The Ministry of Culture launched the book 'Timeless India: Protection & Revival of Indian Cultural Identity under the Leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi' on October 28, 2026, through a collaboration between the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). The book was published by IGNCA and Subhi Publications and edited by Tarun Vijay, with the launch event held at Dharohar Bhawan, ASI, Mandi House, New Delhi.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat served as Chief Guest, emphasizing that India is a cultural nation shaped by thousands of years of continuity, knowledge, spiritual practice, struggle and experience. He noted that colonial rule attempted to weaken Indians' sense of pride in their civilization, but India's distinctive feature is its ability to draw inspiration from the past while moving toward the future.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, attended as Guest of Honour and commended the book for highlighting the importance of preserving and revitalizing India's cultural identity. Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, former Rajya Sabha Member and former President of ICCR, delivered the keynote address, stressing the need to promote education in mother tongue and free the education system from colonial influences.
The book focuses on monument preservation, cultural memory, and the concept of 'decolonizing the nation's memory,' exploring India's cultural continuity through different historical periods and architectural traditions. The event provided a platform for dialogue on culture, history, archaeology, and cultural studies, with participants emphasizing the importance of understanding India's heritage through its own historical experiences rather than colonial perspectives.
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