New Delhi: The Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, opened a two-day national workshop on Project Mausam at the Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum in Delhi. The meeting, themed “Islands at the Crossroads of Maritime Networks within Indian Ocean Region”, has been organised by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

In his address, Shekhawat spoke about the long-standing role of islands as active centres of cultural interaction and shared identity. He said, “Project Mausam represents a unique convergence of heritage studies, scientific research, and community engagement,” and added that the initiative aims to “open new avenues for documenting and protecting ocean-linked cultural landscapes”.

The workshop has drawn participation from Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, and Tim Curtis, Director, UNESCO New Delhi Regional Office for South Asia. Senior officials from the Ministry of Culture and ASI, including Director General Yadubir Singh Rawat, were also present.

Superintending Archaeologists and Regional Directors from ASI’s coastal circles have gathered for the discussions, which will continue over two days. The sessions will focus on maritime heritage, historical networks across the Indian Ocean, and approaches to deepen India’s cultural engagement across the region.

BI Bureau