Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on January 26, 2021, inaugurated the ‘Bharat Parv 2021’, a virtual national festival showcasing the country’s diverse culture, cuisines and handicrafts.
Minister of State (Independent charge) for Tourism and Culture Prahlad Singh Patel was also present on this occasion. The Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with other central Ministries is organising this year a virtual ‘Bharat Parv’ event from January 26 to January 31 2021, showcasing the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
Speaker Om Birla, in his address to the gathering, greeted everyone on the occasion of 72nd Republic Day. Praising India’s democracy, the Lok Sabha Speaker observed that due to the guiding spirit provided by the Constitution, in the journey of past seven decades democracy in our country has matured, strengthened, and become even stronger, according to a PIB release.
Speaker Regarding the tourism sector, Speaker Birla remarked that there is no state or district in our country that doesn’t have a distinct speciality of its own. Because of this uniqueness, India has become a center of attraction for international tourists too. We are working to connect the whole country through tourism and culture, the Speaker said. He further said that through the ‘Bharat Parv’ programme, the Tourism Ministry has taken the commendable task of bringing together India’s tourism, spiritual and other activities on a single platform.
Observing that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed the greatest challenge for the tourism sector, Speaker Birla noted that despite the odds, the tourism sector has worked to turn this challenge into an opportunity. Emphasising the potential of tourism sector in India, he said that the tourism sector is the only area that provides the largest number of employment to people. He stressed that if we wish to change the socio-economic conditions in our country, then it is essential that efforts be made for the growth of tourism sector.
Appreciating the role of states, Speaker Birla further said that every state has strived towards developing its wellness, yoga, and spirituality, related destinations in the tourism sector.
Union Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel said that tourism is the most effective medium for exhibiting the cultural diversity and rich heritage of our country. He said that the objective of ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative of Ministry of Tourism is to encourage citizens to travel widely within the country enhancing tourist footfalls leading to development of local economy and creation of jobs at the local level. This initiative is in line with the vision of the Prime Minister asking every citizen to visit at least 15 destinations by the year 2022 to promote domestic tourism.