MoS Culture launches the revamped ASI Website

Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi unveiled the revamped website of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the National Museum. She also handed over the MoUs for Monuments Adoption under the Adopt a Heritage 2.0 to the representatives of the Corporate-Houses. Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Lekhi stated that digitalisation is an ally of inclusion, the launch of revamped website and adopt a Heritage 2.0 is a step towards making India meet modernity with tradition.

She further said that today’s events are in line of our Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi’. These MoU have been signed with the corporates as ASI alone cannot fulfil its task of preserving our 4000 heritages but there should be inclusion of everyone, be it Govt, Corporates and citizens, all need to work together on the theme of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Pryas’.

Secretary, Culture Shri Govind Mohan said that the journey has just began where 14 out of 4000 monuments are going to be adopted and these 14 monuments will be changed to give a much better viewer experience, a much more livelier history of the monuments and much more exposition of their place in India’s culture. He said when we created the ‘Adopt a Heritage website’, we loaded on that thousand monuments where either in some limited aspects, or, comprehensively, Corporate India could adopt them and become a part of this nation’s Amrit Kaal.

Now-a-days, students will find the website to be a valuable resource for accessing information. This comprehensive digital overhaul reflects ASI’s commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of all, ensuring that the nation’s cultural treasures are accessible to a broader audience.

With more than 3600 monuments under its protection nationwide, ASI recognizes the importance of collaboration with external partners in ensuring safety and enhancement of visitors experience at these cultural treasures. The signing of MoUs will formalize the commitment of these agencies to take up the responsibility of adopting specific monuments, contributing to their maintenance and better showcasing to public.

The selection process for Smarak Sarathi / Sathi involved due diligence, discussions with various parties, and assessment of their commitment as well as potential at each monument. Selected Smarak Sarathi / Sathi shall be responsible for providing, and maintaining amenities in hygiene, accessibility, safety, and knowledge categories, positioning them as responsible and heritage-friendly entities.

This initiative builds upon the existing Adopt a Heritage 2.0 programme and underscores the collective responsibility of both public and private entities in safeguarding our heritage for future generations and enhancing end to end experience for visitors.

The monuments include Qutub Minar, Purana Qila, Uggar Sain’s Baoli, Humanyun’s Tomb, Upper Fort Aguada, Elephanta Caves, Agra Fort, Bhimbetka, Buddhist Stupa, Kailasanatha temple, Group of Temples Khajuraho, Safdarjung Tomb, Group of Monuments, Mamallapuram, Area between Jamali Kamali and Balban’s Tomb Sun temple, Konark.