India Recovered Over 650 Stolen Ancient Statues In 12 Years: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India had recovered more than 650 stolen ancient statues over the past 12 years.

Addressing the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan in New Delhi, he highlighted efforts to preserve the country’s cultural heritage and restore historic spiritual centres.

Modi said heritage conservation remained a key mission of Swami Chinmayananda, founder of the Chinmaya Mission. He cited the Vivekananda Rock Memorial as a source of inspiration for millions of visitors from India and abroad.

The Prime Minister highlighted the revival of major religious sites, including Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the Ram temple in Ayodhya, and Kedarnath and Badrinath.

He noted that a statue of Adi Shankaracharya now stands at Kedarnath, near the site where the philosopher is believed to have attained his final state of existence.

Modi recalled that stolen Indian artefacts had often reached foreign countries and entered the market without adequate intervention. He said the recovery of more than 650 statues over the past 12 years reflected efforts to reclaim the country’s cultural treasures.

He further highlighted India’s growing global cultural influence, citing International Yoga Day as an initiative connecting people worldwide with the country’s ancient traditions.

The Prime Minister urged citizens to strengthen self-reliance, counter divisive forces and work towards a developed India by 2047, marking 100 years of Independence.

He noted that 2047 would also mark the Chinmaya Mission’s centenary, calling for collective efforts to achieve shared national and cultural goals.

बीते 12 वर्षों में हम 650 से ज्यादा चोरी की गई प्राचीन मूर्तियां विदेशों से वापस लेकर आए हैं। https://t.co/qWHMeHYtqX

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) October 23, 2026

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