“Vocal for Local” : Web Series by MoT for Empowering Local Communities

The Ministry of Tourism’s Dekho Apna Desh Webinar series held its 76th webinar titled “Vocal for Local: Empowering Local Communities: Gujarat Experience”  on 13th February 2021. The tourism sector has a huge effect in India by providing immense economic opportunities to the local community. Entrepreneurship has been identified as an essential factor for creating job opportunities, generating income, increasing standard of living, and generally growing the income levels of local communities through tourism. The webinar discussed the empowerment of local communities around Kevadia, the site of Statue of Unity, and the Weaves of Gujarat which is a tourism product in itself.  It also spoke about how these handicraft legacies of the State created employment for locals. It has not only created employment opportunities for the local people, but it also plays a vital role in preserving the centuries-old arts and crafts.

Kevadia – The unique and fastest developing tourist destination in Gujarat. The 182-meter-high statue of ironman of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel known as the Statue of Unity is located in Kevadia of Narmada District Nestled between the Satpura and Vindhyachal mountain ranges. The Statue of Unity overlooks the vast surrounds and the river basin of the Narmada River and the sprawling Sardar Sarovar dam. Kevadia is well connected by rail, road. Kevadia has been developed as a family destination suitable for every age group. Leisure & adventure activities and visit to different theme parks such as Dino Trail, Jungle Safari, Valley of Flowers, Butterfly Garden, Vishwa Van, Cactus Garden, Ekta Nursery, cycle tracks etc. makes this place more interesting.

In the second presentation, the rich legacy of weaves from Gujarat was unfolded. Textiles have been a part of India’s heritage since the Indus Valley Civilisation. Kutch region, Patan, Ahmedabad, Surendranagar, Surat, Jamnagar, Wadhwan, Bharuch, and Udvada are the main textile and embroidery centers of Gujarat. To name few weaves or textiles are Ajrakh Block printing, Kharad Weaving, Bandhani (Tie & Dye), Ahir Embroidery, Suf Embroidery, Rogan Painting, Aari Embroidery, Tangaliya Weaving, Patola Weaving. The Government and NGOs are actively involved in preserving these local handicrafts. Special tours, workshops, etc organized to understand these arts and crafts which not only empowers the local communities but also motivates them to preserve the centuries-old heritage.

The Sessions of Webinar are now available on the https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbzIbBmMvtvH7d6Zo_ZEHDA/featured 

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