Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 15 Sep: A delegation of students from the University of Southampton, London, led by Professor Chandra Prakash Kandpal, the university’s first ICCR Chair of India Studies and Visiting Professor at its India Centre, paid a courtesy visit on Minister of Tourism, Public Works, Irrigation, Rural Works, Religious Affairs and Culture, Satpal Maharaj, at his camp office on Subhash Road.
The delegation received information about various initiatives being undertaken in Uttarakhand to promote tourism and also shared their suggestions in this regard.
The visit has been organised under the India Experiential Learning Programme. After travelling to different parts of the country, the delegation has now arrived in Uttarakhand.
On the occasion, Tourism Ministeri Satpal Maharaj said that the University of Southampton team is visiting India with the objective of gaining a close understanding of the country’s civilisation and culture and promoting awareness of it in other parts of the world. He said that students from various countries across the globe are studying at the university.
Maharaj said that the visiting students would certainly contribute to promoting Uttarakhand tourism internationally. He added that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had also welcomed the students to Uttarakhand.
The Tourism Minister informed the students about the significance of the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh. He said that, with the blessings of Mother Ganga, the band wrote 48 of its most famous songs at this place.
He also highlighted Uttarakhand’s Jim Corbett National Park, the government’s efforts to promote homestays, and initiatives to encourage astro-tourism in the state. He expressed confidence that the students would return with fond memories of Uttarakhand.
The students appreciated Indian culture, local cuisine and the hospitality and accommodation arrangements in Uttarakhand.
Dr Amit Kumar, Programme Coordinator, and Professor Sabu Padma Das were also present with the delegation.
