Vinod Zutshi – Page 10

Religious Tourism

India is a country of origin of many religions and is adorned by number of religious tourism destinations spread all over the country. Religious tourism is therefore one of the strongest USPs of India Tourism.

Recently, I had the privilege to visit three holy destinations namely Patna (ancient Patliputra), Rajgir (ancient Rajagrha) and Pawapuri in Bihar which are blessed by footprints of the Founders and Saints of three religions of Indian origin, namely Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Patna is decorated with Takhat Sri Harimandir ji Patna Sahib, where Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Guru of the Sikhs was born and lived. Rajgir, around 100 kilometres from Patna is a sacred destination where both Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira lived and taught their beliefs during 5th & 6th Century B.C. and Pawapuri where Lord Mahavira attained Mahanirvana.

The glorious history of this era can also be seen at Bihar Museum at Patna, one of the best architecturally designed Museums in India and a ‘must-watch’ gallery.

Tourism Ministry has been proactively supporting religious tourism by developing tourism infrastructure under Buddhist, Ramayan and Krishna Circuits. Lately, Ministry and some of the State Governments have started tapping the potential of Jain Tourism as well, by investing in infrastructure around Jain Tourism Destinations.

Religious tourism has a big future in India. India’s religious destinations are becoming a big attraction to travellers from all parts of the World.

Seamless connectivity, ease of travel and adequate tourism infrastructure can take religious tourism in India to commanding heights in the years to come.

Speaker Session: One Nation, One Election

‘One Nation – One Election’ refers to conducting simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislatures, a concept which has recently been debated and discussed across the country. ‘One Nation- One Election’ concept has gained support because of the perception that simultaneous elections will bring India out of a continuous election mode and will also save huge expenditure made in multiple elections…. While the objective of the concept is well meaning, however there are Constitutional, Legal and Political facets that need to be addressed…. The debate on ‘One Nation – One Election’ should however continue.

Looking forward to address the session on ‘One Nation – One Election’ at “UDGHOSH – The Youth Parliament” on 5th Feb at Law Centre-II, University of Delhi.

election

Tapping the Global Adventure Tourism Market

“India, with immense diversity in geographical conditions and rich natural resources, offers immense opportunities to domestic and foreign travellers to undertake a variety of adventure activities. With 7500 Km coastal belt, 73 percent of the Himalayan ranges, the terrain of north east, the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, the Aravallis, the Western and Eastern Ghats, the backwaters, the Sundarbans and a huge network of inland rivers, India is endowed with all natural resources required for land, water and air-based adventure activities.”

My Opinion column “Tapping the Global Adventure Tourism Market” in July 2018 edition of Destination Reporter, an India Travel Magazine.

Development Through Tourism

Thermal & Spa Tourism

Thermal & Spa Tourism is emerging as a major attraction for tourists all over the world. European countries including Azerbaijan are promoting their Thermal Heritage (Thermalism) through their organization “European Historic Thermal Towns Association” (EHTTA)… Attended their General Assembly Meeting at the globally famous “Galaalti Thermal Centre” in Azerbaijan, on invitation from Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in the capacity of Honorary President, Healthcare Travel Council of India… Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Azerbaijan delivered the inaugural address… India too has huge reservoir of Thermal Waters & Spa centres for showcasing to the world and is among the top twelve destinations of wellness tourism in the world… The need of the hour is that all stakeholders of wellness tourism in India get organized, develop tourism infrastructure and aggressively promote India as an Incredible destination of Wellness Tourism & Thermal Heritage.