External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said traditions, languages, music, craftsmanship and other forms of intangible heritage represent the most “democratic expression of culture” and are “owned by all and guarded by many” at the opening of a major UNESCO gathering at the Red Fort on Sunday.
Speaking to delegates from multiple countries, Jaishankar stressed the need to protect cultural inheritance, strengthen it, and ensure it is passed on to future generations in the “shared quest” for peace and prosperity.
The event marked the start of the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). India is hosting the UNESCO committee for the first time, with events scheduled from December 8 to 13 at the Red Fort.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and India’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Vishal V. Sharma attended the inaugural ceremony.
The Red Fort, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provided a historic backdrop for the conference.
Jaishankar highlighted UNESCO’s contribution to preserving heritage as “particularly important” and widely recognised. He said countries must nurture inheritance, build on it, and pass it on to future generations, and reiterated India’s focus on safeguarding traditions, languages, rituals, music, and craftsmanship as essential pillars of cultural continuity.
UNESCO said the committee will review nominations for inclusion on the Intangible Cultural Heritage lists, monitor the state of elements already listed, and provide international support for preservation initiatives.
India displayed thematic exhibits and cultural performances at the Red Fort to showcase the country’s diverse heritage to visiting delegates.
(with inputs from ANI)
