Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Jan 25: Department of Tourism under the leadership of Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner Secretary to the Government, celebrated National Tourism Day with a series of impactful events. These initiatives highlighted Jammu’s rich cultural heritage while emphasizing the significance of sustainable tourism, civic responsibility, and environmental conservation.
The day’s main highlight was a Heritage Walk organized by the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, commencing at the internationally renowned Buddhist site of Ambaran situated on the right bank of the Chenab River near Akhnoor.
Participants visited key historical landmarks, including TRC Akhnoor, Gurudwara Baba Sunder Singh Ji, Parashuram Temple, Pandav Gufa, Akhnoor Fort, and Durgamandir, culminating at Jia Pota Ghat. This site is historically significant as the location where Maharaja Ranjit Singh coronated Gulab Singh on June 17, 1822 .
Vikas Gupta, Director Tourism, Jammu, highlighted the transformative role of tourism in fostering social, economic, and cultural growth. Emphasizing the Heritage Walk as a powerful way to connect people to Jammu’s rich history, he stressed the importance of making such initiatives a regular feature. Involving students in these activities would not only deepen their understanding of heritage but also instill a sense of inclusivity, sustainability, and responsibility towards preserving and promoting cultural assets.
Sunaina Mehta, Joint Director Tourism, Jammu, emphasized the significance of promoting Jammu’s diverse heritage while engaging stakeholders across all age groups for holistic destination development. Highlighting the ancient Buddhist site of Ambaran near Akhnoor, she noted its historical importance as a monastic complex dating back to the 1st century BCE, which served as a vital center for cultural and spiritual exchange and was visited by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2011. She further added that such initiatives celebrate the region’s rich historical assets, empower local communities, and align perfectly with this year’s theme, Tourism for Inclusive Growth.
The event was attended by Shoket Hayat Mattoo, Deputy Director Tourism, Sugandhi Banotra, AD Tourism Jammu, Dr. Taran Singh, Senior Vice President of JASA, officials from the Tourism Department and children from Little Flowers School Akhnoor.
In addition, Directorate of Tourism Jammu, in collaboration with the Patnitop Development Authority (PDA), organized a cleanliness drive at Patnitop, promoting eco-friendly tourism. Similarly, a plantation drive was conducted in collaboration with the Bhaderwah Development Authority (BDA) to emphasize environmental conservation. At Mansar, celebrations included a Kayaking and Pedal Boat Rally at Mansar Lake, organized in collaboration with the Surinsar Mansar Development Authority, J&K Police Water Sports Team, and NCC cadets, blending adventure tourism with sustainability and social responsibility.
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