The major initiatives and achievements of the Ministry of Culture during the year 2025 are as follows:

The Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0, was held from February 15th to 24th 2025, in Varanasi, celebrating the cultural and civilizational bond between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. With over 869 artists and 190 local folk and classical groups performing, KTS 3.0 attracted around 2 lakh visitors, strengthening cultural and intellectual ties and promoting the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

The Ministry of Culture organized the Inaugural Ceremony of the Commemoration of 150 Years of the National Song “Vande Mataram” on 7th November 2025 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. The occasion was graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister as the Chief Guest. This event marks the formal launch of a year-long nationwide commemoration from 7th November 2025 to 7th November 2026, celebrating 150 years of this timeless composition which inspired India’s freedom movement and continues to evoke national pride and unity. A dedicated campaign on website https://vandemataram150.in/ has been launched by the Ministry wherein 1.60+ crore Indians have already recorded their renditions of Vande Mataram.

 Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan participating in the rendition of National Song “Vande Mataram” on the occasion of the Commemoration of 150 Years of the National Song organised by the Ministry of Culture

The Republic Day Parade 2025 featured ‘Jayati Jai Mamahh Bharatam (JJMB)’, a grand cultural presentation by Ministry of Culture showcasing India’s rich tribal and folk heritage. Over 5,000 artists performed more than 50 diverse dance forms, symbolizing youth power, artistic heritage, and women’s empowerment while embracing theme like ‘Vikasit Bharat’, Virasat Bhi Vikas Bhi’, ‘Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharart’. The performance, recognized by Guinness World Records are the Largest Indian Folk Variety Dance, highlighted India’s unity in diversity through vibrant costumes, and synchronized choreography.

‘Jayati Jai Mamahh Bharatam , a grand cultural presentation featured in the Republic Day Parade 2025 by Ministry of Culture showcasing India’s rich tribal and folk heritage

Ministry of Culture had set up a Kalagram in 10.24 acre of land at Sector-7, Mahakumbh, in Prayagraj (from 13^th January to 26^th February, 2025) where crores of pilgrims were participating. The Kalagram inaugurated on 12.01.2025 by the Union Minister of Culture had been providing an effective platform for over 45 days to around 15,000 participating artists and artisans across the country by way of showcasing India’s diverse traditions in dance, music, cuisines, art & crafts etc. It had not presented a unique opportunity to the visitors to witness and partake actively in the event but had also been an opportunity for the multitudes visiting Mahakumbh to strengthen community ties while fostering, economic and sustainable growth. Further, it had also been creating favourable environment for appreciation of cultural traditions and practices among varied communities by bringing out the beauty of our ‘Unity in Diversity’ and cherish “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”. Projection Mapping of Mahakumbh Logo,2025: The Mahakumbh logo was projected at various Centrally Protected Monuments.

Some of the highlights of this Kalagram are:

• Main Entrance: 635 ft wide, 54 ft high, depicting 12 jyotirlings and the story of Lord Shiva consuming Halahal, a confluence of art and spirtuality.
• Anubhut Mandapam: 360^o immersive experience narrating Ganga descent from heaven to earth.
• Aviral Shashwat Kumbh: Digital display by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), National Archives of India (NAI) and Indira Gandhi National Centre for arts (IGNCA).
• Food Zone: Satvik cuisine from all Zonal Cultural Centres apart from the local cuisine of Prayagraj.
• Sanskriti Angans: Display and sale of traditional Indian handicrafts and handlooms in the courtyards of the seven Zonal Cultural Centres.

Ministry of culture had set up a Mahakumbh Kalagram in 10.24 acre of land at Sector-7 in Prayagraj

The closing ceremony of the commemoration of the 150^th advent of Gaudiya Mission’s founder, Srila Prabhupad was organized at Science City in Kolkata, West Bengal on 28^th February, 2025. Hon’ble Vice President of India was the Chief Guest at the closing ceremony. The event showcased an exhibition on the life of Srila Prabhupad including objects and artefacts connected to his life.

