Archive

Overview of Project Mausam

Project Mausam is a flagship cultural diplomacy and maritime heritage initiative launched by the Ministry of Culture in June 2014 during the 38th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

1. India observed the 12th National Handloom Day on 7 August 2026. The day is linked with the Swadeshi Movement, which was launched at Calcutta Town Hall on 7 August 1905 to encourage the use of indigenous goods and industries.

2. National Handloom Day was first declared by the Government of India in 2015. Its purpose is to recognise the contribution of handloom weavers, promote Indian handloom products and strengthen indigenous textile traditions.

1) Union Budget 2026–27 treats tourism as a strategic growth driver; India Tourism Data Compendium 2025 shows total GDP impact 5.22% and direct share 2.72% from the tourism sector.

2) Tourism supports 13.34% of total employment in India, with direct tourism employment share at 5.82%, reflecting strong livelihood creation across hospitality, transport, handicrafts and services.

1. Somnath Swabhiman Parv (8–11 January 2026) marks 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni’s first recorded assault on Somnath Temple in January 1026 at Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, Saurashtra, on western coastline.

2. Somnath is revered as the first among twelve Jyotirlingas, positioned at the start of India’s sacred spiritual geography, and remains a living symbol of civilisational continuity beside the Arabian Sea.

Core Vision

Over the last 11 years, India has pursued a culture-led development model that combines heritage conservation, spiritual revival, infrastructure expansion, inclusivity, and global cultural outreach, while integrating modern technology, tourism, and economic growth.

INTRODUCTION

7 November 2025 marks the 150th anniversary of India’s National Song “Vande Mataram,” composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.