First G20 Culture Working Committee meeting to be held in Khajuraho, India

The G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) is set to hold its first-ever meeting in Khajuraho, India next week. The meeting, which will be hosted by the Indian Ministry of Culture, will bring together experts from across the G20 countries to discuss issues related to cultural heritage preservation and promotion.

The G20 is a group of 19 countries and the European Union, representing the world's largest economies. The G20 members account for 80% of the world's GDP and two-thirds of the world's population. The G20 is committed to promoting economic growth, international trade, and financial stability, and has recognized the important role of culture in achieving these goals.

The establishment of the G20 Culture Working Group in 2021 is a significant development in recognizing the importance of culture in achieving sustainable development. The CWG aims to promote cultural exchange, preservation, and promotion as well as to foster dialogue on cultural policies and their impact on the global economy.

The first meeting of the CWG in Khajuraho will focus on the theme of "Building Resilience: Safeguarding Culture and Heritage for Future Generations." The meeting will include discussions on a range of issues related to cultural heritage preservation, including the protection of cultural sites, the repatriation of stolen artefacts, and the promotion of cultural tourism.

Khajuraho is an appropriate location for the meeting, as it is home to some of the finest examples of Indian temple architecture. The Khajuraho temples, built between the 9th and 11th centuries, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are known for their intricate carvings depicting gods, goddesses, and other mythological figures.

The CWG meeting in Khajuraho will provide an opportunity for experts from G20 countries to share best practices and strategies for cultural heritage preservation and promotion. It will also allow for the development of joint initiatives and collaborations aimed at safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations.

India, as the host country, has an important role to play in promoting cultural heritage preservation and promotion on a global scale. The country has a rich cultural heritage, spanning thousands of years, and has made significant efforts in recent years to promote and preserve its cultural heritage. The hosting of the G20 CWG meeting in Khajuraho is a testament to India's commitment to cultural heritage preservation and promotion.

India is set to organise an exhibition of artefacts that have been repatriated to the country in recent years from various countries. The exhibition will be held on the sidelines of the G20 Culture Working Group meeting in Khajuraho, India, and will showcase the importance of repatriation in preserving cultural heritage.

Return of Treasures’ will comprise a four-day exhibition of 25 artefacts that have returned to India, after having been stolen from India and smuggled abroad.

India has been working actively to repatriate its stolen artefacts from other countries and has been successful in bringing back several priceless items over the years. The exhibition will feature some of these artefacts, which have been returned to India from countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia.

The artefacts on display will include a 10th-century statue of the goddess Durga, which was returned by Germany in 2017, and a bronze idol of Lord Ganesha, which was returned by the United States in 2016. These artefacts are not only valuable for their historical significance, but also for their cultural and religious significance to the people of India.

The exhibition will serve as a reminder of the importance of repatriation in preserving cultural heritage. Repatriation is the process of returning stolen or illegally acquired artefacts to their country of origin. It is a critical aspect of cultural heritage preservation, as it helps to restore cultural identity and heritage.

However, repatriation is not always a straightforward process, as there are often legal and diplomatic hurdles to overcome. Nevertheless, India's success in repatriating stolen artefacts in recent years is a testament to the country's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

The exhibition will also highlight the need for international cooperation in preserving cultural heritage. Many countries have suffered from the theft and looting of cultural artefacts, and there is a growing recognition that this is a global issue that requires a collaborative approach.

The G20 Culture Working Group meeting in Khajuraho provides an opportunity for experts from around the world to come together to discuss issues related to cultural heritage preservation and promotion. The exhibition of repatriated artefacts will be a fitting reminder of the importance of this work, and of the role that international cooperation can play in achieving these goals.

India is a country with a rich cultural heritage, dating back thousands of years. Over the centuries, many artefacts have been created in India, each with its own unique story and significance. Unfortunately, over the years, many of these artefacts have been stolen and taken away from the country, either through looting or illegal trade. This loss of cultural heritage is not just a tragedy for India but for the world as a whole.

One of the most significant incidents of artefact theft from India was during the period of British colonial rule, when numerous treasures were taken from India and transported to museums and private collections in Britain. Among these were the Koh-i-Noor diamond, which now resides in the British Crown Jewels, and the Sultanganj Buddha, a large statue of the Buddha that was taken from Bihar and is now in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in England.

Another notable incident of artefact theft from India occurred in 1985 when a group of thieves broke into the temple of Padmanabhaswamy in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and stole a large quantity of gold and precious stones. The stolen items were estimated to be worth billions of dollars, making it one of the biggest heists in history. The thieves were eventually caught and many of the stolen artefacts were recovered, but some of the items are still missing.

More recently, there have been reports of smuggling of artefacts from India to other countries, particularly the United States. In 2020, the United States returned over 200 artefacts, including bronze idols and stone sculptures, to India. These artefacts were believed to have been smuggled out of the country illegally and were recovered by the US authorities.

The theft of artefacts from India is a serious issue as it not only results in the loss of cultural heritage but also impacts the country's economy. Many of these artefacts are valuable and can generate significant revenue for the country through tourism and other means. Furthermore, these artefacts are an important part of India's cultural identity and losing them diminishes the country's rich heritage.

To combat this issue, the Indian government has taken steps to protect its cultural heritage. The Archaeological Survey of India, which is responsible for the protection of India's monuments and archaeological sites, has increased security measures and surveillance in order to prevent theft and smuggling. The government has also established a number of cultural institutions and museums to showcase India's heritage and promote its preservation.

However, more needs to be done to prevent the theft of artefacts from India. International cooperation and awareness campaigns are necessary to raise awareness of the issue and to discourage illegal trade. Additionally, stricter laws and penalties should be put in place to deter thieves and smugglers.

In conclusion, the theft of artefacts from India is a serious issue that has had a significant impact on the country's cultural heritage. It is important for the government and the international community to work together to prevent further theft and to recover stolen artefacts. Preserving India's cultural heritage is not only important for the country but for the world as a whole.