HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025: As 2024 came to a close, the Ministry of Culture proudly reflected on a year filled with major achievements in preserving, promoting, and celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage, both domestically and globally. From international agreements to monumental developments in the world of art and heritage, the year was a testament to India’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural legacy.

Historic Cultural Property Agreement with the USA

A major highlight of 2024 was the landmark Cultural Property Agreement signed between India and the USA on July 26. The agreement aimed to combat the trafficking of antiquities, and as part of this initiative, 297 priceless artifacts will be repatriated from the USA to India. This was a significant victory in the preservation of India’s cultural history.

New Delhi hosted 46th World-Heritage-Committee Session

In July, Delhi hosted the prestigious 46th World Heritage Committee session, which brought together nearly 2,900 delegates from more than 140 countries. The session saw the inscription of “Moidams—the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty” from Assam onto the World Heritage List, marking India’s 43rd site on the list. This achievement reinforced India’s commitment to preserving its heritage for future generations.

The World’s Largest Museum Under Construction in New Delhi

In a groundbreaking move, New Delhi is now home to the world’s largest museum—the Yuga Yugeen Bharat Rashtriya Sangrahalaya. With an area of 1,55,000 square meters at Raisina Hill, the museum, supported by France Museums Development, will showcase India’s vast historical and cultural legacy. It promises to become a global hub for understanding India’s rich heritage.

Project PARI: Promoting Public Art

2024 also saw the launch of Project PARI (Public Art of India), a significant initiative aimed at promoting public art and heritage conservation. Launched during the World Heritage session, Project PARI brought together over 200 artists and 300 students to create murals, sculptures, and wall paintings across Delhi. This effort highlights the importance of public art in celebrating India’s heritage.

Recognition of Five New Classical Languages

In October 2024, India achieved another milestone with the official recognition of Assamese, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, and Bengali as classical languages. This increased the total number of classical languages in India to 11, celebrating the country’s rich linguistic diversity and historical significance.

Global Recognition for Indian Literary Works

India’s literary heritage gained global recognition in May 2024, with three iconic Indian texts—Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahrdayāloka-Locana—being added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) register. This achievement underscores India’s lasting influence on world literature.

Major Buddhist Events Strengthen India’s Heritage

The Ministry also played a central role in organizing significant Buddhist events in 2024. The First Asian Buddhist Summit in November and the exposition of Lord Buddha’s relics in Thailand were major highlights. The relics attracted over 4 million devotees, reinforcing India’s ties to its Buddhist heritage.

Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign: Celebrating Patriotism

The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, held from August 9 to 15, became a national sensation as over 5 crore people uploaded selfies with the national flag. This patriotic initiative, supported by Tiranga runs and rallies, reignited a strong sense of national pride and unity across India.

Cultural Commemorations and Museum Inaugurations

The Ministry marked several significant cultural anniversaries in 2024. Key milestones included the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation and the inauguration of the Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum. Special exhibitions, such as the Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, further highlighted the Ministry’s dedication to preserving India’s rich history.

Honoring Icons of India’s Cultural and Spiritual Legacy

The Ministry also celebrated the centenary of two cultural icons--legendary singer Mukesh and former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur. Special events, including the release of commemorative coins and stamps, honored their enduring legacy. Additionally, Parakram Diwas was held in honor of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and the Global Spirituality Mahotsav in Hyderabad brought together spiritual leaders from various faiths, celebrating India’s spiritual heritage.

The year 2024 was a vibrant chapter in India’s cultural journey, with the Ministry of Culture at the forefront of preserving, promoting, and celebrating the nation’s rich and diverse heritage.