India Has Recovered Over 650 Stolen Ancient Statues in 12 Years, Says PM Modi

Addressing the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan in New Delhi, Modi said the preservation of India's heritage was among the key missions of Swami Chinmayananda, founder of the Chinmaya Mission.

The Prime Minister cited the Vivekananda Rock Memorial as an example of a site that continues to inspire visitors from India and abroad. He also highlighted the renewed prominence of major religious and cultural destinations, including Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the Ram temple in Ayodhya, and the pilgrimage sites of Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Modi said these centres were regaining their significance as part of a broader revival of India's cultural heritage. Referring to Kedarnath, he mentioned the installation of a statue of Adi Shankaracharya at the site associated with the philosopher's final years.

The Prime Minister also recalled that numerous ancient statues had been stolen from India and taken overseas, where they were sold. He said more than 650 such statues had been brought back to the country over the past 12 years.

Highlighting India's growing cultural outreach internationally, Modi said International Yoga Day had helped connect people across the world with India's ancient traditions. He drew a parallel with Swami Chinmayananda's efforts to take Indian philosophy and spiritual teachings to a global audience.

Modi said growing public pride in India's heritage and efforts to move beyond a colonial mindset reflected the country's progress towards the vision of its sages and freedom fighters.

He also called for collective action to address emerging social challenges, promote self-reliance and unite citizens against divisive forces. The Prime Minister urged people to contribute towards the goal of building a developed India by 2047.

Noting that 2047 would mark 100 years of India's Independence as well as the centenary of the Chinmaya Mission, Modi said the two milestones offered an opportunity to work together towards shared objectives.

He emphasised that collective participation would be essential to achieving these goals.