Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) is a pan-India initiative launched by the Ministry of Culture under the National Mission on Cultural Mapping. It aims to digitally map India’s rich cultural heritage by documenting the cultural aspects of 6.5 lakh villages across 29 states and 7 Union Territories.
Objective of Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar
The primary objective of MGMD is to create a comprehensive virtual platform that showcases India’s cultural diversity. By doing so, it seeks to foster an appreciation for India’s cultural roots and traditions. Additionally, the project aims to stimulate economic growth, promote social harmony, and encourage artistic development in rural communities.
MGMD Portal
The cultural mapping of India’s villages is accessible through the MGMD portal (https://mgmd.gov.in/). This platform provides detailed information about each village, including its geographical location, demographics, and cultural characteristics. It serves as a hub for exploring and learning about India’s rich cultural heritage.
Cultural Mapping Process
The cultural mapping process involves collecting information under seven broad categories:
- Arts and Crafts Village
- Ecologically Oriented Village
- Scholastic Village linked with Textual and Scriptural Traditions of India
- Epic Village linked with Ramayana, Mahabharata, and/or Puranic legends and oral epics
- Historical Village linked with Local and National History
- Architectural Heritage Village
- Any other characteristic that may need highlighting, such as fishing village, horticulture village, shepherding village, etc.
Categories Under MGMD
Each category represents a unique aspect of India’s cultural heritage. For example, the Arts and Crafts Village category highlights traditional art forms and craftsmanship, while the Ecologically Oriented Village category focuses on villages known for their sustainable practices.
Benefits of MGMD
The MGMD initiative offers several benefits, including:
- Preservation of India’s cultural heritage
- Promotion of tourism in rural areas
- Empowerment of local artisans and craftsmen
- Generation of employment opportunities
- Strengthening of cultural ties among communities
Impact on Rural Communities
MGMD has had a significant impact on rural communities, fostering a sense of pride and identity among villagers. It has also led to the revival of traditional art forms and craftsmanship, providing a sustainable source of income for many.
Challenges and Solutions
While the MGMD initiative has been successful, it has faced challenges such as limited internet connectivity in rural areas. To address this issue, the government is working on improving internet infrastructure and providing training to villagers on using digital platforms.
Conclusion
Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to preserve and promote India’s rich cultural heritage. By digitally mapping the cultural aspects of India’s villages, MGMD is not only preserving history but also creating opportunities for economic and social development in rural communities.
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FAQs:
- What is the objective of Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD)?
- The main objective of MGMD is to culturally map India’s 6.5 lakh villages, spanning 29 States and 7 Union Territories, on a comprehensive virtual platform. It aims to showcase India’s diverse cultural heritage and promote economic growth, social harmony, and artistic development in rural communities.
- How can I access the MGMD portal?
- The MGMD portal is accessible at https://mgmd.gov.in/. It provides detailed information about each village, including its geographical location, demographics, and cultural characteristics.
- What are the benefits of the MGMD initiative?
- The Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar initiative offers several benefits, including the preservation of India’s cultural heritage, promotion of tourism in rural areas, empowerment of local artisans and craftsmen, generation of employment opportunities, and strengthening of cultural ties among communities.
- How has Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar impacted rural communities?
- MGMD has had a significant impact on rural communities, fostering a sense of pride and identity among villagers. It has also led to the revival of traditional art forms and craftsmanship, providing a sustainable source of income for many.
- What challenges has Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar faced, and how are they being addressed?
- MGMD has faced challenges such as limited internet connectivity in rural areas. To address this issue, the government is working on improving internet infrastructure and providing training to villagers on using digital platforms.
