India on Thursday assumed the annual G20 chairmanship of the influential grouping, during which over 200 meetings will be held across 55 locations in the country. To mark the takeover of the G20 Presidency, 100 ASI centrally protected monuments including UNESCO World Heritage Sites spread across the country will be illuminated for a week and bear the G20 logo from today.
From Humayun’s Tomb and Purana Quila in Delhi to Modhera Sun Temple in Gujarat and Konark Sun Temple in Odisha to Sher Shah Suri’s Tomb in Bihar, these 100 sites are on the list.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi said, “Today, as India begins its G-20 Presidency, here are some thoughts on how we can build on an inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented and decisive agenda in the coming year.” But how do you want to work on the global good.”
“Gone is the time to be stuck in the same old zero-sum mentality that has led to both scarcity and conflict.”
“I firmly believe that now is the best time to go further and catalyze a fundamental change in mindset to benefit humanity as a whole,” he added.
“It is time to be inspired by our spiritual traditions that advocate unity and work together to solve global challenges,” he said.
Officials had earlier said that the first G20 meeting would be held in Udaipur in the first week of December, when the G20 Sherpas would meet.
On Wednesday, a senior official said that 100 ASI sites, including those listed under UNESCO, would be illuminated for a week.
He added that all illuminated heritage structures “will highlight the G-20 logo on the monument”.
“The size of the logo projected on the monuments will depend on the nature of the site and the design,” the official said.
“At the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri – all three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the logo will be projected on a unipole installed near the sites,” he said.
India has a total of 40 cultural and natural sites that have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and most of the cultural sites are under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
“The G20 Presidency will be held by India for a period of one year from 1st December. High-level dignitaries and delegates will visit various centrally-protected monuments. Government of India will use this opportunity to highlight our monuments. It has been decided. As part of the brand and promotional plan of the G20 on monuments and sites protected by ASI, with a special focus on sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List,” reads a memorandum issued recently by ASI .
Other sites to be highlighted include Metcalfe Hall and Currency Building in Kolkata, ruins of Nalanda University in Bihar and ancient structures and other monuments in Rajgir, Basilica of Bom Jesus and Church of Lady of Rosary in Goa, Tipu Sultan’s Palace and Gol Domes included. Karnataka, and Sanchi Buddhist Monuments and Gavleer Fort in Madhya Pradesh.
Meanwhile, Union Culture and Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy on Wednesday distributed skill training certificates to several taxi, cab and coach drivers as part of a tourism awareness program organized by the Ministry of Tourism.
“India is chairing the G20 summit for the next one year from December 1. Emerging economies of the world are participating in this summit.
During this summit, more than 200 meetings will be held in more than 55 different locations. People of the world are eager to see India, they are not just tourists for us, they are also influencers of India. I think this training program ahead of the G20 summit will prove to be a milestone in the development of Indian tourism.
In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism said that 299 candidates participated in the training, out of which 165 are male and 134 are female beneficiaries.
During the training, the candidates were given theoretical and practical exposure to practical skills, personal and workplace hygiene, places of tourist importance in Delhi, first aid, COVID-19 protocols, foreign languages, etc.
Candidates who successfully complete the course are provided a stipend of Rs.300 per day under the scheme.
,With inputs from PTI,
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