Manipur showcases rich culture on World Tourism Day 2025

IMPHAL — Manipur joined the rest of the globe in celebrating World Tourism Day 2025 with cultural zeal and enthusiasm, focusing on this year’s theme ‘Tourism and sustainable transformation,’ at the picturesque Thangmeiband Cheiraoching in the outskirts of Imphal on Saturday.

Speaking during the event organised by the state Tourism department, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel said that World Tourism Day, observed every year on September 27, marks the adoption of the statues of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in 1970, which laid the foundation for modern global tourism cooperation.

For Manipur, the Chief Secretary said, the day is an opportunity to reaffirm the state’s resolve to promote tourism as both an economic activity and a way to preserve traditions, showcase natural beauty and share its rich cultural heritage globally.

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Assuring that the Government of Manipur is steadily promoting tourism as a pillar of economic development through infrastructure projects, eco-tourism initiatives and youth skill development to create jobs and entrepreneurship, he also said that the government is prioritising sustainable tourism, ensuring that while the state welcomes visitors, its environment, culture and values remain protected.

Outlining the major initiatives of the state Tourism department, including the promotion of homestays under the RAMP Scheme to enhance community participation and offer authentic local experiences to visitors, Bhalla also announced that 500 youths, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), are currently undergoing training in cabin crew and hospitality skills to enhance their employability.

Pointing out that the Marjing Polo Complex Project is being developed to honour Manipur’s Polo legacy, while efforts are being made at Khongjom War Memorial to preserve and showcase the state’s history of sacrifice and valour, he also mentioned major festivals organised by the Tourism Department including the Sangai and Shirui Lily festivals, which have now earned national and international recognition.

Principal Secretary Arun Kumar Sinha, Secretary (Tourism) Hungyo Worshang and Director (Tourism) Lourembam Bikram were among those present at the programme. Awards were also presented to tour operators on the occasion.

The event showcased a vibrant array of cultural and traditional performances including Echoes of Fusion (A musical Fusion of Indigenous Instruments), Thang Ta demonstration, Maibi, Kabui and Poumai dances, a Koireng cultural performance, presentations by students of Pam’s Kindergarten, a traditional dance fusion by Lan Lan Studio and song performances by Benita, Featherheads Haokui and Uttam.

Environmental awareness for school children

Manipur’s Directorate of Environment and Climate Change (DoECC) is planning to take up various initiatives to spread environment awareness among the school children by introducing more practical ways of protecting the environment.

“We’re focusing on school education to instil environmental awareness in the younger generation, who will play a key role in mobilising activities for environmental protection,” said DoECC Director Dr. T Brajakumar, while stressing that conserving natural resources and protecting the environment is crucial for survival on earth.

Dr. Brajakumar was addressing a one-day consultation workshop on the Green Education Programme for schools under the Nation First@75 campaign at the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change in Porompat.

Manipur has over 4,000 schools (including government, aided and private) and as part of the ongoing environmental protection initiative, the Directorate is planning to provide plastic bottle banks across 75 schools (phase I) under the Nation First@75 Campaign apart from continuing the usual school Eco-Clubs activities.

The initiative includes planting the state tree, Uningthou, in every school campus.

Assistant Programme Officer of RTE, Samagra Shiksha, Manipur, Loitongbam Bijeta Devi, mentioned that the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (One tree for mother) continues to be implemented across schools.

Member Secretary of Manipur Pollution Control Board, Dr. W Roshan Singh, and senior environmental journalist Salam Rajesh, also spoke on the occasion.