Page 30 - NIS English 16-31 December, 2025
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COVER STORY Scientific Investigation of
Dwarka and Bet Dwarka
Cultural Renaissance
The Underwater Archaeology Wing of the Archaeological
The Union Cabinet, in its resolution on Survey of India resumed the scientific investigation of
Dwarka and Bet Dwarka in February 2025 and March
the consecration of Shri Ram Lalla in 2025, respectively. Previous
Ayodhya, stated, “The nation gained scientific investigations were
conducted between 2005
independence in 1947, and the and 2007. Remotely operated
consecration took place on January 22, vehicles, underwater cameras,
2024.” The resolution stated that the life jackets, and specialised
diving gear have been
Prime Minister has, through his actions, purchased for this purpose.
boosted the nation’s morale and
strengthened the country’s cultural history. Models of the Ram Temple and Ram
Darbar Icons… Bids up to r51 lakh
The public’s faith and belief in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, a site of
India’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance, can be gauged
India since 2014. This certification is a signifi- by the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi received bids of up to
cant step toward global acknowledgement of r51 lakh to take home the model of the Ram Temple and Ram
Indian culture and the revival of Indian cultur- Darbar gifted to him.
al heritage. Today, India is forging a distinct n Over 9,000 gifts and souvenirs have been auctioned so
global identity as a new economic-strategic far, with a model of the Ram Temple among the top 15.
powerhouse as well as a hub of information, n The 143 mementos that fetched bids of over r5 lakh
science, and culture, all while conserving its include models of the Ram Temple and 15 Ram Darbar.
cultural heritage. There were also several models whose bids started at
r5,000-r6,000.
RESTORING CULTURAL PRIDE n Of the top 100 that fetched the highest price in the
In the last 11 years, Indian cultural, spiritual, E-auction of PM Modi’s gifts, 35 relate to religious and
and historical glory has been restored. India cultural identities. All of these were bid for over r10
has achieved an unprecedented feat in lakh.
preserving and assimilating cultural heritage.
Indian culture got global recognition in 2014, Bought a Ram Temple model for r51 lakh
the day the world accepted Prime Minister A wooden model of the Ram
Narendra Modi’s proposal and recognized Temple, housed in a glass case,
International Yoga Day. The colonial mindset depicts it on a raised platform
was visible for about 7 decades after indepen- at the birthplace of Lord Ram.
dence, so the necessary steps to preserve the The sanctum sanctorum and five
cultural heritage were not taken. pavilions are depicted, with a small
During the colonial period, foreign invaders red triangular flag placed atop the
caused a lot of damage to Indian culture. spire. It was auctioned in 2021
for r51 lakh, with bids starting
Historical treasures and heritage stolen or at r2.5 lakh. Another model attracted 81 bidders. This
looted from India are being brought back to Ram Temple model went for over 11.85 lakh rupees, with
India. As the leader of a government imbued bidding starting at just 10,800 rupees. Another model,
with a complete Indian mindset, Prime Minister which started at 5,400 rupees, was purchased for over
Modi has not only preserved the culture and 10.85 lakh rupees. 103 people bid for it.
tradition by becoming the pioneer of Indian
28 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || December 16-31, 2025

