In a country that equates the word ‘monument’ with ‘heritage’, INTACH Delhi’s move to create a list of iconic architectural structures has been challenged on multiple grounds. While many argue that heritage is not a title to be won, but a moniker gained over time—60 years in this case—others argue that peripheral cultural and purpose are equally important. Take for instance the Sydney Opera House, constructed in 1973, it was formally recognised as an outstanding structure with its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the World Heritage Convention in 2007. For over a year there has been a push at a central level to incorporate modern buildings that in many ways created a visual identity for the country. Sixty two buildings, including Akbar Bhavan, Sri Ram Centre for Performing Arts, Crafts Museum, Bahai Temple, Hall of Nations and Nehru Pavilion, were on this proposed list.

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Interestingly, ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) has been generating a database of documentation and evaluation of 20th century heritage structures worldwide— encompasses over fifty countries at this time. Their “Action Plan on 20th Century Heritage”, has raised the scope of existing modern heritage structures worldwide, to take under consideration concepts of the material culture to the intangible aspects of heritage including industrial heritage, education, cultural landscape, planning, and community life. With two opposing visions of national global identity, the situation calls for an interesting open forum discussion.