In another significant development, the Kambh Ramayana tradition was revived in Tamil Nadu with the inauguration of the Kambh Ramayana Festival at the Sreerangam Temple on March 18, 2025 by the Union Culture Minister. This was followed by Kambh Ramayana performance in 20 temples culminating with a grand finale at the Kamban Medu on the Ram Navmi Day on 6^th April, 2025. This one-month festival will now be an annual feature starting at the Sreerangam Temple in Tiruchirappalli in March every year, culminating with the Ram Navmi celebration and performance at the Kamban Medu in April every year.

The inaugural ceremony of the Kambh Ramayana Festival at the Sreerangam Temple, Tamil Nadu

 On 31^st May, 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Madhya Pradesh, commemorated the 300^th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar with a grand at Jamburi Maidan in Bhopal. On this occasion, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan and paid tribute to Ahilyabai’s enduring legacy. PM also released a commemorative postage stamp and a special coin in her honour. As part of the celebration, Hon’ble Prime Minister presented the Devi Ahilyabai Award to Dr. Jaymati Kashyap, a distinguished woman artist for her contribution to tribal, folk and traditional arts. During his visit, Hon’ble Prime Minister also toured a specially curated exhibition on Ahilyabai Holkar’s life and legacy, organized by the Ministry of Culture, and viewed a short film highlighting her remarkable role in shaping India’s cultural heritage.

Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Government of Delhi, observed ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ on 25^th June, 2025 at Thyagraj Stadium in New Delhi to mark the 50^th anniversary of imposition of Emergency in India in 1975. The day was a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic values and constitutional rights.

Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Government of Delhi, observed ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ on 25^th June, 2025 at Thyagraj Stadium in New Delhi

The Ministry organised the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu from 23th to 27th July 2025, marking the birth anniversary of Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I. This event also commemorated the 1,000-year anniversary of Chola's maritime expedition, a landmark in Indian naval history. This festival is deeply rooted in Tamil spiritual traditions and aspects of Shiva Siddhanta. This 5-day festival was held at the Gangaikonda Cholisvaram temple, UNESCO-recognized monument with large scale participation of local artists and local people.  A commemorative coin was also released to mark this event. Hon’ble Prime Minister graced the event on the concluding day. 

An inaugural ceremony for Commemoration of 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on 9th July 2025 at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi as a national tribute to his enduring contributions to the nation. The inaugural ceremony was a part of the two year-long commemorative celebration starting July 2025 till July 2027 and was graced by Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture and Tourism as the Chief Guest. A Commemorative Stamp and Coin were released in honour of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

The inaugural ceremony for Commemoration of 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on 9th July 2025 at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi

 A part of sacred relics of the Lord Buddha, discovered in 1898 at Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh, were put to auction by Sotheby. Ministry took a strong stand and issued a legal notice to stop the auction. The legal and moral pressure resulted in stoppage of auction and Ministry took it as an opportunity for negotiations. These priceless relics have been returned to India after 127 years on 30th July 2025. The relics were handed over to the Indian government through a private acquisition by an Indian Industrial House after coordinated legal and diplomatic efforts to stop their auction in Hong Kong. The relics, which included gold, garnet, and crystal ornaments, have been successfully repatriated   to India.

