Lok Sabha Question No. 3908 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: National Mission on Cultural Mapping and Project PARI
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Manickam Tagore B

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3908

TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.03.2025

## NATIONAL MISSION ON CULTURAL MAPPING AND PROJECT PARI

## 3908.   SHRI MANICKAM TAGORE B:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state :

(a) the details along with progress of the National Mission on Cultural Mapping, including the number of cultural sites and artistic practices that have been identified and documented so far;

(b)  whether  the  Government  has  any  plan  to  ensure  that  the  National  Mission  on  Cultural Mapping  effectively includes the diverse cultural expressions of India's marginalized communities and lesser-known traditions across the country, if so, the details thereof;

(c)  the  manner in which the Project PARI has contributed to fostering cultural dialogue and reflection among different sections of society;

(d) the manner in which the project plans to expand its reach in the coming years;

(e) the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure that Project PARI remains inclusive, particularly in terms of engaging local artists, historians and cultural experts, and promoting lesser-known regional art forms; and

(f)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  increase  the  allocation  of  funds  for  the  Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme to include more grassroots-level cultural initiatives and support smaller, community-driven cultural projects, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) & (b)  To preserve  and promote India's rich cultural heritage, the Ministry of Culture has established the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM). Implemented by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), the mission aims to document India's cultural heritage and its potential to revitalize rural economics.

As a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, NMCM launched Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) portal  in  June  2023  (https://mgmd.gov.in/).    This  initiative  aims  to  document  the  cultural heritage of  6.5 lakh villages of India. Currently, 4.5 lakh villages are live on the portal with their respective cultural portfolios.

The  MGMD  portal  captures  a  wide  range  of  cultural  elements,  including  oral  traditions, beliefs, customs, historical significance, art forms, traditional food, prominent artists, fairs and festivals,  traditional  dress,  ornaments  and  local  landmarks.    This  Portal  also  includes  the cultural  expressions  of  India's  marginalized  communities  and  lesser-known  traditions  across the country.

NMCM is a significant step towards preserving India's cultural heritage and empowering rural communities.  By documenting and promoting cultural assets, the mission aims to strengthen cultural identity and foster economic development.

- (c)   Project PARI (Public Art of India) is a collaborative initiative by the Ministry of Culture, Lalit  Kala  Akademi,  and  the  National  Gallery  of  Modern  Art  to  revitalize  India's  public  art landscape. Drawing inspiration from India's rich artistic heritage and contemporary themes, it aims to create public art that reflects the nation's cultural identity. Launched during the 46th World  Heritage  Committee  Meeting,  Project  PARI  encourages  dialogue  and  inspiration through a fusion of traditional and modern art forms. The first major event took place in Delhi from  July  21-31,  2024,  coinciding  with  the  World  Heritage  Committee  session.  This collaborative effort brought together over 200 visual artists from across India, with the aim of presenting India's artistic heritage in all its glory. A significant number of women artists have also actively participated in this program with immense enthusiasm. The initiative was hosted at  iconic  locations  in  Delhi,  such  as  Africa  Avenue,  near  Leela  Hotel,  and  the  Kiosk  inside Bharat Mandapam, near IGI Airport, ITO Bridge, and many more locations etc. transforming these spaces into vibrant canvases that celebrated the unique artistic traditions and styles from various states.

A total of 23 art forms were displayed during this initiative, including Phad, Gond, Kalamkari, Pichwai, Thangka, Cheriyal, Lanjja Saura, Bani Thani, Warli, Pithora, Aipan, Kerala Mural, Alpona (Tripura), Bundi, Pattachitra, Kangra, Bengal Patua, Santhal, Sohrai, Kohbar, Kaavi, and  Shora,  among  others  in  the  prominent  location  in  Delhi.  Additionally,  sculptures  made from  hues  and  scrap  materials  were  also  created  by  the  artists  at  some  of  Delhi's  prime locations, further enhancing the diversity and innovation of the public art installations.

This  initiative  was  dedicated  to  India's  cultural  richness  and  heritage,  offering  a  unique opportunity for people to explore and engage with diverse art forms, while fostering a deeper appreciation for the country's artistic diversity through Public art.

- (d)   At present there is no such proposal.
- (e)   To ensure that Project PARI (Public Art of India) remains inclusive, the government has taken several impactful steps. Firstly, artists from various states across India have been given a platform, promoting regional art forms like Phad, Gond, Warli, and Pichwai,etc, ensuring these art forms receive the recognition they deserve. In addition, historians and cultural experts have played  a  key  role  in  highlighting  the  historical  and  cultural  significance  of  these  art  forms, ensuring  they  are  presented  in  the  right  context.  Furthermore,  the  government  has  made dedicated efforts to promote lesser-known regional art forms, such as Saura, Kangra Painting, and  Santhal  Art  etc,  providing  them  with  much-needed  visibility.  These  steps  have  made Project PARI not only inclusive but also a vibrant  platform for showcasing India's diverse and rich cultural heritage to the world.
- (f)    At present there is no such proposal.

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