On 28th June 2024, The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department hosted a ‘Bodhi Yatra’ conclave in New Delhi to showcase Lord Buddha’s journey, highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist pilgrimage and tourism potential. The key officials attended the event, including the Minister of Tourism, Tourism and Culture, and the Director General of IBC. The conclave featured Ambassadors and other diplomats from Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, Japan, Indonesia, Argentina, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. The event also featured members of the International Buddhist Council, academicians, and travel writers. The Special Secretary of the Department of Tourism Uttar Pradesh highlighted the state’s rich history, culture, and heritage, as well as investment opportunities.
The Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism and Culture delivered a welcome speech. He said, “Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a popular tourist destination attaining the number one spot in domestic tourism and we are hopeful of attracting a higher number of inbound foreign tourists as well shortly.” Highlighting the objective of the event he said, “We wanted to reveal the spiritual and cultural connection with different countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia and improve cultural diplomacy with the support of the Ministry of External affairs and promote Foreign Direct Investment in the state. We have already allotted 02 acres of land in Varanasi to Bhutan Govt. for the construction of temples and guest houses. Through this platform we also offer all the other countries to invest in the hospitality and tourism sector of all these six sites and we assure you that we will provide all the cooperation needed.”
In his address, the Union Minister of Tourism and Culture thanked the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department for organizing the Bodhi Yatra. He said, “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. and Uttar Pradesh is a prominent part of this legacy. The Prime Minister had envisioned creating various tourist circuits in the country. The first circuit in that is the Buddha Circuit. I want to congratulate Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh that the Uttar Pradesh government did important work to bring the Prime Minister’s vision to reality.”
Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh said, ‘Uttar Pradesh is the fourth largest state in terms of area. It is the largest state with a population of 25 crores and is equal to the fifth country in the world in terms of population. Fortunately, all the places from the birth of Lord Buddha to his education, attainment of knowledge, preaching and religious awakening campaigns and Mahaparinirvana (death) are located here. 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.”
Speaking at the event, the Secretary, the Ministry of Tourism said, “Buddha resides in the heart and soul of Uttar Pradesh. Govt of India in collaboration with the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh aims to not only create a memorable experience for the Buddhist pilgrims but also ensure the development and better employment opportunities for the local communities. We are also keen to enhance the infrastructure and amenities of Buddhist Museums in the state as they are a living source of history.”
Chief Secretary, Government Of Uttar Pradesh said, “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. Working under the vision of our Prime Minister and through constant efforts of the State government and the Tourism Department, we have developed infrastructure and world-class tourist facilities at these sites emerging as the top tourist destinations in the country. Through our investor-friendly tourism policy, the stakeholders can become a significant part of this transforming journey of Uttar Pradesh in the tourism sector.”
The event concluded the conclave with the felicitation of the people who graced the event.
