Unfolding the tourism opportunities to explore in Gujarat, Ministry of Tourism held 'Dekho Apna Desh' webinar on 'Vocal for Local: Empowering Local Communities: Gujarat Experience.'

The Ministry of Tourism’s 'Dekho Apna Desh' webinar series recently held its 76th webinar titled 'Vocal for Local: Empowering Local Communities: Gujarat Experience'.

The webinar discussed the empowerment of local communities around Kevadia, the Statute of Unity and the Weaves of Gujarat. It also spoke about how these handicraft legacies of the State created employment for locals. It has created employment opportunities for the local people, but it also plays a vital role in preserving centuries old arts and crafts.

The tourism sector has a huge effect in India by providing immense economic opportunities to the local community. Entrepreneurship has been identified as an essential factor for creating job opportunities, generating income, increasing standard of living, and generally growing local communities' income levels through tourism. 

The webinar was presented by Gautam B. Popat, Regional Level Guide from Gujarat. Popat has served in Indian Air Force for 20 years and has a keen interest in tourism. Popat spoke about the rich history of Gujarat's weaves and facts related to weavers’ community and legacy. Mayursinh Raul presented detailed information on Kevadia as a destination.   

Kevadia is the unique and fastest developing tourist destination in Gujarat. The 182-metre-high statue of ironman of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel known as Statue of Unity is located in Kevadia of Narmada District Nestled between the Satpura and Vindhyachal mountain ranges. A humble commemoration of Sardar Patel by his countrymen, saluting his contribution to bring everyone together. The Statue of Unity overlooks the vast surrounds and the river basin of the Narmada River and the sprawling Sardar Sarovar dam. Kevadia is well connected by rail, road. Seaplane service is available from Ahmedabad to the Statue of Unity. Kevadia has been developed as a family destination suitable for every age group. Leisure & adventure activities and visit to different theme parks such as Dino Trail, Jungle Safari, Valley of Flowers, Butterfly Garden, Vishwa Van, Cactus Garden, Ekta Nursery, cycle tracks, etc., makes this place more interesting.

In the second presentation, the rich legacy of weaves from Gujarat was unfolded. Textiles have been a part of India’s heritage since the Indus Valley Civilisation. Kutch region, Patan, Ahmedabad, Surendranagar, Surat, Jamnagar, Wadhwan, Bharuch and Udvada are main textile and embroidery centres of Gujarat. To name few weaves or textiles are Ajrakh Block printing, Kharad Weaving, Bandhani (Tie & Dye), Ahir Embroidery, Suf Embroidery, Rogan Painting, Aari Embroidery, Tangaliya Weaving, Patola Weaving. The government and NGOs are actively involved in preserving these local handicrafts. 

The Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series is presented in technical partnership with National e-Governance Department, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The Webinar Sessions are now available on the Digital India Learning's YouTube channel and all social media Handles of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.