The project was led by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board in cooperation with the Municipal Corporation of Gwalior, Gwalior Smart City Development Corporation Limited, Raja Mansingh Tomar Music & Arts University, music artists and other stakeholders. The Network now includes 350 cities in over one hundred countries, representing seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts and Music.
Since 2019, continuous efforts have been made including multiple stakeholder consultations and a dedicated feasibility study of the city to map the potential for UCCN membership followed by the drafting of the application. Gwalior serves as an exemplary example of living cultural heritage and it houses one of the biggest annual music festivals of India; The Tansen Sangeet Samaroh to celebrate the rich culture of Madhya Pradesh.
Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department and Managing Director, MP Tourism Board Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla (IAS) quoted ‘Inclusion of Gwalior by UNESCO under the creative cities network is definitely a big shot in the arm which goes a long way to tell the whole world about the cultural richness of Madhya Pradesh. Gwalior being the city of Tansen, Baiju Bawra, the birthplace of Dhrupad Music form and Gwalior Gharana, which are world known for musical practices and traditions which are alive even today, have been very persistently conserved and preserved and now on the occasion of Madhya Pradesh Foundation Day, it has been recognised by UNESCO by including Gwalior as a city of music.
I am sure the whole world will sit and take notice of the richness and a depth of the cultural diversity, cultural richness of Madhya Pradesh in general and Gwalior in particular. This will also go a long way in boosting international tourism in the city of Gwalior and also bringing them to showcase best of the architectural and heritage assets.
It is a great opportunity for Madhya Pradesh and we are very thankful to UNESCO, Minister of Culture, Government of India and to the city of Gwalior and all the people who have ever, in anyway associated with Gwalior. As a city of music, It is a massive achievement for everyone who is concerned with music and Gwalior. ‘
Joint Director, Planning, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Mr. Prashant Singh Baghel highlighted ‘Through the designation to the UCCN, we envision the realisation of the city’s goals towards achieving overall sustainable development with music as the key driver. This includes the creation of new economic and artistic opportunities for the local youth; making the city an education hub for music, cultural infrastructure development, linking of the music sector with tourism, urban renewal and mobility and enhancing access to arts and culture.’
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