Aditya Raj
PATNA: Tejashwi Yadav, Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister, took center stage at the prestigious Japanese travel show JATA-2023 in Osaka, actively engaging with Japanese tour and travel operators. The event served as a platform for promoting Bihar’s tourism potential and encouraging Japanese operators to explore the diverse destinations the state has to offer.
The program, held in Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, featured a compelling video presentation showcasing Bihar’s rich tapestry of tourism attractions. Tejashwi Yadav, in his role as the chief promoter, further elaborated on the cultural and historical heritage of Bihar, extending a warm invitation to the tour operators to experience the unique charm the state embodies.
During his address, Tejashwi Yadav highlighted Bihar’s profound mythological, spiritual, religious, and historical significance. He emphasized Bihar’s role as the birthplace of Mother Sita, the site of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment, the birthplace of Mahavir Swami (the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism), and the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, the tenth Guru of Sikhism.
Tejashwi Yadav also shed light on Bihar’s cultural and religious traditions, citing the ancient Sufi centers of Maner Sharif, Bihar Sharif, and Phulwari Sharif. These traditions, deeply woven into the fabric of Bihar, find expression in various festivals, celebrations, and the daily lives of its people.
Expressing his commitment to promoting Buddhist pilgrimage in West and South-East Asian countries, Tejashwi Yadav aligned his vision with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s strategy. Recognizing Bihar’s potential as a major tourism hub, he emphasized the prospect of fostering economic growth, employment, and income generation through collaborative efforts with all stakeholders.
The Bihar Tourism Road Show at JATA-2023 witnessed the active participation of Bihar Tourism Secretary Abhay Kumar Singh, MD of Bihar State Tourism Corporation Nand Kishore, Under Secretary in the Embassy of India Anil Raturi, President of Bihar Foundation, Japan Chapter Anand Vijay Singh, and members of the Bihari diaspora.
A noteworthy highlight was the visit of the Foreign Minister of Japan to the Bihar Pavilion, where he received a warm welcome adorned with a Madhubani painting shawl and a Mahabodhi Peepal leaf. This exchange marks a significant step toward fostering tourism and cultural ties between Japan and Bihar, creating avenues for meaningful collaboration and mutual appreciation.
