Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has brought back more than 650 stolen ancient statues from abroad over the past 12 years. He made the statement while addressing the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan in New Delhi on Friday.
Modi spoke about the need to protect India’s cultural heritage. He said the work of restoring important cultural and spiritual sites was taking place across the country.
He cited places such as Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Kedarnath and Badrinath as examples of India’s heritage gaining renewed attention. He also mentioned the statue of Adi Shankaracharya at Kedarnath.
The Prime Minister said International Yoga Day was helping people around the world connect with India’s ancient traditions.
He also called for greater self-reliance and urged citizens to work together towards the goal of a developed India by 2047, which will mark 100 years of the country’s Independence.
Modi said the centenary of the Chinmaya Mission will also fall in 2047, making it an important year for shared efforts.
