UNESCO recognises 2,500 years of Sarnath; PM Modi hails World Heritage status for Buddhist site

Sarnath in Varanasi has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it India's 45th World Heritage Site. The recognition honours the ancient Buddhist site's exceptional cultural, historical and religious significance. Sumedh Thero, former Secretary of the Mahabodhi Society, Sarnath, welcomed the decision and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government and UNESCO. The site, which has been on India's tentative World Heritage list since 1998, represents more than 2,500 years of Buddhist pilgrimage.