Addressing the delegates at the 11th Mindmine Summit at Taj Palace New Delhi today, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of Culture and Tourism (I/C), Government of India said the concern of turning the country’s heritage into an X factor still looms around the nation. To counter the same, the Ministry is doing the cultural mapping of the country after the clearance from the government.
“Heritage is the soft power of India but we haven’t been able to harness its full potential. Less of younger population and students have travelled around India. They are yet to gain knowledge on the cultural heritage of the country. Even in the national capital, not many people have seen the National Museum. Thus, for more Indians to know their country in an in-depth manner, we have started off with the cultural mapping of India.”
Talking about the Ministry’s initiatives, he also stated that the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) is planning for walkthrough interpretation facility and basic amenities at the tourist monuments. MoT is also open to handover maintenance, management and ticketing at monuments to corporates. Organisations willing to promote a local cultural festival can also reach out for financial support of upto INR 20cr to the Ministry.
Pavan Varma, MP, Rajya Sabha urged the Minister to ensure a F&B outlet and basic amenities at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi to which Dr. Sharma assured immediate action.
Mindmine Summit is the annual flagship event of the Hero Group.