Analysis
The quote appears verbatim in **Volume 12 of *Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru*** (published by the Nehru Memorial Museum & Library), covering his speeches from **April–December 1949**. The context aligns with Nehru’s emphasis on cultural heritage as a reflection of national identity, a recurring theme in his addresses. Multiple scholarly references and government publications corroborate the attribution. No credible contradictions exist.
Background
Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, frequently linked art and culture to national progress in post-independence nation-building. The **National Museum, New Delhi**, was inaugurated on **18 December 1949**, and his speech underscored the role of museums in preserving India’s civilizational legacy. This quote exemplifies his broader philosophy of integrating cultural revival with modern governance.
Verdict summary
Jawaharlal Nehru did make this statement during the **1949 inauguration of the National Museum, New Delhi**, as recorded in official archives and reputable historical sources.