Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, conferred the prestigious Golden Banyan Award for Heritage Tourism – Best State on the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) at the Heritage Week Awards 2025, held in New Delhi on 13 September. This recognition stands as a testament to Madhya Pradesh’s outstanding initiatives in conserving and promoting its cultural and architectural heritage.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts and Endowments, Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, said, “Madhya Pradesh is the living embodiment of India’s civilisational spirit. The majestic temples of Khajuraho, the historic forts of Gwalior, and the timeless ghats of Maheshwar reflect both the grandeur and the continuity of our heritage. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the state has integrated heritage conservation with community participation, making tourism a powerful medium for development.”
Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture, Home, Religious Trusts and Endowments, and Managing Director of MPTB, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, said, “This award validates Madhya Pradesh’s vision of safeguarding its heritage while ensuring that local communities benefit directly from tourism. Our focus has been on adaptive reuse of historic sites, preservation of cultural traditions, and responsible tourist engagement. This honour inspires us to position Madhya Pradesh as India’s premier heritage destination, where every monument narrates a story and every tradition thrives with authenticity.”
Echoing the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s mantra of “From Heritage to Development”, Madhya Pradesh is not only preserving its cultural treasures but also aligning them with contemporary growth. The state stands at the forefront of heritage conservation with three permanent UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, and the Sanchi Stupa. In addition, the historic towns of Khajuraho, Orchha, Mandu, and Chanderi serve as shining examples of ongoing preservation and revitalisation.
Madhya Pradesh today boasts 18 sites recognised by UNESCO, reflecting the global importance of its heritage. Gwalior’s recognition as a UNESCO “City of Music” further highlights the state’s cultural and artistic contributions on the world stage. Alongside conservation works at archaeological sites, the state is introducing modern visitor facilities and digital technologies to make heritage more accessible to the public.
This journey goes beyond celebrating the past — it is also about driving tourism, local employment, and cultural economy. Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a model state that bridges tradition with modernity, presenting an inclusive and sustainable pathway of growth.
