Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India has recovered more than 650 stolen ancient statues over the past 12 years, highlighting efforts to protect the country’s cultural heritage and bring historically significant artefacts back to their homeland. He also emphasised the revival of India’s cultural and spiritual centres across different regions.
Addressing the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan in New Delhi, Modi spoke about the importance of preserving India’s heritage, a mission closely associated with Swami Chinmayananda, the founder of the Chinmaya Mission. He cited the Vivekananda Rock Memorial as an example of a landmark that continues to inspire millions of visitors from India and abroad.
The Prime Minister highlighted several religious and cultural sites that have regained prominence, including Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, the Ram temple in Ayodhya, and the sacred pilgrimage centres of Kedarnath and Badrinath. According to him, the revival of these destinations reflects a broader effort to strengthen public engagement with India’s cultural and spiritual traditions.
Referring to the recovery of stolen artefacts, Modi said numerous ancient statues had previously been taken out of India and sold overseas. He noted that the recovery of more than 650 statues over the past 12 years represented an important step in restoring the country’s cultural inheritance.
Modi also highlighted developments at Kedarnath, where a statue of Adi Shankaracharya has been installed at the site traditionally associated with the philosopher’s final days. He said such initiatives were helping restore the prominence and significance of India’s historic spiritual destinations.
The Prime Minister further pointed to the growing international reach of Indian traditions, citing International Yoga Day as an initiative that has connected people worldwide with the country’s ancient knowledge and practices. He drew parallels between these efforts and Swami Chinmayananda’s work in taking Indian philosophy and spiritual teachings to global audiences.
Emphasising the importance of cultural confidence, Modi said greater pride in India’s heritage and efforts to overcome a colonial mindset were integral to the country’s broader development aspirations. He also called for collective action to address emerging social challenges, strengthen self-reliance and unite society against divisive forces.
Looking ahead to 2047, which will mark 100 years of India’s Independence, the Prime Minister urged citizens to contribute to the vision of a developed India. He also noted that the year would mark the centenary of the Chinmaya Mission, presenting an opportunity to work towards shared national and cultural objectives.
The recovery of stolen statues, restoration of heritage sites and international promotion of Indian traditions featured prominently in the Prime Minister’s address, underscoring the role of cultural preservation in India’s national development goals.
