Context:
To strengthen India’s cultural identity and empower rural communities, the Ministry of Culture has launched the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM), implemented by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
Key Highlights:
1. About NMCM:
- A central initiative to document and map India’s rich cultural heritage, particularly in rural areas.
- Aims to use cultural documentation as a tool for rural economic revitalization and community empowerment.
2. MGMD Portal – A Digital Cultural Archive:
- Launched: June 2023 as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
- Target: Mapping 6.5 lakh villages across India
- Current Status:
- Cultural data for 4.7 lakh villages uploaded
- In West Bengal:
- Target: 41,116 villages
- Mapped so far: 5,917 villages
- Remaining: 35,199 under documentation
- No financial assistance has been sanctioned yet for any State under the programme
3. Scope of Documentation:
- Oral traditions, beliefs, customs, festivals, art forms
- Traditional food, dress, ornaments, local landmarks
- Cultural knowledge of marginalized and tribal communities
- Intangible heritage such as folk performances and rituals
4. Significance:
- Aids in cultural preservation and promotion
- Fosters local pride and identity
- Lays groundwork for sustainable cultural tourism and rural development
