Sarnath earns UNESCO World Heritage tag, takes India’s tally to 45



A Buddhist devout reads in front of Dhamek Stupa in the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath. | The announcement was made by the committee’s chairperson, Lee Byong Hyun, at the annual conclave on Sunday.Sarnath recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site: Full list of India's sites, criteria for inclusionWith the inscription of Sarnath, India now has 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.The Uttar Pradesh site has been recognised as a serial property comprising the Chaukhandi Stupa and the Archaeological Remains of Sarnath, which include the preserved archaeological and architectural remains of the ancient Buddhist site.Sarnath is believed to be the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in the 6th century BCE. Also known as Rishipatana, Ishipatana, Mrigadava or the Deer Park, it is regarded as the sacred site where the Buddha met his first disciples, who later spread his teachings on peace and the nature of suffering.A proud moment for every Indian!Delighted that Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Sarnath has a close association with Lord Buddha, whose timeless message of wisdom, compassion and harmony inspires the world. This recognition… https://t.co/KkdMOg6g0d— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 25, 2026Reacting to the development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X and posted: “...This recognition celebrates India’s profound civilisational and spiritual heritage. It will also inspire more people across the world to come to Sarnath and connect with the ideals of Lord Buddha.”Explaining the inscription, UNESCO said, “Sarnath, Varanasi bears witness to the enduring spiritual significance of Sarnath, one of the four principal destinations of Buddhist pilgrimage, established by the Buddha himself, as demonstrated by the large number of religious buildings and other monuments that were built and rebuilt on-site during the many centuries of its existence.” Published - July 26, 2026 07:02 pm IST
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), Dharwad branch, in association with the Rotary Club of Seven Hills, launched World Breastfeeding Week with an awareness programme at the Civil Hospital in Dharwad on Saturday.Speaking on the occasion, senior paediatrician T.A. Shepur said breast milk was the most natural and complete source of nutrition for newborns and played a key role in healthy growth and development.He said breastfeeding helped in protecting infants against infections such as diarrhoea and pneumonia, strengthened immunity and reduced the risk of several childhood illnesses.Dr. Shepur urged mothers to initiate breastfeeding as early as possible after delivery and called upon healthcare professionals to provide timely counselling and support to new mothers.IAP Dharwad president Kavan Deshpande emphasised the importance of initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth.He said colostrum, the first milk produced by the mother, was rich in antibodies and served as the baby’s “first vaccine”.He appealed to families not to discard colostrum because of myths or traditional beliefs and said exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months provided all the nutrition and fluids required by an infant.Paediatrician Nisha urged mothers to avoid misconceptions that discourage breastfeeding and to seek medical advice if they encounter difficulties.Physiotherapist Drishti Deshpande conducted a demonstration on correct breastfeeding techniques and positioning for mothers and infants. Published - August 01, 2026 06:30 pm IST
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