ASI and IGNCA Launch 'Timeless India' Heritage Book

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) partnered with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) to host the official book launch of Timeless India: Protection and Revival of Indian Cultural Identity under the Leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The launch event took place on October 28, 2026, at Dharohar Bhawan, the national headquarters of the ASI located near Mandi House in New Delhi.

Co-published by IGNCA and Subhi Publications, the text explores strategies to safeguard India's tangible and intangible civilizational legacy. Prominent writer, journalist, and former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Tarun Vijay authored and edited the publication.

Essential Institutional & Policy Takeaways:

1. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): Founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham (the first Director-General of ASI). Operating as an attached office under the Ministry of Culture, it regulates archaeological explorations and protects historical monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958.
2. Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA): Established in 1987 as an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Culture. It serves as a major resource center for research in humanities, folklore, classical arts, and manuscript preservation.
3. Cultural Soft Power: The strategic deployment of a nation's historical legacy, philosophy, art, and traditions to enhance global diplomatic influence and foreign relations.

Dignitaries and Institutional Alignment

The launch ceremony gathers leaders across cultural management, scientific research, and international policy.

• Chief Guest: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism.
• Guest of Honour: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences.
• Keynote Speaker: Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, former Rajya Sabha MP and former President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

For students of political science and public administration, this assembly demonstrates how cultural policy integrates with scientific research and international public diplomacy.

Why Cultural Heritage Preservation Matters for Youth

Culture requires active scholarly engagement, systematic documentation, and youth participation rather than passive observation.

• Primary Historical Sources: Historical monuments, artistic traditions, ancient manuscripts, and folk records serve as vital primary sources for academic research.
• National Identity: Understanding India's civilizational evolution helps youth develop an informed perspective on contemporary governance and social institutions.
• Career Horizons: The joint initiative highlights expanding career avenues across archaeology, museology, art restoration, cultural resource management, and archival science.

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