Opinion | 12 Years Of Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi

Coined and championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this guiding philosophy rejects the false binary between modernity and tradition

Since 2014, few slogans capture the essence of governance as powerfully as “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi", which is essentially about development and preservation of our heritage and moving in tandem. Coined and championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this guiding philosophy rejects the false binary between modernity and tradition. It asserts that true progress strengthens cultural roots rather than erasing them and that heritage can fuel economic growth, tourism, national pride and global soft power.

Over the past 12 years, this vision has translated into concrete action with world-class infrastructure around ancient temples, the return of looted artefacts, digitisation of manuscripts, redevelopment of pilgrimage sites and iconic monuments that blend engineering excellence with civilisational symbolism.

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The result is a renewed India that builds highways and high-speed rail while restoring the grandeur of Kashi, Ayodhya, Ujjain and Somnath; an India that celebrates its living heritage while creating jobs and boosting the economy through spiritual and cultural tourism. One of the most visible expressions of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi" is the transformation of India’s holiest sites through modern planning and world-class amenities without compromising sanctity.

Kashi Vishwanath Corridor (Varanasi) stands as a landmark project. The ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, was historically hemmed in by narrow, congested lanes that hindered access and posed safety risks. The corridor project, inaugurated by PM Modi in December 2021, created a spacious, beautifully landscaped pathway directly linking the temple to the Ganga ghats. It features........

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