Sacred relics of the Lord Buddha discovered in 1898 at Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh were successfully secured by the Ministry of Culture

UNESCO in its 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, declared India’s official nomination for 2024-25 cycle, ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.  The Expert Committee ICOMOS had given a negative report. The Ministry made effective intervention in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and convinced the Member states to support India. This has become India’s 44th property to receive this recognition. India now ranks 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region for the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

 ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List

India’s 79^th Independence Day was celebrated on 15^th August, 2025, with the theme “Naya Bharat” (New Delhi) emphasizing progress in various sectors and acknowledging the efforts of freedom fighters. To mark this occasion, a ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Campaign was organized across the country. Following activities were also taken up at protected monuments-

1. Phase I (2^nd – 8^th August, 2025): Tiranga Rangoli
2. Phase II (9^th – 12^th August, 2025): Setting up of Selfie Booths, Display of Banners, and Tiranga Yatra
3. Phase III (13^th – 15^th August, 2025): Tri-colour Illumination and Projection of the National Flag on protected monuments

       This year’s Har Ghar Tiranga campaign organised by Ministry of Culture was unique. Ministry had tied up with Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation for a joint campaign on Swachhata as well. In this year’s campaign, measures of economy were also taken, resulting in 15% decrease in the outlay, whereas the coverage and selfies upload were 50% more than last year’s campaign. This could be done by adopting Whole-of-Government approach and galvanizing States and State institutions to participate. Under Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, a Bike rally was organized on 12^th August, 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, signifying the start of India’s Independence Day celebration. This rally featured thousands of bikers displaying Indian flag, included participation by Union Ministers, Ministers from Government of Delhi and Members of Parliament.

To mark the India’s 79^th Independence Day celebrations, Ministry of Culture organised   Har Ghar Tiranga’ Campaign across the country

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh celebrated its 100th anniversary on 1st October, 2025. On this Occasion, Hon’ble Prime Minister released a special ₹100 commemorative coin which is the first in independent India to feature an image of "Bharat Mata" (Mother India) and a postal stamp which commemorates a 1963 Republic Day parade in which RSS volunteers participated to honour the centennial.

 Hon’ble Prime Minister released a special ₹100 commemorative coin and a postal stamp which commemorates a 1963 Republic Day parade in which RSS volunteers participated to honour the centennial

The Ministry As part of ‘Gyan Bharatam’, a landmark national initiative to preserve, digitize, and disseminate India’s manuscript heritage. To mark the launch, the first-ever Gyan Bharatam International Conference on “Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy thorough Manuscript Heritage” consisting of eight themes was held from 11-13^th September, 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, bringing together over 1,100 participants from India and abroad. On 12^th September, 2025, the Hon’ble Prime Minister formally launched the Gyan Bharatam Web Portal, emphasizing that India’s knowledge tradition rests on three portals- Preservation, Innovation and Addition & Adaptation. The conference concluded on 13^th September, 2025 with the Delhi Declaration, reaffirming India’s commitment to safeguarding and revitalising its manuscript heritage in the spirit of Vikshit Bharat 2047.

Hon’ble Prime Minister formally launched the Gyan Bharatam Web Portal, emphasizing that India’s knowledge tradition rests on three portals- Preservation, Innovation and Addition & Adaptation

The Ministry of Culture’s flagship initiative, Gyan Bharatam, marked a significant milestone 25.10.2025 with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 17 leading institutions from across the country. The ceremony, held at the National Gallery of Modern Art (Jaipur House), New Delhi.

Sewa Parv 2025 was successfully celebrated from 17th September to 2nd October 2025, transforming it into a large-scale movement of service, creativity and citizen’s participation. As part of celebrations, Ministry, through its nodal bodies, organized one-day art workshops under the theme “Viksit Bharat Ke Rang, Kala Ke Sang” at 75 identified locations across the country. Each workshop brought together school students, college youth, professional artists, and traditional artisans to create artworks on the theme of “Seva Parv – Vision of Viksit Bharat”. Further, Organisations under the Ministry undertook Swachhata Hi Sewa drives at prominent heritage sites. These initiatives integrated service and heritage conservation with cultural expression, reinforcing the mandate of linking creativity with civic consciousness.

