The tourism ministry has launched an initiative to promote India to Indians, days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi exhorted people to explore the country and understand its diversity.
In his 'Mann ki Baat' radio address on September 24, Modi said, "It is a matter of concern when we do not see our own country, we do not know about its diversities nor do we understand them...You travel around the world, I have no issues but have a look at your own country too."
Inspired by the prime minister's speech, the tourism ministry, led by K J Alphons, chalked out the initiative -- 'Paryatan Parv' (tourism festival) -- in which state governments as well as 18 central ministries would take part, officials said.
"It is the prime minister's dream. He mentioned this in his last 'Mann Ki Baat' speech. We will hold the 'parv' across the country for 20 days and the objective is to draw focus on the benefits of tourism, showcase the cultural diversity of the country and reinforce the principle of 'Tourism for All'," the minister said.
The festival as been planned between October 5 and October 25.
Officials said that it could be an annual event in the ministry's calender.
The minister said the initiative had three parts -- 'Dekho Apna Desh' to encourage Indians to visit their own country, 'Tourism for All' in which tourism events will be held at sites across all states, and 'Tourism and Governance' in which interactive sessions and workshops with stakeholders on varied themes will be held.
The ministry has also identified tourist destinations across states to host these programmes.
The ministry has invited people to share photos, stories, travelogues on Twitter. Two such tweets will be retweeted by the prime minister everyday, the minister said.
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