Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to inaugurate a pioneering virtual platform called ‘Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar’ as part of the unique initiative ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ at Qutub Minar. The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), has launched the pan-India project ‘Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar’ (MGMD) under the National Mission on Cultural Mapping.
The primary aim of the ambitious project is to culturally map India’s vast expanse of 6.5 lakh villages, covering 29 states and seven Union territories, using a comprehensive virtual platform. The Ministry highlighted that this initiative intends to preserve and celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions, giving each village an opportunity to showcase its unique cultural identity.
The virtual platform will serve as a repository of the country’s cultural treasures, providing a one-stop destination for people to explore and understand the incredible tapestry of India’s heritage. Through the digital medium, the project aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, fostering greater awareness, appreciation, and participation in the preservation of the nation’s cultural legacy.
‘Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar’ is a significant step towards empowering rural communities by giving them a platform to share their history, art, music, dance, festivals, crafts, and other cultural facets with the world. It is expected to facilitate the documentation of indigenous knowledge, practices, and traditions that might be at risk of being forgotten or lost over time.
The virtual platform will enable seamless access to an extensive collection of art forms and cultural expressions, thereby promoting cultural exchange and dialogue across regions. By making this cultural information readily available, the initiative aspires to encourage collaborations among artists, researchers, historians, and enthusiasts from various backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and pride in India’s cultural heritage.
The project has been meticulously planned and executed in collaboration with the IGNCA, an esteemed institution dedicated to preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage. The IGNCA’s expertise and extensive network of researchers and scholars ensure that the virtual platform will be comprehensive, accurate, and engaging for users of all ages.
The timing of the launch during the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ adds significance to the project, as the nation commemorates 75 years of independence. It reflects the government’s commitment to preserving the country’s cultural roots and honoring the contributions of every village to India’s diverse tapestry of traditions.
The ‘Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar’ initiative is also expected to have practical benefits, such as promoting rural tourism and traditional art forms, potentially leading to economic growth and employment opportunities for artisans and cultural practitioners in rural areas. Moreover, the digital platform will serve as an educational tool, offering insights into India’s cultural history to students and researchers.
The launch of ‘Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar’ virtual platform by Union Home Minister Amit Shah marks a significant milestone in the efforts to safeguard and celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage. By providing a comprehensive digital archive of the nation’s cultural diversity, the project seeks to inspire unity, curiosity, and a deep sense of pride in the hearts of every Indian, no matter where they reside.
