PROJECT PARI (Syllabus GS Paper 1/2 – Govt Scheme/Art and Culture)

Context: The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has launched Project PARI (Public Art of India) during the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee Meeting.

Project PARI

• Objective: To provide a platform to uplift the aesthetic and cultural outlook of Delhi while adding grandeur to the rich historical legacy of our national capital.
• Cultural Enrichment: It provides a platform to enhance Delhi's aesthetic appeal while celebrating its rich historical and cultural heritage.
• Artistic Representation: Public spaces serve as canvases for diverse artistic expressions, ranging from tributes to nature and ancient knowledge to themes inspired by Natyashastra and Mahatma Gandhi.
• Women's Participation: Women artists play a pivotal role in Project PARI, showcasing the empowerment and creative contributions of Bharat's NARI SHAKTI.
• Executing Body: Lalit Kala Akademi, an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, is responsible for executing Project PARI.
• Significance of Public Art: Integrating art into public spaces democratizes cultural experiences, transforming urban environments into accessible galleries that foster social cohesion and a shared cultural identity.
• Significance: By bringing art to streets, parks, and transit hubs, Project PARI encourages citizen engagement with art in everyday life, promoting dialogue and reflection on India's dynamic cultural fabric.

World Heritage Committee (WHC) 

• Role of WHC: The WHC is responsible for deciding the inclusion of new sites in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• India will host the WHC meeting for the first time.
• Recent Addition: The addition of 'Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala' increased India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites to 42.
• Site Categories: India's UNESCO sites are categorized into 34 cultural, seven natural, and one mixed property.
• Global Ranking: India currently ranks 6th globally in terms of the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.