NEW DELHI : In her inaugural speech in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, July 1, philanthropist and author Sudha Murty drew significant attention to the Northeast region of India, lauding it as a hidden gem brimming with cultural and natural marvels.

Murty emphasized that India, with its 42 recognized World Heritage Sites, has 57 more domestic tourist sites that warrant consideration for this prestigious status. Among these are the Bahubali statue at Shravanabela Gola in Karnataka, the Lingaraja Temple, Shivaji forts in Maharashtra, the Chausath Yogini temple in Mitawali, Lothal in Gujarat, and Gol Gumbad, among others.

She particularly highlighted the ancient sculptures of Unakoti in Tripura, shrouded in mystery and antiquity, and the natural root bridges in Mizoram, referring to them as divine gifts that deserve greater recognition and preservation.

“In India, we have 42 World Heritage sites but 57 are pending … we should bother about those 57 sites,” Murty stated, stressing the need to value and promote these overlooked treasures.

She lamented that while iconic sites like Ajanta, Ellora, Brihadeshwara, and the Taj Mahal receive substantial attention, many other cultural treasures remain neglected. Citing a Subhashita, she compared India’s underappreciated heritage sites to diamonds ignored in favor of mere glass pieces.

“There fantastic sculpturs in Tripura, known as Unnakoti. Nobody knows who has done and which are thousand years old. Then you have the natural root bridge in Mizoram and northeast part of India which is God’s gift to us. We go to other countries and see but we never value the diamond in the hand and search for broken glass pieces”, added Murty.

 In her speech, Sudha Murty called upon the nation to cherish and promote these hidden gems, recognizing their true value and potential. She urged Indians to appreciate the cultural and natural wealth within their own country, rather than seeking wonders abroad, and to support efforts in preserving and celebrating India’s diverse heritage.

Sudha Murty was nominated by the President to the Rajya Sabha on the eve of International Women’s Day.