(Heritage Week Awards 2025: Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Felicitated in Delhi)
TTT NEWS NETWORK
BHOPAL, NEW DELHI | 14 SEPTEMBER 2025
Union Minister of Tourism and Culture , Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat honored the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) with the prestigious “Golden Banyan Award” under the category Heritage Tourism – Best State at the Heritage Week Awards 2025. The award was presented on September 13 at the Heritage Awards ceremony held in New Delhi. This recognition symbolizes Madhya Pradesh’s commitment towards the conservation and promotion of its cultural legacy and architectural heritage.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism, Culture, Religious Trusts & Endowments, Mr. Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, said that Madhya Pradesh is a living symbol of India’s civilization. The magnificent temples of Khajuraho, the historic forts of Gwalior, and the ghats of Maheshwar reflect the timeless glory and continued relevance of the state’s heritage. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, heritage conservation is being linked with public participation, turning heritage into a powerful medium for tourism-driven development.
Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture, Home, Religious Trusts & Endowments, and Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla, said this award is a testament to Madhya Pradesh’s vision of safeguarding heritage while ensuring that local communities benefit directly from tourism. The focus has been on adaptive reuse of historical sites, preservation of traditions and culture, and responsible tourist engagement. This recognition further inspires efforts to establish Madhya Pradesh as India’s premier heritage destination—where every monument tells a story and every tradition continues to thrive with its unique identity.
Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of “From Heritage to Development”, Madhya Pradesh today is not only preserving its cultural treasures but also integrating them with contemporary progress. The state has emerged as a leader in safeguarding world heritage sites. Madhya Pradesh’s three permanent UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, and Sanchi Stupa—demonstrate its historical and cultural depth. In addition, the preservation and promotion of historic towns like Khajuraho, Orchha, Mandu, and Chanderi stand as strong examples in this direction.
The state is home to 18 UNESCO-recognized heritage sites, underlining its global significance. Gwalior’s recognition by UNESCO as the “City of Music” further establishes Madhya Pradesh’s cultural and musical contributions on the world stage. The government continues its efforts by undertaking structural conservation of archaeological sites, developing modern facilities, and using digital technologies to connect heritage with the public.
This journey is not limited to celebrating the past; it is also a decisive step towards boosting tourism, local employment, and the cultural economy. Thus, Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a state that blends tradition with modernity, setting an example of inclusive and sustainable development.
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