Page 26 - NIS - English, 01-15 January 2023

Cover Story Development and Legacy

TURNING THE WHEELS OF HISTORY,

INDIA WITNESSING A NEW DAWN

Temples are the custodians of our culture and
history. They are centres of knowledge and
promoters of arts and crafts. Global rebalancing is
being experienced in culture as much as in politics
and economics. In fact, a democratic and pluralistic
world order should see the full expression of Indian
heritage abroad as much as at home.
Dr. S. Jaishankar, Union External Affairs Minister

nder the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Indian civilization, our task is not only in India but
Modi, the government is working to get Indian across the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's
Ufaith, culture, and heritage recognised not government has worked towards the restoration of
only in India but also in other countries around Indian temples in Cambodia and other countries.
the world. A large sum was announced in 2019 To deal with the competitive progress of other
for the reconstruction of Lord Krishna Shrinathji beliefs, the External Affairs Minister stated that
in Manama and Abu Dhabi, while Prime Minister India must promote and present its culture and take
Narendra Modi also laid the foundation stone for a it to the rest of the world. Whatever you do at home,
Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi in 2018. we must find a way to spread this message to the
Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar rest of the world.
said in a seminar organised on December 11 in
Varanasi on the contribution of temples in building CREATED A SEPARATE DEPARTMENT IN THE
society and nation, "We have to realise today that MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
the wheel of history is turning." Bharat has risen. Under the Prime Minister Modi-led
There was a time when temples were neglected, government, the Indian Ministry of External
when things were against us; that time has passed. Affairs has created a separate department to
Temples need to be protected globally, and the look after the restoration, renewal, and support
government is determined to strengthen Indian of our cultural heritage. The cultural diplomacy
faith." of the Modi government is focused on building,
Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has recreating, and restoring our rich traditions for
clarified that today, as we rebuild, restore, and revive the benefit of the entire world.

24 New India Samachar January 1-15, 2023