Latest news with #Sarnath
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Why Sarnath near Varanasi Could Soon Join the UNESCO World Heritage List
Good news coming from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh! Sarnath, one of the most revered Buddhists in India, is a step closer to earning a place on UNESCO's World Heritage list. The Uttar Pradesh tourism department along with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is trying to strengthen the site's nomination for UNESCO. Recently, senior officials from both bodies had a meeting in Lucknow for the final preparations ahead of UNESCO's review in September. Why Sarnath is important Sarnath is a beautiful town situated some 10 km from Varanasi. This place is highly significant for the followers of Buddhism as it was here where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon to five disciples after attaining enlightenment, setting in motion the Dharmachakra or the Wheel of Dharma. Sarnath has been attracting people for centuries now. It draws pilgrims, scholars, photographers, and travellers from all over the world. Today, years later, this sacred site is on the brink of receiving global recognition. The Uttar Pradesh tourism department has intensified its campaign to have Sarnath inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sarnath's importance is more than its archaeological ruins. The Dhamek Stupa is a huge structure marking the spot where Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 42-year-old woman changed drastically in a few months! "This" sold at Watsons is too effective Body Design News Learn More Undo The Archaeological Museum here is a treasure house where one can learn about centuries past, including the original Lion Capital of Ashoka which is now India's national emblem. The Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is a modern Buddhist temple built by the Mahabodhi Society. The journey towards UNESCO recognition is a process. For locals, the campaign is a source of pride. Many see it as a long-overdue acknowledgement of Sarnath's role in shaping the spiritual and philosophical traditions that continue to influence millions worldwide. Here are five interesting facts about Sarnath: First Sermon – It was here in Sarnath's Deer Park that Buddha first shared his teachings with five disciples. Ashokan Legacy – The noted Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka is now India's national emblem. It stood atop a pillar here as a symbol of moral authority. Ancient Monastic Centre – Archaeological remains reveal that Sarnath was once a thriving centre of Buddhist learning, attracting monks from as far as Central Asia. Mulagandha Kuti Vihar – This modern monastery, with its beautiful murals by Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu, keeps alive the tradition of Buddhist art and storytelling. International Pilgrimage Destination – Sarnath continues to draw devotees from across the world, including countries like Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, making it a living example of Buddhism's global reach. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope Sarnath gets the UNESCO recognition.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Foundation laid for UPPSC's hi-tech 11-storey building ‘Akash Ganga'
1 2 Prayagraj : The foundation stone for the much-anticipated 11-storey state-of the-art administrative building of the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission ( UPPSC ) was laid on Tuesday. The ceremony was jointly performed by UPPSC Chairman Sanjay Shrinet, heads of different departments, and Class C and D employees. The new building will be known as 'Akash Ganga'. Chairman UPPSC Sanjay Shrinet said the building will be constructed over an area of more than 22,500 sqft and is projected to be completed in 18 months at an estimated cost of Rs 112 crore. "This will not only be an architectural marvel but a technically advanced structure that will serve the future needs of the commission while enhancing transparency and accountability," Shrinet stated. The building is designed with a special focus on technological advancement and security. Each floor will have biometric-supported entry points, and staff will be issued individual access cards to ensure restricted movement and complete accountability. "Every person entering the building will be traceable and accountable for their respective sections," the chairman emphasized. The ground floor will host two large examination halls, each accommodating 600 candidates, along with two computer-based exam halls, each with 200 seats. After completion, the commission will be able to accommodate over 6,500 candidates with the combined strength of over 4,000 candidates at its Lucknow centre along with the existing capacity of 800 at Prayagraj, enabling the Commission to conduct most of its mains examinations in Lucknow and Prayagraj itself. All existing UPPSC buildings will be repurposed as guest houses once the new complex becomes operational. Architecture wise, 'Akash Ganga' will blend Indian and classical Greek styles, and the entrance porch will feature a replica of Adi Shankaracharya's statue, similar to the one at Kedarnath. Atop the 11th floor, a grand national emblem featuring the National Emblem of Sarnath's four lions will be installed. The floor-wise plan has been designed with precision to cater to specific administrative functions. The basement will provide parking, while the first floor will serve as a document scrutiny and waiting area for candidates. The second floor will house interview rooms and will remain inaccessible to candidates. The third floor is designated for the chairman's office, and the fourth will accommodate the legal section and members' offices. The fifth will handle various services, including the direct recruitment services, while the sixth and seventh floors will house the establishment, secretary, and finance departments. The eighth will serve as the central computerised data processing section. "The ninth to eleventh floors will be strictly dedicated to examination-related operations, with limited access granted only to authorised personnel from the examination control department," said the chairman. The building will be solar-powered and designed to allow ample natural sunlight, making it not only energy-efficient but environmentally conscious as well. "With this facility, we are setting a new benchmark in infrastructure, security and operational capacity for public service commissions in the country," said Shrinet.
