Bendangakum wins tourism festival painting contest

Kohima, Oct. 20 (EMN): Bendangakum from Holy Family Higher Secondary School, Kohima, emerged as the champion of the painting competition organised by the Department of Tourism celebrating the ‘Paryatan Parv’ (Tourism Festival) at the directorate conference hall on October 20.

Teisoneise Sachü from Northfield Higher Secondary School and Anüzo Nienu from Mezhü Higher Secondary School were declared second and third winners respectively while 10 consolation prizes were also given away. The winners were awarded with cash prizes and a citation each.

It may be mentioned that with the primary objective to draw focus on the benefits of tourism, showcase the cultural diversity of the country and reinforce the principle of ‘Tourism for all,’ the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with other central ministries and state governments, has launched the ‘Paryatan Parv’ across the country from October 5-25.

Delivering the keynote address, Joint Director, Akhalo Vizol said tourism is the fastest growing and exciting industry in the world adding India is the 3rd largest foreign exchange earner in the world.

In a brief highlight of the programme, Vizol said ‘Paryatan Parv’ envisages large scale participation of youth and students as well as industry stakeholders whereby a series of events and activities are held across the country like cultural programmes, exhibitions, showcasing handlooms, handicrafts and cuisine, artisans workshops at different locations, competitions for students, sensitisation programmes for tourism service providers etc.

Some of the components of Paryatan Parv, according to her includes ‘dekho apna desh’ (explore your own country) encouraging Indians to visit their own country and stories of India through Travellers’ Eyes to promote travel to J&K and Northeast states.

Another component, she informed ‘tourism for all’ promotes tourism events at sites across all states in country and ‘tourism and governance’ includes interactive sessions and workshops with stakeholders on varied themes like skill development in tourism sector, innovation in tourism, inducting etc.

Altogether 16 schools from Kohima participated in the painting competition. The programme was chaired by deputy director, Ajanuo Belho.