NATIONAL, MUMBAI, 27 SEPTEMBER, 2020 (GPN): Travel and tourism is one of the worst-hit sectors amid the pandemic-forced sudden lockdown earlier this year. Tourism-dependent states across India like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala among others have opened up the tourism sector and relaxed Covid rules for tourists. Wearing masks and maintaining social distance are mandatory but the hassle of paperwork and online e-passes have been removed.

“On this World Tourism Day, the COVID-19 pandemic represents an opportunity to rethink the future of the tourism sector, including how it contributes to the sustainable development goals, through its social, cultural, political, and economic value. Tourism can eventually help us move beyond the pandemic, by bringing people together and promoting solidarity and trust – crucial ingredients in advancing the global cooperation so urgently needed at this time,” the United Nations said.

World Tourism Day 2020: Theme

World Tourism Day this year focuses on “Tourism and Rural Development”. The theme encourages the celebration of the unique role played by tourism in job creation outside of the big cities. It also in a huge way helps in the conservation of cultural and natural heritage of nations.

World Tourism Day amid the pandemic this year has a crucial role to play. Amid job loses, tourism can to drive economic recovery and generate work in the rural sector.

World Tourism Day 2020: Facts

“Tourism is a lifeline, offering young people a chance to earn a living without having to migrate,” according to the World Tourism Organization, A United Nations Specialized Agency. (UNWTO)

Tourism employs one in every ten people on Earth Due to COVID-19, 100-120 million direct tourism jobs are at risk Young people in rural areas are three times more likely to be unemployed Latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer shows that the near-complete lockdown led to a 98 per cent fall in international tourist numbers in May when compared to 2019 56% year-on-year drop in tourist arrivals between January and May
Fall of 300 million tourists and US$320 billion lost in international tourism receipts – more than three times the loss during the Global Economic Crisis of 2009.

The Ministry of Tourism’s Dekho Apna Desh Webinar series titled “Promoting Destinations with Authenticated Cuisines” on 19^th September 2020 focused on India – a land with varied cuisines. Each state, area and region has unique traditional dishes which are suited to its climate and the grains, vegetables, spices, herbs and fruits which are locally available are cooked in different styles and variations. India’s traditional cuisine is not only delicious, but also extremely healthy and the spices & herbs added to the dishes help boost immunity and good health. Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series is an effort to showcase India’s rich diversity under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and it is continuously spreading spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat through virtual platform.

The webinar focused on some traditional dishes from three states – Uttaranchal, Punjab and Delhi.   The webinar was presented by Mrs Radha Bhatia, Chairperson of Bird Group, Mr Anooj Wadhawan, Executive Chef of Roseate House, New Delhi, Mr  Chetan Rana, Executive Sous  Chef of The Roseate Ganges, Rishikesh and Mr Anand Panwar, Executive Pastry Chef  of The Roseate, New Delhi.

Mrs Radha Bhatia who is also the author of the book ‘Lassis of India- Smoothies with a twist’ has won the prestigious World Gourmand Award presented the webinar. She started her presentation talking about civilization, tradition, culture, religion, weather conditions and natures which have played a major role in the way the food is prepared.  India’s civilization starts from the Stone Age and traditions, recipes and their secrets have been passed on from generation to generation.  Invaders like Mughals, Afghans and Persians have also brought in their food techniques & cooking styles to India.  Spices grown in India were a big fascination for the Europeans and the Britishers for trade purposes.  India is a mysterious country with different climatic condition, varied vegetation, soil, natural resources, cooking techniques etc., Mrs Bhatia further added in her presentation.

Chef Chetan Rana shared the recipe of Pumpkin leaves Bhaji, Chutney and conducted a live cooking demonstration for the viewers to see & learn. He cooked the main dish in an iron kadhai with basic spice ingredients and also insisted on moderate use of spices in order to maintain the natural taste of the pumpkin leaves.  Chutneys made using a grinding stone taste authentic & delicious.  He also displayed a beautiful Satvik Uttarakhand Thali containing Kafuli, Chutney, Phaanu, Baadi, Rice, Kumaoni Raita, Dubuk, Jhangora ki Kheera etc.

Chef Anand Panwar shared the recipe of Ram Ladoo, Daulat ki Chaat and conducted a live cooking demonstration for the viewers to see & learn.  Talking about Chandni Chowk & its street food, he highlighted the different food lanes (Gali) like Paranthewali Gali, Chaatwali Gali etc.  Ram Ladoo, a preparation of Channa & Moong dal with ginger, cumin, salt is fried in oil and topped with sauce, raw onion, radish and pomegranate.  A very popular dessert in Chandni Chowk called Daulat ki Chaat was first named by Mr Khem Chand of Moradabad.  This dessert is prepared with full cream milk, sugar, dry fruits and saffron.

Chef Anooj Wadhawan highlighted on Avadh food and the concept of Dum cooking.   He conducted a live cooking demonstration of Murgzamendoz, a preparation of chicken marinated and rolled in Roomali Roti and cooked in Dum.

All the Chefs were inspired & motivated by their mothers’ cooking which inspired to pursue cookery as a profession.

India believes & promotes Athithi Devo Bhava, the concept of treating guest as God. Summing up the webinar, Ms Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Government of India urged people to cook, experience and enjoy the beautiful nature that all of us are blessed with.  She also underlined the need for us to respect nature and learn to coexist with nature.

The Dekho Apna Desh webinar series is presented in technical partnership with National e Governance Department, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The sessions of webinar are now available on all social media Handles of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

The webinar titled “Rural Tourism: From Previous Niche to future norm” was held yesterday on 26^th September.