Unlocking India’s Heritage: National Mission Launched by Cultural Ministry to Enhance Cultural Mapping and Promote Indian Traditions

New Delhi: The Indian Ministry of Culture is taking bold steps to safeguard and promote the nation’s rich cultural heritage. They’ve launched the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). This mission focuses on documenting India’s diverse cultural landscape while boosting rural economies.

In June 2023, as part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ initiative, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat introduced the ‘Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar’ (MGMD) portal. This platform aims to capture the cultural heritage of India’s 6.5 lakh villages. Currently, cultural details from 4.7 lakh villages are available online.

Shekhawat emphasized that the MGMD portal covers various cultural aspects, including oral traditions, beliefs, art forms, local cuisines, and significant festivals. It even shines a light on the cultural expressions of marginalized communities, bringing lesser-known traditions to the forefront.

The NMCM aims not only to preserve cultural heritage but also to empower rural communities through economic development. By documenting cultural assets, the mission seeks to strengthen local identities.

In West Bengal alone, 41,116 villages are targeted for mapping, with 5,917 already documented. The remaining 35,199 are currently in the documentation process. However, no financial support has yet been allocated for this initiative.

Recent studies show that cultural preservation initiatives can significantly boost local economies. According to a report by the Indian Culture Ministry, documented heritage can enhance tourism, create jobs, and promote local crafts. This aligns with recent trends where community-driven projects are gaining traction on social media, highlighting the pride in local heritage.

Shekhawat also noted that the available data is crucial for preserving intangible cultural heritage, which includes traditional arts, rituals, and folk performances. This insight reinforces the importance of maintaining cultural diversity in today’s rapidly changing world.

By investing in cultural mapping and preservation, the NMCM is paving the way for a more economically vibrant and culturally rich future for India’s rural communities.

Read more: Culture Ministry to Set Up Intellectual Property Cells to Promote Grass Root Level Artists.

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