G20: India Resolve To Bring Back Valuable Artifacts
By Nandini Rao
In a significant announcement made during the third G20 Culture Group (CWG) meeting, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Govind Mohan revealed that approximately 150 valuable artifacts are expected to be repatriated by the United States over the next three to six months. The Union Ministry of Culture conveyed this on 9 July 2023 emphasising the efforts being made to retrieve cultural property and combat illicit activities such as smuggling and theft.
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| G20 delegates explored Hampi’s Vijaya Vittala Temple |
The third G20 CWG meeting commenced on 9 July 2023 in Hampi, Karnataka. Mr Mohan stated during a media briefing that the meeting, underway till 12 July 2023, will be attended by representatives from G20 member nations, guest countries, and various international organisations.
The Culture Working Group aims to foster inclusive discussions. Through this collaborative process, the group seeks to reaffirm critical areas for joint action, develop practical recommendations, and share best practices for sustainable development.
The central theme of the event revolves around the 'Protection and Restitution of Cultural Property.' Mr Mohan spoke about the UNESCO convention of 1970, which urges signatory parties to voluntarily return artifacts or antiquities that have been taken from other countries due to colonial plunder or post-colonial misappropriation, including smuggling and theft. India aims to encourage all G20 countries to become signatories to this convention, as it would greatly benefit the nation, as per the official.
The recent Joint Statement issued during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inaugural state visit to the United States, is evidence of India's pursuit of bilateral agreements with other countries in this regard. The ongoing negotiations on the Cultural Property Agreement between India and the US will grant US authorities the ability to intercept smuggled goods and artifacts, expediting their return.
Previous CWG meetings were successfully held in Khajuraho and Bhubaneswar. The third CWG underway at Hampi has witnessed participation of 50 delegates from G20 member countries, guest nations, and seven multilateral organisations.
The primary objective of the third CWG meeting is to achieve a consensus on recommendations and best shared practices related to the four priorities of the Culture Working Group, as per Secretary Mohan. These priority areas, outlined during India's G20 Presidency as part of the Culture Track include the Protection and Restitution of Cultural Property, Harnessing Living Heritage for a Sustainable Future, Promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries and Creative Economy, and Leveraging Digital Technologies for the Protection and Promotion of Culture.
There is a focus on releasing a joint statement in conjunction with other member countries during the Culture Ministerial Meeting scheduled to take place in Varanasi in August, he added.
During the media briefing, Joint Secretary Lily Pandeya provided further details on the third culture working group meeting. She stated that all 20 G20 member countries, along with nine dialogue partners representing guest nations and seven international organisations, are in attendance for the meeting.
The main objective of the meeting is to reach a consensus on the language and content of the culture ministerial declaration. Additionally, a report summarising the global thematic webinars will be unveiled during the Culture Ministerial meeting in Varanasi on August 26. The Ministry of Culture anticipates a robust declaration with tangible outcomes to emerge from this concluding meeting.
She also highlighted an impressive exhibition showcasing Lambani embroidery work. As part of the CWG's endeavour to enter the Guinness Book of World Records, this exhibition aims to create the largest display of Lambani embroidery patches.
The exhibit themed 'Culture Unites All' was inaugurated by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal, and Mines Prahlad Joshi, and featured approximately 1,300 Lambani embroidery patch works created by over 450 women artisans from the Lambani community associated with Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra.
A diverse array of cultural experiences have been thoughtfully arranged for the delegates throughout their visit. These include visits to heritage sites like the Vijaya Vittala Temple, the Royal Enclosure, and the Yeduru Basavanna complex of the Hampi Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Delegates will also have the opportunity to enjoy the famous Coracle Ride in the Tungabhadra River. Additionally, interactive activities such as Leather puppetry, Ganjifa artwork, Bidri artwork, and Kinhal craft have been organised for the delegates to participate in and appreciate. Delegates will also get a chance to experience a Bamboo Symphony Band and other cultural performances.
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