Time ripe to bring in global cultural rebalancing: EAM S Jaishankar

After establishing its place in the global political and economic arena with a successful G20 presidency, time has come for India to project its rich heritage, civilisation and way of life and bring about a cultural rebalancing to undo the distortion of an era dominated by a few countries or regions, said external affairs minister S Jaishankar.

He was speaking at an event organised at Purana Qila on Sunday by Sabhyata Foundation, which took charge of four of Delhi's historic monuments under the 'Adopt a Heritage 2.0' initiative. Sabhyata Foundation has been entrusted with upkeep and promotion of Purana Qila, Humayun's Tomb, Safdarjung's Tomb and Mehrauli Archaeological Park.

Citing India's G20 presidency as an example of 'political and economic rebalancing' in which India established itself as a world leader, Jaishankar said, "The battle today is for cultural rebalance - how we recognise and present our diversity to the world..." He added that there was much talk about a "rising Bharat" but it was crucial for Indians to know themselves. "If we are really to become a self-confident nation seeking to project our civilisation's power to the world, we have to develop a unique mindset, our own metaphors, our own situation and, in fact, become more aware of our own history," he said.


Jaishankar added that to someone like him, who has spent a large part of his life abroad and was, therefore, familiar with many other traditions and cultures, there was nothing that could really compare with the epic Mahabharat, not just for its complexity but also its relevance to today's world.

Sabhyata Foundation, as 'Smarak Saarthi', will undertake the responsibility of enhancing visitor experience at the four heritage sites, positioning them as must-visit destinations.

Puneet Dalmia, MD and CEO, Dalmia Bharat, said monuments and cultural sites are the heart of a nation's identity, shaping its history and heritage. "I have heard a lot of criticism about our heritage infrastructure. 'Look how well things are presented overseas. We have so much, but don't know how to tell the story well'. This must change. Citizens shouldn't have to criticise but collaborate with govt and be part of the solution," said Dalmia, recounting how, in 2018, ASI and culture ministry selected Dalmia Bharat as 'Monument Mitra' for Red Fort in public-private partnership mode. "The Red Fort experience is proof of concept and needs to be scaled up," he said.

Junior culture minister Meenakshi Lekhi said, "The place where we are sitting is Indraprastha, capital of Kuru kingdom."