S. Jaishankar Inspects Lothal, Evaluates National Maritime Heritage Complex Progress
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Synopsis
On April 16, S. Jaishankar visited Lothal in Gujarat to review the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) progress, aimed at honoring India's maritime legacy and cultural heritage.
Key Takeaways
- Visit to the historic site of Lothal.
- Review of the National Maritime Heritage Complex development.
- Focus on India's maritime history and cultural heritage.
- Involvement of multiple governmental stakeholders in the project.
- Plans for advanced exhibitions and installations.
Lothal (Gujarat), April 16 (NationPress) - On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the ancient site of Lothal in Gujarat to assess the advancement of the ambitious National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), which is intended to serve as a global hub celebrating India’s maritime history.
The EAM's tour commenced at the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) site in Lothal, recognized as a significant city of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.
Accompanied by the Additional Director General of ASI, the Minister was informed about the site's archaeological importance and the ongoing excavation efforts, which continue to unveil the maritime and urban sophistication of ancient India.
Following this, he visited the NMHC project area, where officials provided a comprehensive update regarding the complex's development, design aspirations, and intended exhibitions.
The Minister explored several key sections of the forthcoming heritage complex, including the entry and jetty areas, the Lothal Town Recreation zone, six state-of-the-art museum galleries, the Lothal Corridor, a water-holding tank, and notable installations such as the IL-38 Indian Navy aircraft and the INS Nishank missile ships.
Expressing his admiration for the initiative, EAM Jaishankar referred to the NMHC as “a tribute to the civilizational brilliance of ancient India and its enduring maritime legacy.”
He emphasized that the complex not only honors India’s historical maritime strength but also embodies the government’s dedication to preserving and promoting cultural heritage on a worldwide scale.
The NMHC is being constructed through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), ASI, Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL), and various stakeholders, with the aim of becoming a premier destination that highlights India’s maritime history, technological progress, and cultural ties across the seas.
