Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday hosted a cultural evening cum dinner for the delegates of the 46th World Heritage Committee at the historic Purana Qila.

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also attended the event. Speaking on the occasion, Saxena said that sustained efforts were being made to preserve and restore the heritage sites and monuments in Delhi so as to position it as a true Global Heritage City.

Stating that these efforts are aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘vikas bhi, viksit bhi’, he stated, “The Government is making many efforts for preserving and maintaining the tangible and intangible heritage of Delhi. This will attract more tourists and open the portals of our heritage, for the knowledge of domestic as well as international audiences.”

“To preserve our heritage, it is essential that people – the community at large become a stakeholder in preserving and protecting it,” Saxena added.

Ambassadors and High Commissioners from several countries, nearly 250 delegates from more than 160 countries, senior officials from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (USESCO) and senior officials from the Central and Delhi Government also attended the event.

The event included a unique fusion of traditional dance presented by nearly 100 artists from different Indian states which left the audience spellbound. The performance was choreographed by acclaimed artist Maitreyee Pahari.

 “The cultural performance in the backdrop of an illuminated structure in the Purana Qila complex, manifested the intangible cultural heritage of India that transcends region, religion and language while also reflecting the rich heritage of Delhi,” an official said.