad, Ladakh, officials from Ministry of Culture, State Government of Madhya Pradesh, Curator from National Museum, artists and Scholars.  After 11 days exposition before returning to Delhi on 19th March, 2024, Over 4 million devotees paid obeisance to the Holy Relics in Thailand. 

The First Asian Buddhist Summit was organised by the MoC and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), themed ‘Role of Buddha Dhamma in strengthening Asia’ in November 2024. It saw participation from 32 countries with over 160 international participants. Members of the Mahasangha, patriarchs of various monastic traditions, monks, nuns, members of the diplomatic community, professors of Buddhist studies, experts, and scholars, around 700 participants, engaged enthusiastically with the topic. The forums allowed for a rich convergence of ideas focusing on the foundational teachings of the Buddha and their modern-day applications and the ways in which Buddhist principles can contribute to sustainable development, social harmony, and international cooperation.

The Ministry of Culture in association with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) observed the International Abhidhamma Divas. The event took place at Vigyan Bhavan on 17th October, 2024 which was graced by the Prime Minister as the Chief Guest. The event also featured a special talk on the ‘Significance of Pali as India’s Classical Language’ and Dhammasagani Matika Path (Pali Chanting) by venerable monks. The International Abhidhamma Divas drew approximately 1500 delegates. Renowned academicians and monks from 14 countries participated, alongside a significant number of young experts on Buddha Dhamma from various Universities across India, emphasizing the growing engagement of younger generations in these teachings.

India achieved a significant milestone by having three literary works - Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahrdayāloka-Locana inscribed in the 2024 Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) Regional Register in Mongolia on 8^th May, 2024. These inscriptions highlight India's rich literary and cultural heritage, marking a step forward in preserving and recognizing these timeless narratives globally.

‘Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign’ was initiated by the Prime Minister from 9th August to 15th August, where people hoisted the Tiranga at their homes, showing their love for the nation through physical and digital engagement. In 2024, over 5 crore people uploaded selfies on India's digital map. Events like Tiranga Run, Tiranga Rally, Tiranga Yatra were held and entire country participated in these events. The campaign successfully promoted patriotism, engaged citizens in national celebration and strengthened the cultural significance of the Indian national flag.  The campaign significantly boosted national pride and unity.

India’s first Archaeological Experiential Museum building is being developed at Vadnagar, Gujarat, at a cost of Rs. 212.10 Cr. The museum spanning over 13,500 sq m is being developed beside an excavation site that shows evidence of human settlement from around 800 BC. The museum will host nine galleries showcasing different time periods, arts, crafts, and language of the region to feature the tangible and intangible heritage.

The 2nd Edition of International Museum Expo was organised by National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) in collaboration with Ministry of Culture, Government of India, at Science City, Kolkata, on 18th & 19th May, 2024. During the Expo, 04 Panel Discussions, 05 Master Classes, 06 Workshops were organised and 45 stalls were displayed by various Startups, Entrepreneurs and Government organizations.

Exhibition – “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Celebration of 350th Anniversary of the Great Coronation" was organized at NGMA on 6th June, 2024 in collaboration with Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). The collection of 115 paintings commissioned by Deepak Gore and executed by father-son artist duo, Shrikant and Gautom Chougule, were on display to celebrate the completion of the 350th anniversary of the coronation of Shivaji Maharaj.

A new gallery titled - Great Indian Reformers was inaugurated in Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on 6th July 2024.

Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum was inaugurated on 29^th July 2024. The museum promises to be a significant addition to the existing tourist attractions in Delhi.

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), an Autonomous Organisation of the Ministry organized 'Partition Horrors Remembrance Day' on 14^th August, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event was attended by a diverse crowd, including family members of Partition survivors, students from Delhi University, young people, and individuals from various walks of life.

The South Zone Cultural Centre celebrated the World Folklore Day on 22nd August, 2024 in a grand manner involving many folk and tribal artists, with programs at the SZCC campus in Thanjavur town and three-day festival at the Kalakshetra, Chennai. 850 artists participated.

North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) an Autonomous organization of the Ministry organized Bhartiya Kala Mahotsav from 28th September to 6th October, 2024 at Rashtrapati Nilayan, Hyderabad which included Cultural performance and Cuisines showcasing North-East Region of India in which 250 artists participated in the event. The President of India inaugurated the event on 28th September, 2024.

To commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of legendary singer Shri Mukesh, Minister of Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat released commemorative postage stamp in his honour and expressed that the unveiling of the commemorative stamp is a tribute to Mukesh's extraordinary career and his timeless voice.

As part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Ministry of Culture, is conducting year-long commemoration of 100th Birth Anniversary of Late Shri Karpoori Thakur, former Chief Minister of Bihar from 24th January 2024 – 24th January 2025. A Commemorative Coin of Rs.100/- and Commemorative Stamp were released.

The 9-day long Parakram Diwas event, honoring the 127th Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, held from January 23 to January 31 at the historic Red Fort in Delhi. This event aimed to pay homage to Netaji’s legacy and inspire the nation with his ideals of courage and patriotism. Various exhibitions/activities were organized.

Commemorative Coin of Rs.150/- and Commemorative Postage Stamp were released on Srimad Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupada Ji by the Prime Minister on 8th February, 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The Ministry of Culture and Heartfulness held a one-of-a-kind spiritual congregation, called the Global Spirituality Mahotsav from 14^th to 17^thMarch at Kanha Shanti Vanam, situated at the outskirts of Hyderabad. The event brought spiritual leaders from all faiths and beliefs to one place.

Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav Samiti and Bhagwan Mahavir Memorial Samiti organised 2550th Nirvan Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on 21st April 2024. Spiritual leaders from all the four sects of Jainism as well as followers from different walks of life attended the Mahotsav. More than 10,000 people attended this event, which had tableaus, cultural performances, and an exhibition showcasing the life of Bhagwan Mahaveer Swami. An exhibition was also put up which depicted the life journey of Bhagwan Mahaveer. It also highlighted the core tenets of Jainism. Commemorative coin and commemorative stamp were also released to mark the occasion.

The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Sangeet Natak Akademi, organized a grand cultural festival ‘Meera Mahotsav’ to commemorate the 525th birth anniversary of Meera Bai at her birthplace, Merta, Rajasthan, on 4th and 5th October 2024. This two-day celebration paid homage to the legendary poet-saint, Meera Bai, whose devotional songs and life continue to inspire reverence and devotion.

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BeenaYadav