Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, overseeing culture, tourism, and development of north Eastern Region, announced a new project in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday aimed at highlighting the cultural richness of villages across the nation.
Developed in partnership with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) under the Ministry of Culture, the initiative, known as “Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar”, seeks to explore the life, history, and ethos of Indian villages. As a crucial component of the National Mission on Cultural Mapping, the project reflects the central government's commitment to document and map the cultural diversity inherent in villages across the country.
Reddy underscored the significance of the MGMD programme in the preservation and promotion of India's cultural heritage. He said, “This initiative aligns with our commitment to safeguarding and celebrating the rich tapestry of Indian heritage. The documentation and mapping of villages under MGMD will serve as a testament to the unique cultural identity that each village contributes to our nation.”
The primary objective of the programme is to make this wealth of information accessible to both virtual and real-time visitors, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of India's diverse cultural roots. On July 27, the MGMD programme launched a new web portal for easy access to information by researchers, enthusiasts, and the public.
The collected information is categorized into seven broad categories:
Arts and Crafts Village
Ecologically Oriented Village
Scholastic Village Linked with Textual and Scriptural Traditions of India
Epic Village linked with Ramayana, Mahabharata, or Puranic legends and oral epics
Historical Village linked with Local and National History
Architectural Heritage Village
Any other characteristic that may need highlighting such as fishing village, horticulture village, shepherding village, etc.
This comprehensive approach ensures a thorough exploration of the cultural nuances that define each village, presenting a holistic picture of India's diverse heritage.