Ministry of Culture through its nodal bodies, organized one-day art workshops under the theme “Viksit Bharat Ke Rang, Kala Ke Sang” at 75 identified locations across the country on Sewa Parv 2025

The Union Ministry of Culture presented a series of spectacular cultural performances to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (October 31, 2025). Hon’ble PM was the Chief Guest on the occasion. On the occasion, a commemorative coin and postal stamp was also released by the Hon’ble PM. The highlight of the event was a grand dance choreography titled “Loh Purush Namastubhyam”, curated by the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the West Zone Cultural Centre, under the Ministry of Culture which featured over 800 artists from across India.

          Hon’ble PM released a commemorative coin and postal stamp to mark the 150th birth       anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

Ministry of Culture completed Special Campaign 5.0 with special focus on E-waste disposal and with 100% achievements in disposal of public grievances and PG-Appeals & 74% in MP References, 68% in PMO reference, 64% in State Government References.; Further, 100% Achievement in Cleanliness Campaign was observed in 599 sites.

 Ministry of Culture completed Special Campaign 5.0 with special focus on E-waste disposal

The Ministry of Culture played a pivotal role in the successful organization of the Tribal Business Conclave 2025, held at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi on 12^th November,2025. The Conclave served as a vibrant platform to celebrate the artistic excellence, literary diversity, and creative enterprise of India’s tribal communities, aligning with the spirit of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh and the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Organized jointly by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Ministry of Culture, the Conclave marked a landmark moment during Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, commemorating the 150 Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. A key highlight of the Conclave was the panel discussion organized by the Ministry of Culture, titled “Tribal Heritage to Enterprise: Promoting Sustainable Entrepreneurship.”

 Ministry of Culture successfully organised the Tribal Business Conclave 2025 at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi on 12^th November,2025

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) are proud to announce the launch of Project Gaja-Lok: Elephant Lands and their Cultural Symbolism in Asia, a pioneering transnational initiative. This culture-nature programme is dedicated to documenting and exploring the profound connections surrounding the Asian elephant, highlighting intertwined narratives of culture, history, ecology, and climate resilience across the continent. Project Gaja-Lok will officially commence with a public Exhibition from 19th to 25th November 2025 and a Roundtable on 20th November 2025 at INTACH, New Delhi. These events, organized by the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Division.

Union Minister of Culture inaugurated a two-day national workshop on ‘Project Mausam’ on 18.11.2025. The workshop, titled “Islands at the Crossroads of Maritime Networks within Indian Ocean Region,” is being hosted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum. This project represents a unique convergence of heritage studies, scientific research, and community engagement, underscoring India’s commitment to preserving maritime heritage. The Minister highlighted the initiative’s goal to open new avenues for documenting and protecting ocean-linked cultural landscapes, positioning it as a dynamic, collaborative movement.

 Union Minister of Culture inaugurated a two-day national workshop on ‘Project Mausam’ on 18.11.2025

Reaffirming India’s unparalleled position as the Motherland of Buddha Dhamma and the global centre of Buddhist heritage, the country will once again host the largest international Buddhist event in Southeast Asia and India—the International Tipiṭaka Chanting Ceremony in Bodhgaya, Bihar from 2 to 13 December 2025, along with the Commemorative Walk retracing the Buddha’s footsteps from Jethian Valley to the sacred bamboo grove of Venuvana in Rajgir. The 12-day spiritual gathering at Bodhgaya—the hallowed Seat of Enlightenment—will be organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Light of Buddha Dharma Foundation International (LBDFI), USA.

Key Highlights of the 12-Day Event:

• Daily recitation of Pali scriptures under the sacred Bodhi Tree

• Discourses by eminent Dhamma gurus

• Interactive question–answer sessions

• An art gallery and cultural showcase featuring artists from India and abroad

• Cultural performance by an IBC-sponsored group on the opening day.

Pre Event Press conference of largest international Buddhist event in Southeast Asia and India—the International Tipiṭaka Chanting Ceremony held in New Delhi

The twentieth session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage will take place from 8th to 13th December, 2025 in New Delhi, India. The session will be chaired by Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of India to UNESCO.

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M Annadurai