The 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) is set to take place from July 21 to July 31, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This event marks the first time India will host the prestigious meeting, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
One of the highlights of this year’s WHC meeting is its logo, which draws inspiration from the World Heritage Site of Hampi, located in Karnataka, India. Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its historic ruins and temples that date back to the Vijayanagara Empire. The logo features the iconic stone chariot from the Vijaya Vitthala Temple, a symbol of India’s architectural excellence and sculptural brilliance.
The tagline accompanying the logo is ‘सह नौ यश” (Sah Nau Yasha) which translates to “May our Glory Grow.” This phrase is derived from the ancient Sanskrit scripture Taittiriya Upanishad (1.3.1), reflecting India’s aspirations to expand the scope and impact of the World Heritage Convention.
In addition to Modi, the inauguration will feature high-profile guests including Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO, and various cultural ministers, ambassadors, and domain experts from around the world.
Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, emphasized the significance of this event in showcasing India’s rich and diverse cultural and natural heritage on the global stage. The 46th WHC session will provide an excellent opportunity for India to enhance its soft power and expand its cultural outreach.
Shri Shekhawat noted that this year’s logo and tagline resonate with India’s efforts to promote and preserve cultural heritage. The logo, representing the grandeur of Hampi’s architectural heritage, serves as a reminder of India’s rich history and its commitment to cultural preservation.
In addition to the logo, the WHC meeting will feature a public art project themed around India’s cultural legacy and UNESCO heritage sites. Artwork and sculptures inspired by sites such as Bimbetka and other natural world heritage sites in India will be showcased, further highlighting the country’s dedication to heritage conservation.
The WHC session in New Delhi will be a landmark event, following the successful hosting of the G20 Summit. It will bring together representatives from 21 State Parties to the World Heritage Convention, including India, Argentina, Belgium, Italy, Ukraine, and Vietnam. This session will discuss and collaborate on efforts to preserve and manage cultural, natural, and mixed heritage sites globally.
India, a member of the WHC since 2021, has 42 properties inscribed on the World Heritage List, including 34 cultural sites, seven natural sites, and one mixed heritage site. Recent additions to the list include Santiniketan in West Bengal and the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas in Karnataka.
By hosting the 46th WHC session, India aims to strengthen its role in global heritage conservation and further its commitment to protecting and promoting cultural heritage. The event underscores India’s position as a cultural superpower and its dedication to fostering international cooperation in heritage preservation.
The WHC session will be organized by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on behalf of the Ministry of Culture. It will bring together delegates from across the globe to discuss strategies and share insights on preserving our shared cultural and natural heritage. This event is a testament to India’s increasing stature in the global heritage community and its efforts to ensure the protection of World Heritage properties.
In conclusion, the logo of the 46th WHC meeting, inspired by the World Heritage Site of Hampi, symbolizes India’s architectural and cultural grandeur. The event will not only showcase India’s heritage but also strengthen its position in the global heritage conservation community, highlighting its commitment to preserving cultural and natural treasures for future generations.
