The Archaeological Survey of India is organising a two-day workshop from today on the Project Mausam thematic study framework document titled Islands at the Crossroads of Maritime Networks within the Indian Ocean Region in New Delhi. The workshop aims to explore potential transnational World Heritage nomination proposals for natural and cultural heritage sites, as well as Intangible Cultural Heritage elements across the Indian Ocean Region. It will also discuss avenues for enhanced bilateral and multilateral cooperation in heritage-related fields, including capacity-building, documentation, conservation of historic sites and monuments, and archaeological exploration and excavation.

 

 

Speaking at the inaugural session of the workshop, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that Project Mausam is the confluence of Heritage, Science and Community. He said that Heritage should be treated as a living cultural environment, not just museum objects. Mr Shekhawat added that India believes in transparency, respect for international maritime laws and cooperation among Indian Ocean countries. The minister said that the Project Mausam seeks to rebuild maritime cultural networks, safeguard endangered coastal traditions, create a collaborative conservation roadmap, and ensure that maritime heritage is not only remembered but actively preserved for future generations.