Recent infra advancements making way for new tourism ‘avenues’: Dy CM
TAWANG, May 6: A two-day regional workshop on the development of the Buddhist Circuit in Northeast India, linking Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and major Buddhist centres across India through a women-led rural tourism model got underway in a city hotel here this evening, with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein inaugurating the event.
Organized by the Department of Tourism (GoAP) in collaboration with the South Asia Women’s Network (SAWN) and the District Administration (Tawang), the event brought together distinguished delegates and representatives from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and Assam, along with women leaders and public representatives from across Arunachal Pradesh, including Minister Dasanglu Pul, MLAs - Nyabi Jini Dirchi (Basar) and Tsering Lhamu (Lungla), and women ZPCs, among others.
In his inaugural address, the Dy CM highlighted the rich and diverse Buddhist heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, which uniquely represents both Mahayana and Theravada traditions.
Emphasizing this diversity, Mein stated, “Arunachal Pradesh is one of the few places where both Mahayana and Theravada traditions coexist in harmony, reflecting our deep spiritual roots and cultural unity.”
He underlined the historical and spiritual significance of Tawang, describing it as home to a 400-year-old monastery, the birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama, and an important route associated with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He also referred to key heritage sites such as the ancient Dirang Dzong, Thembang, the sacred Pemako region, and the culturally rich Mechuka valley.
Speaking about eastern Arunachal, he remarked, “Namsai is emerging as a major centre of Theravada Buddhism, with the Golden Pagoda (Kongmukham) and the development of a 108-foot Buddha statue strengthening its position as a hub for spiritual tourism.”
He also spoke about Arunachal’s remarkable cultural diversity, with 26 major tribes coexisting harmoniously, each with distinct traditions, languages, and attire. He further highlighted the State’s rich biodiversity and immense tourism potential across eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and spiritual tourism.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to heritage preservation, he said, “We are taking concrete steps to digitize and conserve our ancient manuscripts, including traditional knowledge systems and religious texts, to ensure they are preserved for future generations.”
He also highlighted the strong international cultural linkages of Arunachal Pradesh with countries such as Sri Lanka, rooted in over 2500 years of shared Buddhist heritage.
Highlighting recent infrastructure advancements, he stated, “With improved road, rail, and highway connectivity, including the near completion of the Trans Arunachal Highway and Frontier Highway coming up along the international border, remote regions like Tawang, Anini, Mechukha, Vijaynagar, Walong, Kaho, Kibithoo, etc are now far more accessible, opening new avenues for tourism.”
Emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach, he called for the development of an integrated Buddhist Circuit linking Arunachal Pradesh with Assam, Sikkim, Manipur, and neighbouring countries. “We must take a professional and collaborative approach to develop this circuit. I propose that this initiative be known as the ‘Tawang Initiative’, aimed at creating a globally recognized tourism framework,” he added.
Earlier, former Indian diplomat Veena Sikri, who is founding trustee and convenor of the South Asia Women’s Network (SAWN), underlined the importance of women-led rural tourism in promoting sustainable livelihoods, preserving cultural heritage and strengthening regional cooperation across South Asia.
The delegation leaders representing Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka shared their perspectives on strengthening Buddhist tourism linkages and enhancing people-to-people connections in the region.
Dr Pooja Dabral, faculty member at the School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religions, Nalanda University, addressed the gathering through video conferencing. She highlighted the significance of the Buddhist Circuit in South Asia and emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in developing sustainable and culturally rooted tourism networks. (Dy CM’s media cell with DIPRO)