In the recent wave of news, the Ministry of Tourism has taken initiatives to foster the growth of tourism-related infrastructure and amenities at various Buddhist Sites across the nation. This endeavor falls under its flagship frameworks of Swadesh Darshan & PRASHAD.
Reinforcing Buddhist Sites: A Glance at the Measures Undertaken
The prominence of Buddhist sites in India’s cultural heritage is profound. To escalate this prominence and promote these sites, several steps have been undertaken under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes.
Within the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the Buddhist circuit and spiritual circuit have been included among its 13 thematic circuits. These circuits designed as a pathway to promote Buddhist sites, play an integral part in boosting tourism.
In parallel, the PRASHAD Scheme has embarked on 30 developmental projects related to infrastructure. Moreover, Buddhist sites situated at Bodhgaya, Ajanta, and Ellora have been marked for development as Iconic Tourist Sites, with the intention of augmenting India’s soft power on a global scale.
Global Promotions and Local Adaptations
The Ministry of Tourism backs the hosting of the Buddhist Conclave every alternate year. The event aims to establish India as a prime Buddhist destination for both national and international tourists.
To facilitate a seamless experience for tourists, signages have been installed at Buddhist monuments in Uttar Pradesh in the Chinese language, and in Sanchi monuments in Madhya Pradesh in Sinhala, the official language of Sri Lanka.
An Overview of the PRASHAD Scheme
Launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014-15, the ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive’ (PRASAD) primarily focuses on the comprehensive development of identified pilgrimage destinations.
It underwent a name change in 2017 to the ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’. Post discontinuation of the HRIDAY scheme from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the development of heritage destinations was incorporated within the PRASHAD Scheme.
Implementation Strategy of the PRASHAD Scheme
The targeted projects under this scheme are implemented via agencies identified by the respective State or Union Territory Government. The objective revolves around the rejuvenation and spiritual enhancement of significant national and global pilgrimage and heritage sites.
The scheme also seeks to cultivate community-based development and incite awareness among local communities about their cultural heritage. It aims at an integrated tourism development approach accentuating local arts, culture, handicrafts, cuisine, etc., in turn generating livelihood and bridging infrastructural gaps.
The Role of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme
Swadesh Darshan, a Central Sector Scheme initiated in 2014 -15, seeks the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits in the country. The Ministry of Tourism, under this scheme, renders Central Financial Assistance to State Governments or Union Territory Administrations for infrastructure development of circuits.
The scheme strategizes to synergize with other schemes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, Make in India, with a vision of establishing the tourism sector as a key job creation platform, a driving factor for economic growth, and building coherence with various sectors to maximize tourism potential.
Channelling the Buddhist Heritage: A Way Forward
India’s Buddhist heritage is more than just a tourism asset; it’s a connecting thread strengthening its ties with Asian countries, in line with its Act East Policy. Harmony, dialogue, justice based on compassion and wisdom, along with sustainable development, can be guided by Buddha’s teachings.
In this context, the onus lies on every stakeholder, local to global institutions and leaders, to work in harmony for the mutual promotion of these values.
