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The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department celebrated the rich Buddhist heritage of the state with the ‘Bodhi Yatra’ conclave in New Delhi on June 28, 2024. The event highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s importance as a Buddhist pilgrimage destination and underscored its tourism potential.
A Confluence of Dignitaries and Cultural Exchange
The conclave saw attendance from key officials, including the Minister of Tourism, Government of India, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat; Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, Jaiveer Singh; Secretary, Union Ministry of Tourism, V. Vidyavati; Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, Durga Shankar Mishra; Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Mukesh Kumar Meshram; Special Secretary of Tourism, Eesha Priya; Director General of IBC, Abhijit Haldar; and Former Deputy Speaker of CTA, Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok.
International dignitaries present included the Ambassador of Singapore, Simon Wong; Ambassador of Thailand, Pattarat Hongtong; Ambassador of Myanmar, Moe Kyaw Aung; and representatives from Bhutan, Japan, Indonesia, Argentina, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, reflecting the event’s international significance.
Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist Sites
The event began with a presentation by Eesha Priya, Special Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh. She highlighted the historical and cultural significance of six major Buddhist sites in the state: Sankisa, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Kaushambi, and Kushinagar. “Uttar Pradesh, with its rich religious diversity, continues to inspire and uplift those who seek a deeper understanding of life and enlightenment,” she said.
The presentation also emphasized investment opportunities and Uttar Pradesh’s investor-friendly tourism policies designed to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in the tourism sector.
Ministerial Addresses and Vision
Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, expressed gratitude to the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department for organizing the Bodhi Yatra. “India is not the land of war, but the ‘land of Buddha’. This holy land gave the message of truth, non-violence, kindness, and compassion to the entire world. Uttar Pradesh is a prominent part of this legacy. The Prime Minister had envisioned creating various tourist circuits in the country, and the Buddha Circuit is the first of them. I want to congratulate Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh for bringing the Prime Minister’s vision to reality,” he said.
Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, Jaiveer Singh, noted the state’s significant role in Buddhism. “Uttar Pradesh is the cradle of Buddhism, and this Bodhi Yatra is an initiative to make you experience the serenity and divinity of Lord Buddha. The significant events of Buddhism took place in UP, and this event aims to promote these Buddhist sites on the global map,” he said.
Commitment to Infrastructure and Tourism Development
Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, Durga Shankar Mishra, emphasized the state’s efforts in developing the Buddhist circuit and attracting pilgrims. “Under the guidance of our Chief Minister, we are developing the Buddhist circuit, propagating the strong historical, cultural, and spiritual ties of Buddhism with Uttar Pradesh on the world map and attracting Buddhist pilgrims from India and abroad in large numbers,” he said.
Enhancing Visitor Experience and Cultural Diplomacy
Secretary, Union Ministry of Tourism, V. Vidyavati, highlighted the collaborative efforts to enhance infrastructure and amenities. “Buddha resides in the heart and soul of Uttar Pradesh. The Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, aims to create a memorable experience for Buddhist pilgrims and ensure better employment opportunities for local communities,” she said.
Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism and Culture, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, emphasized Uttar Pradesh’s position as a top tourist destination. “Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a popular tourist destination, attaining the number one spot in domestic tourism. We are hopeful of attracting more foreign tourists soon,” he added.
The event concluded with a cultural show depicting the life of Lord Buddha, celebrating the historical, cultural, and spiritual ties of Buddhism to Uttar Pradesh. This cultural performance emphasized the Buddhist circuit as a favored travel destination for both national and international visitors.
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