India’s Vasai Cathedral Wins 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award

Current Context: The Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Papdy, Vasai, built around 1574 during the Portuguese era, received the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

• This honor recognized a fully community-driven restoration, where local parishioners raised about ₹4.75 crore without government or corporate support.
• The restoration, completed in 2023–24, revived the bell tower, Mangalore-tiled roof, façade, interiors, and intricate wood carvings using traditional lime plaster instead of cement.
• Experts from Savani Heritage Conservation (Mumbai), Siqueira/Sequeira Brothers (Vasai), and skilled local artisans led the work.
• The award was announced in Bangkok during UNESCO’s 25th anniversary, chosen from 90 entries across 16 countries.

Question:

Q.1 The Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Papdy, Vasai, received which international recognition in 2025?
a) UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit for Cultural Heritage Conservation
b) UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Excellence
c) UNESCO World Heritage Site status
d) Global Heritage Fund Award

Answer: a) The cathedral received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2025.