By ALOK JOSHI
For most people lost in their daily struggles, the G20 summit in India may sound like yet another meeting of big leaders. But, come to think of it, as the nation celebrates 75 years of its independence, India gets this opportunity to showcase the country to the most powerful and influential nations of the world by virtue of assuming the Presidency of G20 from December 2022 to December 2023. No doubt, it is also a big responsibility especially at a time when the world is facing economic challenges and political polarisation.
Like all of you, as a native of Uttarakhand, it is my moment of pride as G20 comes to “Devbhumi”. It is an opportunity to showcase Uttarakhand to the world leaders, who in turn will become our ambassadors to the other parts of the world, which unfortunately know little about this state’s rich culture, traditions, natural surroundings, hard-working people, more particularly the rural women, and the vast untapped economic potential of this region. Those of you who have travelled extensively around the globe would agree that not many foreigners have heard or know enough about Uttarakhand. So, whenever asked about my native state, it was rather difficult for me to explain and the most convenient answer was “near New Delhi”. But Uttarakhand has its own identity, now, which has international recognition.
As the G20 summits are being held in Ramnagar and Rishikesh, hopefully the organisers will give a good glimpse of this new but potentially fast developing state. It is understood that delegates of G20 countries will participate in the Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh and through it know the religious and cultural importance of the Ganga. In countries abroad, one often sees Indian restaurants by the name of Ganga or Ganges but the locals do not know the significance of our holy river. It might surprise some to know that even in a city like Beijing (where I worked and lived), there were half a dozen Indian restaurants by the name of “Ganges” (run by a Gujarati lady entrepreneur). Apart from sharing the age-old historical and religious perspective, I also hope this occasion is utilised to further cleanse the dirty pockets of the Ganga. Similarly, when in Ramnagar, hopefully the delegates will be taken to Jim Corbett Park and other important landmarks.
The Uttarakhand Government is doing a lot to promote tourism in the state. As infrastructure and facilities get augmented, ever more foreign tourists will come to see the unique natural beauty of our state. We are proud to be home to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Laxman Jhoola, adventure sports, Nainital Lake, just to name a few must-see places.
It is also an opportunity to introduce and display our local products and go beyond the national markets. Local vendors, particularly self-help women groups need encouragement, sustained employment and chance to uplift their economic condition. This can happen if their hard work is compensated and their quality products exported.
Yoga is popular world-wide and what better time to show the delegates how the state leads the country in the field of Yoga and Ayurveda. Uttarakhand has a rich culture and our folk dances, songs and costumes are bound to enthrall the foreign dignitaries.
Like in other states, it is also an opportunity to brand our cities (like Ramnagar and Rishikesh) and give an international identity to Uttarakhand. Recently, I saw how the city of Pune was given a facelift for the G20 Summit in January 2023.
So, a warm welcome to the esteemed delegates of G20 to Uttarakhand! The warm-hearted people and progressive leaders of Uttarakhand look forward to your visit and share the brave story as well as the big dreams of a young state.
(Alok Joshi is a Dehradun based management advisor, freelance writer and author of two books including “12 Sweet and Sour Years in China”).
