Shillong, Sep 3: Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during his visit to South West Khasi Hills district today, praised the cultural and natural beauty of Meghalaya, emphasizing the state’s immense tourism potential.
Highlighting the importance of the Northeastern states in India’s tourism growth, he urged people from across the country to visit Meghalaya and experience its rich culture and scenic landscapes.
“Meghalaya has immense potential for growing tourism in the state. Come, let us all visit and experience Meghalaya; its culture and the natural beauty,” Shri Shekhawat said, inviting everyone to explore the state.
The Union Minister toured several attractions, including the Hot Spring at Jakrem Village, Synrang Mawrin at Mawten Village, Mawkyrduk Monolith (Tynrong) at Mawlangwir Village, and the Mawranglang Viewpoint at Mawranglang Village. His visit was marked by cultural performances, with traditional songs by Ki Sur Ki Nongkyndong and dances by the Ri-Maram Folk Academy of Mawlangwir.
Shekhawat lauded the local performers for their beautiful cultural presentations, which added to the allure of the state’s tourist spots.
Addressing the gathering, Shekhawat underscored the critical role that tourism will play in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. He stated, “Our beloved nation, under the leadership of our Prime Minister, is marching towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. India is recognized as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and the potential of tourism is increasing every day.”
He noted that the Northeastern states, particularly Meghalaya, are blessed with cultural diversity and natural beauty, which are key drivers of tourism. Shri Shekhawat also mentioned his meeting with Tourism Ministers from the Northeastern, Eastern States, and Union Territories, held yesterday in Shillong, where strategies for enhancing tourism in the region were discussed. He expressed optimism about the ambitious goals set by these states, which he believes will create tremendous opportunities for tourists to experience the rich cultural heritage, stunning locations, and favorable weather of the Northeast.
“The development of tourism is going to bring a big change in the life of the local community. Their economic wealth will rise, their living conditions will change for the better, and I wish that in the near future, tourism will become the driver of the economy of the Northeastern states,” the Minister added.
During his visit, Shekhawat also received memorandums from local representatives, including MLA, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, members of the Dorbar Shnong Mawten, the Principal of Sngap Syiem College Mawkyrwat, and the local headman of Dorbar Shnong Mawlangwir.
The Minister assured them of his commitment to addressing the region’s concerns, stating, “The Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modiji is committed to developing these Northeastern states and the potential of tourism in these beautiful states.”
Later in the day, the Union Minister chaired a review meeting to assess tourism-related schemes in the district. He inquired about the tourist influx, the operation of homestays, and evaluated various initiatives, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY), Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), and the Community-Led Tourism Infrastructure Scheme. Discussions also covered activities to promote tourism in the district, the importance of improving the quality of homestays, and ensuring essential amenities such as cafeterias at tourist spots.