Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Maharashtra); Sopaan’s leading cultural initiative, AIKYAM 2025, successfully wrapped up its three-day event (November 21-23, 2025) today at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora. The celebration commemorated the 80th anniversary of the United Nations through an engaging fusion of art, heritage, diplomacy, and sustainability. Set against the stunning backdrop of the rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora, AIKYAM 2025 united global cultural practitioners, historians, artists, and diplomats for a unique celebration of India’s enduring wisdom and living traditions. The event featured notable dignitaries from UNESCO, Maharashtra Tourism, and the Municipal Corporation of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, alongside ambassadors, diplomats, and cultural representatives from over 30 nations.
Distinguished attendees included Shri Sanjay Khandare, Principal Secretary of Maharashtra Tourism, Dr. Timothy Curtis, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in India, and Shri G. Sreekanth, Municipal Commissioner of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Their participation underscored AIKYAM’s fundamental message of global unity, responsible cultural tourism, and the harmonious integration of tradition with modern innovation. Several senior diplomats, including the High Commissioners from the United Kingdom and New Zealand, as well as Ambassadors from France, China, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, and Thailand, and the Country Head of UNDP, also honored the festival with their presence.
Sanjay Khandare remarked, “Maharashtra leads India’s tourism sector, dedicated to becoming a premier global cultural destination, with the Ajanta and Ellora caves representing our civilizational depth and artistic excellence. As we celebrate 80 years of the United Nations, AIKYAM embodies the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, reminding us that the world is one family and reflecting Maharashtra’s tradition of bridging faiths, promoting art, and inspiring unity through the ages. In 2024, the state achieved the highest foreign tourist inflow in India, attracting 3.71 million international visitors. Our outlook remains optimistic as we continue to improve infrastructure, visitor services, and opportunities at key sites.
We aim for every traveler to depart with an enriching, memorable experience that connects deeply with our cultural essence. In the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, we hope Maharashtra’s cultural wealth fosters harmony among nations and strengthens unity in diversity,” he added.