In a discussion on protecting India’s cultural identity, restoring monuments and the nation’s historical memory, the book ‘Timeless India: Protection and Revival of Indian Cultural Identity Under the Leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’ was launched today in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (A S I) and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (I G N C A). The book was published by I G N C A and Subhi Publications and edited by Turun Vijay. The event was held at Dhara Heritage Building, A S I, Mandi House, New Delhi, with Central Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as chief guest. Science and Technology and Earth Science State Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh attended as Guest of Honour. Former Rajya Sabha MP and former President of the Indian Cultural Relations Council (I C C R) Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe delivered the main speech. The session was presided over by cultural thinker Dr. Anil Goyal.
Welcome address was delivered by Archaeological Survey of India Director‑General Shri W. S. Ravat. Opening address was given by Dean of School of Arts, Media and Design, South Asian University Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh C. Gaud. The author and editor of the book, renowned journalist and former Rajya Sabha MP Shri Turun Vijay, highlighted the book’s content and objectives. Appreciation note was presented by Prof. K. Anil Kumar, Head of I G N C A’s Art Fund Department.
Central Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said India is not confined to geographical limits; it is a cultural nation built over thousands of years of continuity, knowledge, practice, struggle and experience. India’s civilization and cultural consciousness have flowed uninterrupted for centuries. India has established relations with civilizations worldwide through dialogue and cultural exchange. Its knowledge traditions, architectural heritage and cultural legacy have attracted countries across the globe.
He said that during colonial rule attempts were made to weaken Indians’ pride in their civilization, culture and traditions. This also affected the way Indians viewed their own knowledge traditions and cultural ideals. The unique feature of Indian civilization is its ability to draw inspiration from the past while moving forward. The ideals presented by Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, along with the traditions of sages, thinkers and knowledge‑seekers, remain important foundations of India’s cultural consciousness.
Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the book and its editor, cultural thinker, author and senior journalist Shri Turun Vijay, who highlighted the importance of safeguarding and reviving India’s cultural identity in this significant publication.
Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said that awareness and pride in India’s cultural heritage are essential to understand its ancient culture and timeless journey. He emphasised that after independence there was an unnecessary hesitation to speak openly about Indian culture, making it difficult to fully free itself from colonial mentality. Books like Timeless India provide an opportunity to understand India’s cultural continuity and the essence of Indian-ness.
Mentioning Marx Tali’s book No Full Stops in India, he drew attention to a distinctive feature of the Indian mind. He said the Indian mind does not try to weaken the faith of ordinary people but seeks to understand their beliefs and vibrant experiences. The journey of Indian civilization has been one of continuity, dialogue and change, and it cannot be confined to a single conclusion or limited perspective.
He emphasised that alongside publishing and preserving books, fostering a habit of reading is equally important. Indian culture should not be confined to books alone but should become part of education and daily life. He stressed the need to promote education in mother tongue and bring content related to Indian life and culture to students. He further said that understanding India’s timeless cultural journey from an appropriate perspective and freeing the education system from colonial influences are important needs of the present time.
In his presidential address, Dr. Anil Goyal said India is an ancient civilization and a cultural consciousness that has flowed for thousands of years as a living tradition. Despite many invasions and changes, India’s cultural soul remains alive. Its temples, stupas, forts, statues and inscriptions are not just historical monuments but living proof of our ancestors’ knowledge, art, science, faith and philosophy. He said protecting heritage is a responsibility towards national identity, cultural continuity and future generations.
He emphasised the need to understand Indian history through facts and evidence and bring forgotten achievements to light. He stressed the importance of understanding cultural heritage free from colonial influences and said a country should be assessed based on criteria that reflect its social and cultural realities. Development and heritage, modernity and tradition, science and culture are not opposed but complementary. Books like Timeless India play an important role in broadening understanding of India’s civilizational continuity and cultural heritage.
On this occasion, scholars, historians and intellectuals highlighted the importance of preserving India’s civilizational continuity, cultural heritage and its historical memory through Timeless India.
Book focused on monument conservation and cultural memory
Timeless India explores the role of monuments in preserving and reviving India’s cultural identity alongside discussions on the nation’s historical memory. The title points to the cultural continuity of India, evident through various historical periods, architectural traditions and forms of cultural heritage.
This book gives special importance to monument conservation and the idea of liberating the nation’s memory from colonialism. The approach stresses the need to understand India’s cultural heritage through its own historical experiences, traditions and cultural perspectives.
The launch presented this publication as a significant step towards broadening the discussion on protecting Indian cultural heritage and its surroundings. The event also provided an opportunity to advance dialogue on culture, history, archaeology and cultural studies.