AMN
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today said that culture and heritage are not only integral to the country’s identity but also vital for employment, tourism, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
Addressing the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave 2026 in New Delhi, the Minister said that India must make cultural capital an integral part of its economic imagination, as culture has become an engine for the local economy and tourism. He added that linking the preservation of heritage to future possibilities is a rewarding step towards a developed India.
Talking to reporters, Mr Shekhawat said that culture should not be viewed only from the perspective of conservation or government expenditure; instead, greater emphasis should be placed on creating jobs and economic opportunities through cultural heritage.