Preserving India’s Rich Heritage

August 2, 2026

India, with its vast history and cultural diversity, is home to numerous ancient sites and heritage monuments that are of immense significance. The government of India has already acknowledged the importance of preserving the nation’s timeless and rich cultural heritage. The government’s effort has been led from the front by Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the slogan he gave, ‘Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi’ 3 years back. The Prime Minister has accorded pivotal importance to protecting and promoting Indian knowledge systems, traditions, and cultural ethos, both nationally and internationally. One of the notable accomplishments is the redevelopment of neglected sites of civilizational significance. Till 2023, a total number of 45 projects at a cost of Rs 1584.42 crore covering pilgrimage sites across the country have been approved under PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme by the Government in its unwavering commitment to safeguarding India’s ancient civilizational heritage.

After decades of neglect, various sites with India’s long civilisational history etched on them have been revived through conservation, restoration and development projects. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and various other projects in Varanasi have transformed the bylanes, ghats, and temple complexes in the city. Similarly, projects like the Mahakaal Lok Project in Ujjain and the Ma Kamakhya Corridor in Guwahati are expected to enrich the experience of pilgrims visiting the temple, provide them with world-class amenities, as well as boost tourism and the local economy.

Another remarkable endeavour is the 825 km long Chardham Road Project, providing seamless all-weather road connectivity to the four holy Dhams. Modi had earlier laid the foundation stones for reconstruction and development projects in Kedarnath in 2017, including Shri Adi Shankaracharya’s Samadhi, which was devastated in the catastrophic flash floods of 2013. In November 2021, the Prime Minister inaugurated the statue of Shri Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi at Kedarnath. Additionally, two ropeway projects connecting Gaurikund to Kedarnath and Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib are set to further enhance accessibility and facilitate the spiritual journey of the devotees.

In yet another instance of dedication to preserving cultural heritage, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several projects in Somnath, Gujarat, including the Somnath Promenade, Somnath Exhibition Centre, and the reconstructed temple precinct of Old (Juna) Somnath. Similarly, the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor and Integrated Check Post was a momentous occasion, enabling easier access for devotees to pay their respects at the revered Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan.

Preservation of the Himalayan and Buddhist cultural heritage also holds a special place in the government’s efforts. As part of the Swadesh Darshan scheme, the government has initiated 76 projects aimed at developing thematic circuits that showcase the diverse cultural heritage of India. The focus extends to the development of world-class infrastructure for the Buddhist circuit, thereby enhancing the spiritual experience for devotees. In 2021, the Kushinagar International Airport was inaugurated, facilitating easy access to the Mahaparinirvana Temple. The Ministry of Tourism is actively developing destinations under the Buddhist circuit in various states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh. In addition, the foundation stone for the technologically advanced India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage in Lumbini, Nepal, was laid in May 2022 by Modi, further highlighting the government’s commitment to the preservation and promotion of Buddhist heritage and India’s cultural diversity.