New Delhi: India’s ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh was on Saturday inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The decision was taken during the ongoing meeting of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee’s 48th session in Busan, South Korea.
“New inscription on the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List: Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath, #India,” the UNESCO posted on X.
This is India’s 45th site to join the list of UNESCO World Heritage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the inscription of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh on the UNESCO World Heritage List, stating that the site has a deep connection with Lord Buddha, whose timeless message of wisdom, compassion and harmony inspires the world.
Sarnath, located approximately 10 kilometres from Varanasi, is a profoundly significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. It holds an unparalleled place in history as the location where Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon.
“A proud moment for every Indian! Delighted that Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List,” Modi said in a post on ‘X’.
The Prime Minister said Sarnath has a close association with Lord Buddha, whose timeless message of wisdom, compassion and harmony inspires the world.
“This recognition celebrates India’s profound civilisational and spiritual heritage. It will also inspire more people across the world to come to Sarnath and connect with the ideals of Lord Buddha,” he said.
The UNESCO in a post of ‘X’ said: “BREAKING! New inscription on the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List: Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath, #India”.
