Preservation of Historical Heritage is Essential – Dr. Shrinivas Mahawar
Udaipur | On the eve of World Heritage Day, an online seminar was organized by the 'Janmat Manch'.
Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Shrinivas Mahawar, Founder-President of Janmat Manch, stated:
"The history of any nation serves as the foundation for its present and future. The more glorious a country's history, the higher its standing is considered to be on the global stage. While the past can never return, the buildings constructed and the literature written during that era keep it alive forever. World Heritage Sites are regarded as significant markers of a nation's civilization and its ancient culture.
Historical buildings, monuments, and cultural heritage sites located across the globe constitute a vital part of our identity and history. To safeguard these invaluable treasures and to highlight their significance, 'World Heritage Day' (or the International Day for Monuments and Sites) is celebrated annually on April 18th. The primary objective of this day is to raise global awareness regarding the importance of historical and cultural monuments and sites associated with human civilization.
The observance was initiated in 1982 by the 'International Council on Monuments and Sites' (ICOMOS) and was officially recognized by the General Assembly of UNESCO in 1983.
In the contemporary era, rapid urbanization and pollution have placed numerous historical sites at risk. Consequently, this day assumes even greater significance. Schools, colleges, and various organizations organize awareness programs on this day to encourage people to step forward and contribute to the preservation of their heritage."
Objectives:
• To promote the protection and conservation of cultural heritage.
• To highlight the global significance of historical buildings, monuments, and sites.
• To raise awareness regarding the threats endangering heritage sites.
• To cultivate a sense of respect and responsibility towards heritage among the younger generation. These heritage sites are categorized into three groups:
• Cultural Heritage Sites: Sites that hold significance from a historical, cultural, or artistic perspective.
• Natural Heritage Sites: Sites that are crucial for the environment and the ecosystem.
• Mixed Heritage Sites: Sites that are significant from both environmental and historical/mythological perspectives.
By the beginning of 2026, a total of 1,248 monuments and sites had been included in UNESCO's World Heritage List. Following the addition of 26 new sites during the 47th session held in Paris in July 2025, this number reached 1,248 across 170 countries. In India alone, there are a total of 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as of 2026.
Highlighting the World Heritage Sites in India, it is noted that:
These are categorized into Cultural, Natural, and Mixed categories.
Initially Declared:
◦ Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra), 1983
◦ Ellora Caves (Maharashtra), 1983
◦ Hoysala Temples Group – Belur, Halebid, and Somanathapura (Karnataka), 2023
◦ Santiniketan (West Bengal), 2023
◦ Recently Declared:
◦ Moidams (2024): The burial system of Assam's Ahom dynasty has been included in the World Heritage List.
. Maratha Military Landscapes (2025): This, too, has been recently added to the list.
India ranks sixth globally in terms of the number of World Heritage Sites.
As of April 2026, India possesses 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These comprise 36 Cultural Sites (e.g., the Taj Mahal, Red Fort), 7 Natural Sites (e.g., Kaziranga National Park), and 1 Mixed Site (Khangchendzonga National Park), among others.
These sites are specially commemorated on this particular day. On this occasion, free entry is offered at numerous historical sites, and special events are organized.
This day attracts international tourists by bringing global recognition to cultural heritage sites, thereby stimulating growth in the local economy and GDP. Furthermore, it promotes sustainable tourism through the conservation of heritage sites.
Shirish Nath Mathur, Secretary of the Forum, stated that the ancient history of Mewar—much like its medieval and modern eras—has been illustrious. This fact is substantiated by the archaeological wealth discovered in the regions surrounding Udaipur.
It is imperative to identify and preserve historical assets—such as ancient palaces, forts, stepwells, coins, land grants, royal decrees, temples, and reservoirs—as the inscriptions, copper plates, and land grants found at these locations serve as primary source material for historical documentation. The work of leading historians of the Mewar region—such as Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha, Kaviraja Shyamaldas, and Colonel James Tod—has brought to light numerous sites like Ahar, Balathal, Iswal, and Gilund. This reveals that this region has been contributing to the historical heritage of the land since the Stone Age. Historical, cultural, and natural heritage not only boosts tourism but also serves to connect future generations with our past.
Today, given the ongoing industrial and urban development, there is a pressing need to formulate policies at the governmental level for the conservation and study of archaeological assets. Furthermore, various educational institutions and social organizations must shoulder the responsibility of fostering public awareness regarding this cause.
Speaking on this occasion, the Forum's Joint Secretary Dr. Priyadarshi Ojha, along with Assistant Secretaries Vinod Kumar Chaudhary, Dharmendra Kumar Verma, and Dr. Kunal Ameta, noted that World Heritage Day is celebrated annually with a specific theme. The theme for 2026 is "Conflicts and Disasters."
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