Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Sunday that India’s heritage transcends grand monuments and ancient manuscripts, describing it instead as a vibrant, living river of knowledge, creativity, and community that flows continuously through the daily lives of its people. In a written message delivered at the opening ceremony of the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage at the historic Red Fort, he emphasised that true culture resides in festivals, rituals, performing arts, and traditional craftsmanship.

The Prime Minister highlighted that intangible heritage preserves the moral and emotional memories of societies, serving as an essential safeguard for global cultural diversity. He urged the international community to prioritise its protection, stating that India has always viewed heritage not as frozen nostalgia but as an evolving force that enriches contemporary life and inspires future generations.

Marking a historic first, India is hosting the six-day UNESCO session from December 8-13, with delegates examining nominations for inscription on global intangible heritage lists and reviewing assistance measures for preservation. The Prime Minister expressed immense national pride in welcoming the gathering to the iconic Red Fort complex, where thematic galleries and live performances showcased the depth and dynamism of India’s living traditions.

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Union Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal read out Modi’s message in the presence of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany. Shekhawat, in his address, described the Red Fort as a timeless witness to India’s cultural continuity, noting that hosting the session reaffirms the nation’s enduring commitment to safeguarding humanity’s shared intangible legacy.

As the deliberations commence, India’s leadership in championing living heritage on the global stage underscores its vision of culture as an inclusive, participatory force that binds communities and fosters mutual understanding across civilisations.

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