Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said discussions had been held on including Kanchipuram in UNESCO’s heritage list. She made the remarks while addressing a book release function at SSKV Arts and Science Women’s College in Keezhambi near Kanchipuram.
The event marked the release of the book titled “Pennin Perunthakka Yaavula”, brought out in the presence of Kanchi Mutt pontiff Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and college management representatives. The book traces the history of the SSKV educational institution and its long-standing service to women’s education in the region.
In her address, Sitharaman said Kanchipuram had valued education from earlier times. Drawing a comparison with ISRO’s global recognition, she noted that people from abroad visit ISRO and that India launches satellites at relatively low cost.
She also said students from places such as China, Tibet and northern states come to Kanchipuram for education. On the UNESCO proposal, she pointed out that listing could bring positive outcomes as well as practical hurdles, citing that even changes like replacing a window at home may require permissions and that such processes tend to move slowly.
Several office-bearers and members of the institution’s management, including Nanditha Krishna, Raman and others, attended the programme.
