Introduction and Overview

- The Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar (My Village, My Heritage) Programme is implemented by the Indian Government.

- This program aims to map and document all villages across the country.

- The Ministry of Culture collaborates with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts to conduct this national mission on cultural mapping.

- The primary objective is to compile comprehensive information about microscopic aspects of Indian villages, including their life, history, and ethos.

- This data then becomes available to both virtual and real-time visitors through the MGMD web portal.

Importance and Key Features of MGMD

- MGMD is mapping villages under seven broad categories: Arts and Crafts Village, Ecologically Oriented Village, Scholastic Village, Epic Village, Historical Village, Architectural Heritage Village, and Miscellaneous.

- The program is part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) and the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM).

- So far, more than 2 lakh villages out of the planned 6.5 lakh have been mapped and uploaded onto the Mission portal.

Overview of National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM)

- The NMCM was established by the Ministry of Culture to document India’s cultural heritage and foster self-reliance in India's villages.

- The mission operates on three levels including National Directories, creation of National Digital Inventories, and evolving policies for preserving art practices.

- Its mandate includes creating a national database through cultural mapping and disseminating and revitalising the rich cultural heritage for future generations.

Scheme for Financial Assistance for the Promotion of Art and Culture

- A central sector scheme devised to support cultural activities and organisations in the country.

- It comprises eight components, each with a distinct objective and funding amount.

- The components include Financial Assistance to Cultural Organizations with National Presence, Cultural Function & Production Grant, Financial Assistance for the Preservation & Development of Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas, and more.

Historical Context and Geography

- MGMD becomes relevant to history and geography as it provides an insightful understanding of Indian villages, traditional practices, and cultural nuances exhibited by different regions across the country.

- This mission contributes to the geographical understanding by mapping and documenting each village's distinct characteristics and landscapes.

Significance

- MGMD and NMCM's primary importance lies in preserving, safeguarding, and revitalising India's cultural heritage. This aligns with the broader objective of cultural preservation and promotion.

- These initiatives provide an opportunity to study and understand India's cultural richness and diversity in depth.

- Financial Assistance schemes also play a crucial role in preventing the erosion of culture and promoting artistic practices via financial support.