New Delhi, Oct 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India had recovered more than 650 stolen ancient statues over the past 12 years, highlighting the government's efforts to protect the country's cultural heritage and bring back artefacts taken abroad. He also emphasised that a revival of India's cultural and spiritual centres was underway across the country, from north to south and east to west.
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, the founder of the Chinmaya Mission. He recalled the contribution of spiritual leaders in taking India's philosophy and traditions to people across the world.
"There was another mission of Swamiji: the conservation of Indian heritage. You have seen the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Today, it is a source of inspiration for millions of people visiting from across India and the world," the Prime Minister said.
Modi highlighted several prominent religious and cultural sites that have regained recognition and prominence, including Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and the sacred pilgrimage centres of Kedarnath and Badrinath.
"A revival of India's cultural centres is taking place from north to south and east to west. Whether it is the new look of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the grand temple of Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya, or our sacred sites such as Kedarnath and Badrinath, these places are regaining their prominence," he said.
Referring to Kedarnath, Modi spoke about the installation of a magnificent statue of Adi Shankaracharya at the site associated with the philosopher's final years. He said the restoration and renewed prominence of such sacred places reflected India's efforts to reconnect with its spiritual roots.
The Prime Minister also raised the issue of the theft and illegal removal of India's ancient artefacts. He said that, in the past, numerous statues had been taken abroad and sold without adequate intervention to prevent their removal.
"You all know that there was a time when many statues were stolen and taken to foreign countries. They were sold, and no one stopped them. In the last 12 years, we have brought back more than 650 stolen ancient statues," Modi said.
The recovery of these artefacts, he indicated, was an important part of safeguarding India's cultural legacy and restoring objects of historical and spiritual significance to their rightful place.
Modi also highlighted India's growing cultural presence internationally, citing International Yoga Day as an example of how the country's ancient traditions were reaching a global audience.
"Just as Swamiji took our religion and philosophy to people across the world, today International Yoga Day is connecting people from all over the world with India. It is connecting people with our ancient and great traditions," he said.
The Prime Minister said growing pride in India's heritage and efforts to overcome a colonial mindset were important to fulfilling the vision of the country's sages and freedom fighters. He called for collective action to address emerging social challenges, strengthen national unity and counter divisive forces.
Modi urged citizens to embrace self-reliance and contribute to the goal of building a developed India by 2047, when the country will mark 100 years of Independence. He noted that the year would also mark the centenary of the Chinmaya Mission, making it a significant milestone for both the nation and the spiritual organisation.
"We must awaken our citizens to the need for self-reliance. We must connect every citizen with the resolve for a developed India in 2047. We must become more active towards these objectives," he said.
"Our aim is the same. We will have to come forward together," Modi added, calling for coordinated efforts to achieve shared national and social goals.
