PM Modi Hails UNESCO Tag for Maratha Forts: A Moment of National Pride

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday celebrated a major cultural milestone as the Maratha Military Landscapes of India were officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Calling it a moment of “immense pride for every Indian,” Modi praised the international recognition as a tribute to the valor, strategic brilliance, and legacy of the Maratha Empire.

"Every Indian is elated with this recognition": PM Modi as 'Maratha Military Landscapes' gets UNESCO tag | Economic Times

PM Modi’s Message to the Nation

Soon after the UNESCO announcement was made in Paris, Prime Minister Modi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his joy. He wrote

“Every Indian is elated with this recognition. The Maratha Military Landscapes getting inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List is a moment of immense pride for all of us.

When we speak of the glorious Maratha Empire, we associate it with good governance, military strength, cultural pride, and emphasis on social welfare. I call upon everyone to visit these sites and deepen their connection with India’s heritage.”

Modiji’s message not only celebrated the inscription but also used the occasion to reignite public interest in India’s historical legacy. His words echoed a national sentiment that sees cultural heritage not merely as a relic of the past, but as a living, breathing source of national identity and pride.

A Vision Aligned with Cultural Renaissance

The Prime Minister’s celebration of the UNESCO listing aligns with his broader vision of cultural revivalism and global reassertion of India’s civilizational identity. Under his leadership, there has been a renewed focus on protecting, restoring, and promoting India’s architectural and spiritual heritage—from the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and Ram Janmabhoomi temple project to the internationalization of Indian festivals and classical traditions.

In this context, the inscription of the Maratha Military Landscapes carries both symbolic and strategic value. It amplifies the contributions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a leader PM Modi has often cited as a role model for governance, security, and decentralization.

Why the Recognition Matters Politically and Culturally

The international acknowledgment of these forts reinforces a narrative that the Modi government has consistently promoted: that India’s history is rich, glorious, and deserving of global recognition. It also fits within Modiji’s emphasis on cultural nationalism—uplifting indigenous history, heroes, and architecture that were often underrepresented in mainstream discourse.

With 44 World Heritage Sites now under India’s belt, PM Modi also highlighted India’s growing stature on the global stage. The Prime Minister has long emphasized the importance of “Vishwa Guru Bharat” (India as a world teacher), and the recognition of India's architectural heritage under UNESCO strengthens that vision.

Public Call to Action: Tourism and Education

True to his participatory style, Prime Minister Modi used the moment not only for celebration but also as a call to action. By encouraging citizens to visit the Maratha forts, he sought to promote domestic tourism, historical awareness, and national unity through shared heritage.

The appeal goes beyond cultural appreciation—it encourages young Indians to study and emulate the values of leadership, resilience, and innovation that characterized the Maratha military system. In this way, the Prime Minister transformed a bureaucratic victory into a people-centric celebration.

Conclusion: A Milestone in India’s Heritage Journey

The UNESCO inscription of the Maratha Military Landscapes is more than a ceremonial win—it is a moment of national affirmation. For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it is yet another step in his broader cultural agenda to revive and globalize India’s historical greatness. By placing the Maratha forts at the center of public discourse, Modiji has again shown how historical memory can be mobilized as a force of unity, pride, and soft power.

As the world now turns its eyes to these iconic symbols of India’s martial past, Modi’s message is clear: the spirit of Shivaji Maharaj still lives on—in stone, in memory, and in every Indian heart.

(Sources: MSN, LiveMint, Economic Times)