Modi Sarkar@2: We have more to give to the west, says Mahesh Sharma

Sunday ET catches up with Mahesh Sharma, MoS (independent charge), culture and tourism, on his views on two years of the Modi government.

On his biggest achievement
Bharat’s diverse culture and heritage is our real strength. When we talk about India on a global platform, we do not talk about our billions and trillions of dollars worth reserves but about our rich heritage and culture. We have 42 organisations in our ministry; we have reorganised them and through them we want to take this culture to the corners of the world. We have revamped, reorganised and cleaned most of the monuments and made them tourist-compatible. We have started e-ticketing in 116 monuments including the Taj Mahal and Lal Quila.


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On reviving Indian culture
Indian culture is so strong that it will not die out or vanish. Each country has its own culture and heritage. Our culture is about sarva dharma sambhav (equality of all religions), our culture is about sarve bhavantu sukhinah (may all be prosperous and happy), our culture is about yatra naryastu pujyante, ramante tatra devata (gods make their home where women are respected); we ought to walk on this path. The West too has a lot to give to us but we have more to give to the West — the biggest example of which is how, on a small request from the prime minister, 192 countries came forward and became part of International Yoga Day. This is an example of the respect the world has for Indian culture.

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On the biggest achievement in his constituency (Noida)
We have put Noida and Greater Noida on the national and international tourism map. In Noida, with an investment of Rs 12,000 crore, work on a power plant in Khurja’s Arnia block has started. Also Jewar airport that was languishing for the past 14 years has got clearance. And both the state and the Central governments have agreed. We have asked the state government to submit a project report now.

We have acquired 25 acres on which we along with the Archaeological Survey of India will build a massive cultural centre. Then a culinary institute will come up over 13 acres under ministry of tourism and a national museum institute will come up under the ministry of culture. This international tourist circuit will span from Akshardham temple to Dalit Prerna Sthal to Appu Ghar then to Shaheed Sthal to Botanical Garden to National Night Safari to Formula 1 Racing Track and then to Mathura and Agra. The cultural centre and the national museum institute will not just lessen the burden on Delhi but will complement it.

On the level of freedom under Modi
The PMO or the prime minister has not intervened even once. Of course, he (Modi) is our leader, he is our guardian and we need and expect his guidance from time to time. But there is no interference in the working of the ministry. As a leader it is his right and duty to see that the ministry runs honestly and efficiently.

On the Bharat Mata Ki Jai issue
Every country has its own ideology and culture. In India whatever we consider dear, we refer to as mata . Like the mother who gives birth to us is called mata, we refer to tulsi as mata, we refer to the cow as mata , the Ganga is called mata , prithvi (earth) too is mata to us; similarly Bharat mata . It is part of our culture. In a democracy people’s thinking might be different. But I feel that every Indian needs to be proud of calling her country mata. It is not a crime to call India Bharat mata.

On India being a Hindu Rashtra
Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians all live together. Here the language changes every 5 km and the world is astonished at such a peaceful coexistence. But if 80% of the population is Hindu would it be wrong to say it (Hindu Rashtra)?