Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh on Wednesday said the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is a lasting symbol of friendship and cooperation between India and China, and added that the people who undertake this journey are cultural ambassadors of India to China.
"The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is a lasting symbol of friendship and cooperation between India and China. Yatris are cultural ambassadors of India to China and are important contributors for deepening people-to-people contacts," said Singh who was present at the computerized draw for selection of Yatris for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra-2014, which begins on 12 June.
She also said that since the resumption of the Yatra in 1981, it has been the endeavour of the government to work closely with the Chinese Government and authorities in Tibet to improve the facilities offered to Yatris and to ensure that the Yatra proceeds smoothly.
"The Ministry of External Affairs attaches great importance to the Yatra keeping in view the deep spiritual and religious sentiments of the people of India associated with Kailash and Manasarovar pilgrimage," she added.
"There is no doubt the Yatra is arduous and strenuous for which yatris are urged to take due precautions. However, to compensate for the difficulties, nature opens its heart to yatris. The journey offers them splendid views of mountain peaks and flora and fauna of the Kumaon region of Uttrakhand and mesmerizing beauty of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. The Yatra, I am sure, also gives them an opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation," she said.