Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi: A decade of cultural revival, preserving the past for shaping the future of Modern India...by Satnam Singh Sandhu

Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi: Modern India’s New Development Mantra for Preserving the Past, Powering the Future 

As heritage is what we have inherited from the past, it’s something to value and enjoy in the present, and to preserve and pass on to future generations. In this context, we are really fortunate that India’ is a treasure trove of heritage. 

From the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic period to the vibrant culture of today, India boasts a rich cultural heritage, shaped by a succession of great civilizations and empires. 

India’s countless historically significant ancient sites and monuments reflect the values, artistry, and spirit of their time. Yet, for decades after Independence, little or no efforts were made for preservation of our heritage.

Things have, however, changed drastically in the past decade with Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognising value of its India’s heritage and prioritising its preservation with the mantra of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ (development as well as heritage) which has revived India’s cultural and historical identity alongside its rapid economic progress.

As we mark World Heritage Day on April 18, India stands as a testament to how development and heritage preservation can go hand in hand—reviving the nation’s identity while building its future.

Cultural Revival: Ayodhya Ram Mandir

The biggest symbol of India's progress (vikas) and heritage (virasat) is the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. This majestic temple has become a reality after a long wait of over 500 years following PM Modi's resolve and relentless efforts to build it at the birthplace of Lord Rama, whose teachings —anchored in compassion, justice, and duty — continue to shape India’s ethos. 

More than a place of worship for 1.2 billion Hindus across the world, Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is a celebration of India’s cultural soul as it showcases the brilliance of Indian architecture and reflects values of devotion, righteousness, and perseverance. 

Marking the begging of a new era of cultural revival, Ram Mandir stands as a symbol of devotion, unity, and a dream fulfilled. It reminds us that despite our differences, we share a common history and rich cultural roots—inviting all to celebrate Bharat’s shared heritage.By connecting Indians in across the world, the Ram Mandir has also become a catalyst for transformation.

Religious tourism has soared in Uttar Pradesh during the past one year with Ayodhya drawing over 16 crore visitors in 2024, up from 60 lakhs in 2020. With a daily footfall of over 3 lakh visitors, Ayodhya has become a global spiritual hub.

To support this growth, over $10 billion has been invested in infrastructure—ranging from a new airport and upgraded railway station to improved roadways and a modern township—ensuring Ayodhya is ready to welcome the world.

Revival & Redevelopment of Heritage Sites across India

After decades of neglect, the Union government has given continuous focus on the revival and redevelopment of heritage sites across India. 

The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and various other projects in Varanasi have transformed the bylanes, ghats, and temple complexes in the city. In fact, this is the first transformational project in Kashi in close to 250 years since Ahilybhai Holkar in 1777. 

The 900 km Char Dham road project which will provide seamless all weather road connectivity to the four holy Dhams of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri.

The Somnath Temple reconstruction project, the Ujjain Mahakal Corridor and the Ma Kamakhya Corridor in Guwahati are other examples of redeveloping our spiritual heritage through conservation, restoration and development projects worth over Rs 14,234 Crore.  

Preservation of Minority Heritage

'Unity in Diversity' is India's biggest strength as it adds the depth and vibrancy to the nation. No surprise, PM Modi has shown his commitment for the preservation of the rich culture and heritage of India's minority communities in the past 10 years.  

Of the 46 projects sanctioned, with an amount of Rs.1631.93 Crore, under the Union Tourism Ministry’s “Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive” (PRASHAD) scheme includes several sites related to the minority communities including Hazratbal shrine and Ajmer Sharif Dargah; Chamkaur Sahib Gurudwara and Nada Sahib Gurudwara Renovation, Patna Sahib.  

Under National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) funds have been allocated by the Union government to the 12 cities to preserve and rejuvenate the rich cultural heritage of the country.These include key heritage sites, related to minority communities, including   Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Ajmer, Golden Temple in Amritsar and Bodh Gaya in Bihar. 

The Union government allocated Rs. 69.31 Crores under the HRIDAY scheme to develop and conserve heritage city Amritsar and released funds for development of Golden Temple in Amritsar, Chamkaur Sahib in Rupar, Nada Saheb Gurudwara in Panchkula under the PRASHAD Scheme.

Initiatives have also been taken for restoration of Gurudwara Lakhpat Sahib, where Guru Nanak Dev Ji stayed here for a few days during the Fourth Udasi (preaching tour), in Gujarat and secure its UNESCO recognition.

In the recent past, the Union government has taken steps to beautify and preserve religious places like Basilica of Bom Jesus which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the development of Bodh Gaya as an international destination for Buddhist pilgrims.While the creation of a Buddhist circuit from Bodh Gaya to Lumbini have also been undertaken, Nalanda University, a major center for Buddhist education, was reopened. 

The development of a Jain Circuit connecting 12 Jain religious sites in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat ensures safe and easy travel for pilgrims.

Repatriation of Antiquities

India's cultural heritage also received a significant boost through the repatriation of antiquities in the past 10 years. Despite the coming of the International Convention in 1970, only 13 such antiquities returned to India between 1955 and 2014.

But due to the resolve of current Union government to take pride in India’s heritage, more than 642 antiquities, many of which belong to minority communities, have returned to the country in the period of about 11 years from 2014 to till date.

These repatriations stand as a testament to the government's commitment to safeguarding and reclaiming India's cultural treasures.

Even more, at present the process of returning 72 such antiquities to India is going on with various countries, which include Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Netherlands and Singapore.

On numerous foreign visits, our Prime Minister has discussed this matter with global leaders and multilateral institutions and today, innumerable countries are themselves reaching out to India to send back stolen artefacts and antiquities.

UNESCO World Heritage Recognition

In the past decade, the Union government has shown relentless pursuit of highlighting Bharat’s heritage on the world forum. No surprise, India has successfully inscribed 13 World Heritage Properties, including 35 in the ‘Cultural’ category, seven in ‘Natural’ and one in ‘Mixed’ category, in the last one decade, this taking the number of such properties from India are inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites to 43. Now India stands at the 6th position globally and 2nd in the Asia Pacific Region for the most number of World Heritage Properties. 

Even more, India's Tentative List has expanded from 15 sites in 2014 to 62 in 2024, indicating global recognition of India’s cultural heritage and its potential to attract a large number of foreign travellers.

Global Heritage Stewardship

India now considers the preservation of global heritage as its responsibility and is cooperating for heritage conservation in the countries of the Global South along with Indian heritage. 

Bharat is assisting in the conservation of many heritages, such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Cham Temples in Vietnam, and stupas in Bagan, Myanmar.   

India, for the first time, hosted the 46th World Heritage Committee in New Delhi in 2024 and has contributed 1 million dollars to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. This grant will be used for capacity building, technical assistance, and conservation of world heritage sites, especially benefiting Global South countries.

India today is not only touching new dimensions of modern development but also preserving its heritage for future generations. With the mantra of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi', PM Modi leading the government’s effort from the front.

April 16, 2025