Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the inclusion of Sarnath on the UNESCO World Heritage List, calling it a proud moment for every Indian. The recognition highlights Sarnath’s global significance as the site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon and celebrates India’s rich civilisational and spiritual heritage.
Key Highlights
- Sarnath inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- PM Modi calls the recognition a proud moment for every Indian.
- Site marks Lord Buddha’s first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
- UNESCO recognition expected to boost global tourism and Buddhist heritage.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed the inclusion of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh on the UNESCO World Heritage List, describing it as a proud milestone for the nation and a recognition of India’s timeless civilisational and spiritual legacy. Sharing his reaction on X, the Prime Minister said the honour celebrates the country’s rich heritage while inspiring people across the world to connect with the teachings of Lord Buddha, centred on wisdom, compassion and harmony.
UNESCO announced the inscription during the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee being held in Busan, South Korea. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also welcomed the decision, stating that the inscription recognises Sarnath’s exceptional cultural value and its deep association with Buddhism. The ancient site is revered as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, setting in motion the Wheel of Dharma and establishing the Buddhist Sangha.
India’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO said the recognition reflects the country’s enduring cultural heritage and the universal relevance of Buddha’s teachings. Ambassador Vishal V. Sharma thanked Prime Minister Modi, the Ministry of Culture, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the World Heritage Centre for their efforts. He noted that Sarnath continues to inspire more than 500 million Buddhists worldwide, encouraging values of peace, non-violence, mindful living and inclusive social transformation, which align closely with UNESCO’s mission of building peace through culture.
The historic significance of Sarnath is further enhanced by the discovery of the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which was later adopted as the National Emblem of India. Officials believe the UNESCO inscription will strengthen India’s global cultural profile, encourage heritage conservation and significantly boost international tourism to one of Buddhism’s most sacred pilgrimage destinations. The recognition also reinforces India’s position as a custodian of one of the world’s oldest living civilisations and spiritual traditions.
The UNESCO inscription of Sarnath marks a landmark achievement for India, reaffirming the country’s rich cultural heritage while promoting the universal values of peace, compassion and harmony inspired by Lord Buddha.
FAQs
1. Why is Sarnath important?
Sarnath is the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment and established the Buddhist Sangha.
2. Why has UNESCO recognised Sarnath?
UNESCO recognised Sarnath for its outstanding cultural, historical and spiritual significance to humanity.
3. What did PM Modi say about the recognition?
PM Modi described the inscription as a proud moment for every Indian and said it celebrates India’s civilisational and spiritual heritage.
4. Where was the UNESCO decision taken?
The decision was taken during the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea.
