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 significance as a Buddhist pilgrimage destination and showcased its tourism potential.
An Intersection of Dignitaries and Cultural Exchange
The conclave was attended by several key officials, including the Minister of Tourism, Government of India, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat; the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, Jaiveer Singh; the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Tourism, V. Vidyavati; the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, Durga Shankar Mishra; the Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Mukesh Kumar Meshram; the Special Secretary of Tourism, Eesha Priya; the Director General of IBC, Abhijit Haldar; and the Former Deputy Speaker of CTA, Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok.
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International dignitaries at the event included the Ambassador of Singapore, Simon Wong; the Ambassador of Thailand, Pattarat Hongtong; the Ambassador of Myanmar, Moe Kyaw Aung; along with representatives from Bhutan, Japan, Indonesia, Argentina, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, underscoring the event’s global significance.
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Spotlighting Buddhist Sites in Uttar Pradesh
The event was started by the Special Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, Eesha Priya. She talked about how historically and culturally significant six Buddhist sites in the state are: Sankisa, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Kaushambi, and Kushinagar. It was noted by her that Uttar Pradesh is a state known for its deep religious diversity which always uplifts and inspires individuals to gain a deeper understanding of life and enlightenment.
It also brought attention to investment opportunities in UP and FDI-friendly tourism policies targeted towards attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) into the tourism sector.
Ministerial Speeches and Future Outlook
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Minister of Tourism and Culture of India, has expressed his gratitude to the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department for organising the Bodhi Yatra. “India is not a country of fighters but a ‘Buddha’s land’. This sacred place gave the world truthfulness, non-violence, compassion and kindness. This legacy is important to Uttar Pradesh. The Prime Minister had in mind creating various tourist circuits all over the country with Buddha circuit being one of them. He praised Chief Minister Adityanath and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh of UP for realizing this vision.
Jaiveer Singh, who serves as the tourism and culture minister in Uttar Pradesh, drew attention to how important Buddhism is to this state by saying it was born here. The Bodhi Yatra seeks to allow you to feel that calmness and godliness which Lord Buddha represents.” In UP there are many crucial points in the history of Buddhism that are supposed to be globally promoted through this initiative so as it becomes a popular tourist site.”
Devotion to Enhancing Infrastructure and Promoting Tourism
Reiterating the state’s dedication to improving the Buddhist circuit, Durga Shankar Mishra, Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, emphasized its historical, cultural and spiritual importance. He stressed that there have been continuing attempts by the Chief Minister of UP to globalize its rich Buddhist heritage to attract large numbers of tourists from India and other parts of the world.
Enhancing Visitor Experience through Cultural Diplomacy
Secretary of the Union Ministry of Tourism, V. Vidyavati, emphasized joint efforts to improve infrastructure and amenities. 'The essence of Buddha thrives in the heart and soul of Uttar Pradesh. The Government of India, in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh government, strives to enrich the pilgrimage experience for Buddhist travellers and foster greater employment opportunities for local communities,' she remarked.
Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism and Culture, emphasized Uttar Pradesh's significant position as a premier tourist destination. "Uttar Pradesh has become a favoured choice among tourists, ranking first in domestic travel. We anticipate a rise in international visitors shortly," he remarked.
The event culminated with a cultural presentation showcasing the life of Lord Buddha, highlighting Uttar Pradesh's deep historical, cultural, and spiritual connections to Buddhism. This vibrant performance underscored the appeal of the Buddhist circuit as a beloved travel destination for visitors from around the world and within the country.
