Srinagar, May 23: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology; MoS PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesdaysaid that the government of India is aiming at bringing out a national strategy document on film tourism which is unique.
“It is the first kind of initiative happening in the government sector to institutionalise the promotion of film tourism,” Dr. Singh said.
Dr Jitendra Singh was speaking at an event on the theme ‘‘Promoting Incredible India through Film Tourism” at G20’s 3rd Tourism Working Group Meeting in Srinagar.
During the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh called for “ease of film making” and continuously upgraded film studios.
He said India is not far from getting an Oscar having the best film production policies in place like the film facilitation process. The country has no dearth of talent having the century old film legacy with leading names of Guru Dutt and Satyajit Ray who have been acknowledged for their art work despite no avenues and facilities.
He hoped that the business community will help in scaling up the efforts already taken by the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of I&B.
“Ease of film making and up gradation of the existing studios has to be pursued rigorously to support the film industry. Liberalisation of state regulations has to be taken up by the Ministry of Information and broadcasting to encourage film making throughout India,” he added.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the second day proceedings of 3rd Tourism Working Group Meeting’ at SKICC on Promoting Incredible India through Film Tourism’, Singh said China’s absence would not make any difference and the G20 summit is a success story in Kashmir.
“China’s absence in G20 Summit in Kashmir does not make any difference and it is their loss, not India’s,” he added.
Dr. Singh said Jammu and Kashmir has scope of promoting science tourism. “We have many places including Gulmarg that is rich in flora and fauna, Bhaderwah in Doda from where the aroma mission originated in India,” he said.
Dr. Singh said the aroma mission was imitated by the Modi Government and it was popularly known as Purple revolution as huge amount of land was used for cultivation of lavender. It provided livelihood opportunities to thousands of people in the Agriculture sector, he said.
“I think there would have been no better place than Kashmir to have launched that we did yesterday,” he said.
Earlier in inaugural address, Dr. Singh said it is an important year for India as the country is hosting the G20 Presidency under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The theme of India’s G20 Presidency – “VasudhaivaKutumbakam” or “One Earth • One Family • One Future” – is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad. If we go to the deeper meaning of the theme, it represents the traditional values of life that India,” he said.
Dr. Singh further said the G20 logo draws inspiration from the vibrant colours of India’s national flag– saffron, white and green, and blue. It juxtaposes mother Earth with the lotus, India’s national flower that reflects growth amid challenges, he said.
Dr. Singh said another significance of holding this mega event is a strangle blend of our traditional heritage and the most modern infrastructural monuments with cutting edge technology.
“Kashmir is the earliest seat of learning of Persian and Sanskrit. It has a wide range of craftsmanship ranging from carpets, shawls, Basohli Paintings and on the other hand it has infrastructure upgraded monuments,” he said.
Dr. Singh said Jammu and Kashmir has the highest railway bridge of the world that is 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower located at river Chenab. We have India’s longest road tunnel with a length of 9.028 km known as Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel, he said.
“I am sure that all these things will add value to thought processes. India is ready to share global responsibility as far as our obligations towards environment and economy,” he said.
Dr. Singh said that the side event on Tourism was aimed at furthering the scope of the film tourism sector and highlighting all the aspects of Incredible India.
Dr Singh also said India is also committed to achieve net zero carbon neutrality by 2070 as part of a five-point action plan that includes reducing emissions to 50% by 2030.
