The UP Tourism Department organised the ‘Bodhi Yatra’ conclave in New Delhi to commemorate Lord Buddha’s extraordinary journey, emphasizing Uttar Pradesh’s significance as a Buddhist pilgrimage and its tourism potential. Key officials, including Union Minister of Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Uttar Pradesh’s Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh, and representatives from international embassies attended the event, reflecting strong international ties.
The Special Secretary of Tourism presented the rich history and heritage of Uttar Pradesh’s six major Buddhist sites: Sankisa, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Kaushambi, and Kushinagar. Highlighting investment opportunities, she noted, “Uttar Pradesh, with its rich religious diversity, continues to inspire and uplift those who seek a deeper understanding of life and enlightenment.”
Principal Secretary of Tourism Mukesh Kumar Meshram welcomed guests, emphasizing Uttar Pradesh’s prominence in domestic tourism and its efforts to attract foreign tourists. He underscored the event’s objective to reveal the state’s spiritual and cultural connections with South and Southeast Asia, promoting cultural diplomacy and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Notably, two acres of land in Varanasi have been allocated to Bhutan for constructing temples and guest houses, with invitations extended to other countries for similar investments.
A roundtable discussion explored strategies to promote these historical sites, focusing on attracting foreign tourists. Union Minister Shekhawat lauded Uttar Pradesh’s efforts in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of creating tourist circuits, with the Buddha Circuit being the first. He remarked, “India is not the land of war, but the land of Buddha,” and praised the state for its contributions to this legacy.
Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism V. Vidyavati highlighted the collaboration between the central and state governments to enhance infrastructure and employment opportunities in the region, ensuring a memorable experience for Buddhist pilgrims.
Uttar Pradesh’s Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh noted the state’s vastness and population, emphasizing its unique position in Buddhism’s history. He outlined efforts to develop the Buddhist circuit, attracting both domestic and international pilgrims.
Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra described Uttar Pradesh as the cradle of Buddhism, with the Bodhi Yatra promoting the state’s Buddhist sites globally. He highlighted the state government’s infrastructure development and tourism policies aimed at transforming Uttar Pradesh into a top tourist destination.
The conclave concluded with a cultural show depicting Lord Buddha’s life, celebrating the foundation of Buddhism and Uttar Pradesh’s rich heritage. The event underscored the importance of the Buddhist circuit in boosting tourism and concluded with the felicitation of attendees.
