Varanasi: During his one-day tour of Varanasi on Tuesday, Union minister for tourism and culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat visited Sarnath. He inspected the religious stupas and archaeological ruins and described its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a proud achievement for India and Varanasi.Shekhawat said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sarnath became India’s 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site.He said the recognition would further strengthen the global identity of Kashi and Sarnath, the sacred site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. The minister added that the listing is expected to increase the number of domestic and international tourists, as well as Buddhist pilgrims, benefiting tourism, cultural activities and the local economy.Shekhawat said Sarnath is the holy land where Lord Buddha set the Wheel of Dharma in motion and gave humanity the message of peace, compassion and non-violence. He expressed confidence that the World Heritage status would give new momentum to the conservation, development and global promotion of Sarnath, while enhancing the international prestige of India’s rich cultural heritage.
