Development of Spiritual Tourism in Modi Era

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Shri Sushil Kumar Singh is working as Assistant Director in the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in New Delhi. Apart from various departments in the Ministry based in New Delhi, Shri Singh has worked for the Government of India abroad, in the tourism offices in Toronto (Canada) from 2010 to 2013 and in Beijing (China) during the period from 2019 to 2023. He has visited numerous countries including the United States of America, Canada, China, Thailand, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. Shri Singh is a native of the city of Agra from where he has completed his primary and higher education. He has obtained a master's degree in history from Agra University. Apart from this, he has also passed the National Eligibility Test (NET) in the subject of History from the University Grants Commission, New Delhi. Sushil Kumar Singh likes to write poems on various aspects of life and listen to calm and soothing music. Traveling and photographing various aspects of life are some of his other passions. Apart from knowing Hindi and English, he has a basic knowledge of the Chinese language. Prior to the publishing of this book, he had published two books already, one of which relates to the influence of India on Chinese culture, and the other is a collection of Hindi poems.

Recently I was pondering about the real nature of tourism in India. I dived into the depths of the topic and realised that spiritual tourism is the identity of India. As the author of the book, I would like to say that spiritual and religious tourism is the soul of this country. Spiritual tourism holds the first place among various tourism products in India and the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi government, recognizing its importance, has developed the area and concept of spiritual tourism by enhancing the cultural concept of India. Understanding the importance of tourism, the government has worked in the right direction, combining modernity with antiquity and realizing the true nature of India.

Without ease of transportation, the development of tourism cannot be imagined. The present government, understanding this fact well, has laid a lot of emphasis on the development of communication and transportation facilities which has aided the development of tourism in the country. At the same time, timely implementation of plans for proper development of religious places and pilgrimages reflects the rapid growth of spiritual tourism. In the subsequent chapters, we will discuss the development of infrastructure which has created ease for spiritual and religious tourism.

In the pages that follow, the reader is embarking on a fascinating journey through the nuanced landscape of spiritual tourism in India, a realm that has witnessed transformative changes during the dynamic era under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This book meticulously traces the evolution and development of spiritual tourism, offering a profound exploration of the intersection between spirituality, culture, and tourism in the Indian context. Prime Minister Modi's tenure has been marked by a visionary approach to governance, and this book serves as a testament to the concerted efforts made to harness the spiritual wealth of India for the nation's socio-economic progress. As the reader navigates through the chapters, they will discover the multifaceted dimensions of spiritual tourism and the significant role it plays in shaping India's global identity. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of initiatives like the "Swadesh Darshan" and "Prasad" schemes, which have been instrumental in promoting pilgrimage sites and integrating them into the larger tourism circuit. The book delves into the impact of these policies, shedding light on the economic, cultural, and spiritual dividends reaped by the nation.

The author's meticulous research and insightful analysis make this book an indispensable resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between spirituality and tourism in contemporary India. From the rejuvenation of ancient pilgrimage centers to the infusion of modern amenities, the text provides a comprehensive account of the efforts made to enhance the overall spiritual tourism experience.

Spiritual tourism has been an integral element of India's identity, attracting millions of seekers and devotees from across the globe. During the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this pilgrimage experience has undergone a transformative evolution, blending tradition with modernity to shape the narrative of spiritual exploration. In 2014, Prime Minister Modi commenced his leadership journey of this great country by participating in the Ganga Aarti on the bustling ghats of Varanasi. This visual spectacle marked the initiation of a significant cultural/ spiritual revival under PM Modi's leadership. Over the past decade, this revival has manifested in the restoration of numerous temples and a heightened emphasis on religious tourism segment of tourism.