World Heritage Day, 2025 observed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 18 2025: Manipur State Archaeology, under the Art and Culture Department, organised World Heritage Day, 2025' at Kangla Hall, here, on Friday.

The observance presided over by Art and Culture director K Dinamani had Art and Culture commissioner Mongjam Joy as chief guest and Historical, Cultural and Research Centre president N Indramani as guest of honour.

Speaking at the programme, Mongjam Joy stressed the need for preserving diverse cultural heritages to help strengthen the bond of unity among the diverse communities.

Highlighting the importance of understanding history, tradition, and heritage, Joy said that it is the responsibility of nation, state, and community to safeguard cultural heritage, along with calling for the protection of the diverse cultural heritage of various communities residing in the state, while noting that such efforts would also contribute to fostering unity and integrity in Manipur.

Explaining the origin of World Heritage Day, Mongjam Joy recalled that the International Council of Monuments and Sites declared April 18 as World Heritage Day in 1982, a decision later endorsed by the UNESCO General Assembly the following year.

As a part of the observance of the 60th World Heritage Day, a symposium will be held in Nepal from October 13 19, he informed adding that the symposium will focus on recognising the contributions made toward the preservation of the world's cultural heritage.

He further pointed out that India has 43 recognised monuments and sites of which 35 are cultural heritage sites, seven natural sites and one cultural and natural site.

There are 65 monuments and sites recognised under Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1976 in the state, informed the commissioner, added that the role of people living near monuments and sites is crucial and significant in safeguarding such tangible assets.

Later, M Joy flagged off a heritage tour' participated by teachers and students of Manipur University of Culture and Manipur University.

The tour covered J3ir Tikendrajit Park, Thangal temple at Palace Compound, Langthabal Palace, memorial site of Maharaj Gambhir Singh at Canchipur, and Tenggol Lampak at Khongjom among others.

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