Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 23: Padma Shri Balwant Thakur, eminent theatre director and former Cultural Diplomat of India, today met Union Minister of Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi and shared his vision for promoting cultural tourism in the country.
Thakur, who recently interacted with leading cultural institutions in England, highlighted how culture abroad is strategically integrated with tourism to boost local economies.
He stressed that India, with its vast cultural diversity, can become a global hub if its traditions, festivals, theatre practices, and folk arts receive proper structural support.
He said cultural tourism has the potential to enrich communities, generate jobs, and attract millions of visitors annually.
Focusing on Jammu and Kashmir, Thakur underlined the region’s immense scope in cultural tourism.
He said its crafts, music, folk traditions, and performing arts, if showcased alongside natural beauty, could transform the Union Territory into a leading destination.
He sought Government support for infrastructure and collaborations to promote these initiatives.
The Union Minister appreciated Thakur’s vision and said such innovative ideas could strengthen India’s position as a global tourism hub.
He expressed particular interest in developing cultural tourism in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, known for their artistic and natural heritage.
Thakur reaffirmed his commitment to creating cultural pathways that connect India’s heritage with the world while empowering local communities.
The meeting was seen as a step towards integrating culture as a key pillar of India’s tourism strategy.
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