Union Minister of Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat honored Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) with the prestigious “Golden Banyan Award” in the Heritage Tourism – Best State category at the Heritage Week Awards 2025.
This honor was given at the Heritage Awards ceremony held recently in New Delhi. This honor is a symbol of the commitment of Madhya Pradesh, under which the state has taken remarkable initiatives in the preservation and promotion of its cultural heritage and architectural heritage.
Timeless dignity and continuous relevance of our heritage
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism, Culture and Religious Trusts and Endowments, Dharmendra Singh Lodhi said that Madhya Pradesh is a living symbol of India’s civilization. The magnificent temples of Khajuraho, the historic forts of Gwalior and the ghats of Maheshwar reflect the timeless dignity and continuous relevance of our heritage. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the state is making heritage conservation a powerful medium of tourism-based development by linking it with public participation.
Additional Chief Secretary Tourism, Culture, Home and Religious Trusts and Endowments and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Sheo Shekhar Shukla said that this award is a proof of the thinking of Madhya Pradesh, under which we are keeping our heritage safe while also ensuring that the local people get direct benefits from tourism.
Shukla said our focus has been on new uses of historical sites, preservation of traditions and culture and responsible tourist participation. The honour further inspires us to make Madhya Pradesh the leading heritage destination of India, where every monument tells a story and every tradition lives with its identity.
Realizing the mantra of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of “Virasat se Vikas Tak“, Madhya Pradesh today is not only preserving its cultural heritage, but is also connecting it with contemporary development. The state is being identified as a leader in the conservation of world heritage sites.
Madhya Pradesh’s three permanent UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the Khajuraho Group of Temples, the Bhimbetka Rock Painting Site, and the Sanchi Stupa—reflect its historical and cultural depth. In addition, the conservation and promotion of historical cities like Khajuraho, Orchha, Mandu and Chanderi is a strong example in this direction.
A total of 18 sites in Madhya Pradesh are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which underline the global importance of its heritage. The international recognition given to Gwalior by UNESCO as the “Music City” establishes the musical and cultural contribution of the state on a global platform. The government is continuously working on structural conservation at archaeological sites, development of modern facilities and connecting heritage to the common people using digital technologies.
This journey is not limited only to the glory of the past, but is also a decisive step towards giving new impetus to tourism, local employment and cultural economy. Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a state that is presenting an example of inclusive and sustainable development by combining its traditions with modernity.
