News Excerpt:

Gujarat’s folk dance ‘Garba’ was included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

About the News:

• UNESCO’s 2003 convention on Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, through its intergovernmental committee, recognized 'Garba of Gujarat' during its 18th session in Botswana.

• Garba of Gujarat is now India’s 15th inscription on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It described the ‘Garba’ as a ritualistic and devotional dance performed throughout the State of Gujarat and across India.
• Previous Indian inclusions in the prestigious list include:

• • Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021)

• • Kumbh Mela (2017)

• • Yoga (2016)

About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):

• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was born on 16 November 1945. 
• UNESCO has 195 Members and 8 Associate Members and is governed by the General Conference and the Executive Board.
• UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information.

UNESCO’s 2003 convention:

• The Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is a UNESCO treaty adopted by the UNESCO General Conference on 17 October 2003. 
• The convention entered into force in 2006, after thirty instruments of ratification by UNESCO Members.
• The list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the 2003 UNESCO Convention currently has some 704 elements corresponding to 5 regions and 143 countries. 
• The Purposes of this Convention are:
• To safeguard the intangible cultural heritage.
• To ensure respect for the intangible cultural heritage of the communities, groups, and Individuals concerned.
• To raise awareness at the local, national, and international levels of the importance of the Intangible cultural heritage, and of ensuring mutual appreciation thereof.
• To provide for international cooperation and assistance.

Mains PYQ

Q.‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian society.’ Elucidate. (UPSC 2018)

Q. What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India’s position on these? (UPSC 2016)