| Balwant Thakur meets Union Minister of Tourism, Culture Gajendra Singh | | | 
early times report
New Delhi, Sept 23: Padma Shri Balwant Thakur, eminent theatre director and former Cultural Diplomat of India, called on the Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in New Delhi today.
During the interaction, Thakur shared his vision for a series of innovative cultural projects inspired by his recent engagements with leading theatre and cultural institutions in England. Drawing on international experiences, he emphasized how culture abroad is not only preserved and celebrated but also strategically integrated with tourism, thereby creating powerful platforms for economic growth through cultural tourism.
Balwant Thakur underlined that India, with its unparalleled cultural diversity and heritage, has an even greater opportunity to build synergies between culture and tourism. He pointed out that cultural tourism across the world attracts millions of visitors annually, enriching local communities, creating jobs, and strengthening economies. “If India’s vast traditions, theatre practices, festivals, and folk arts are given the right structural support, they can become global attractions and transform local economies,” he remarked. He cited several tourist attractions in England where he witnessed a remarkable blend of tourism and culture, transforming them into global destinations.
Particular emphasis was laid on the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, where Balwant Thakur believes there exists immense untapped potential. The region’s unique cultural traditions, crafts, music, and performing arts, when effectively showcased alongside its natural beauty, could make Jammu & Kashmir a leading destination for cultural tourism. He requested the Hon’ble Minister’s support in creating infrastructure, platforms, and collaborations to enable these initiatives.
The Union Minister appreciated Balwant Thakur’s cultural vision for the country and acknowledged the vital role of culture in positioning India as a premier global tourism hub. He expressed keen interest in such novice ideas and appreciated new innovative ways to strengthen cultural tourism, especially in regions like Jammu & Kashmir which are rich in both natural and artistic cultural heritage.
Balwant Thakur, who has devoted decades to promoting Indian theatre and culture at national and international levels, reiterated his commitment to building innovative cultural pathways that can connect India’s heritage to the world while simultaneously empowering local communities.
This meeting marked a significant step towards envisioning a future where India’s cultural wealth becomes a central pillar of its tourism strategy, bringing both recognition and economic vitality to the nation. |
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