Chalo India Event in London Celebrates Indian Culture and Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism of India, along with the High Commission of India in the UK, hosted a vibrant cultural evening called ‘Chalo India’ at the historic Cutty Sark in London. This event aimed to celebrate Indian culture and promote the ‘Chalo India’ initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The initiative encourages the global Indian diaspora to invite their non-Indian friends to explore India’s diverse experiences.
Key Figures and Attendees
Prominent figures such as Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism, and Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner, attended the event. Tourism ministers from Telangana, Uttarakhand, and Goa, along with the Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, were also present.
Highlights of the Event
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared a video of the event and urged the Indian diaspora in the UK to become brand ambassadors for the initiative. He announced the availability of one lakh e-tourist visas for foreign guests traveling under the Chalo India referral program until March 31, 2025.
The event featured traditional Indian dance performances like Bharatnatyam and Garba, showcasing India’s rich heritage. British author Monisha Rajesh shared her travel experiences in India, inspiring guests to explore the country’s diverse landscapes.
Launch of Chalo India Portal
The event also marked the launch of the ‘Chalo India’ portal, allowing the Indian diaspora to refer up to five friends for a free e-Tourist visa, valid until March 31, 2025.
Conclusion
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Mugdha Sinha, Director General of Tourism, emphasizing support for the ‘Chalo India’ initiative. This event highlighted India’s commitment to strengthening tourism ties with the UK and fostering cultural connections.
Doubts Revealed
Chalo India -: ‘Chalo India’ is an initiative by the Indian government to promote tourism and encourage people to visit India. ‘Chalo’ means ‘Let’s go’ in Hindi, so it invites people to explore India.
Ministry of Tourism -: The Ministry of Tourism is a part of the Indian government responsible for promoting and developing tourism in India. They organize events and initiatives to attract tourists from around the world.
High Commission of India -: The High Commission of India in the UK is like an embassy. It represents India in the United Kingdom and helps with diplomatic relations, including promoting Indian culture and tourism.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat -: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is an Indian politician. He is known for his work in the Indian government and was one of the important guests at the ‘Chalo India’ event.
e-Tourist visas -: An e-Tourist visa is an electronic visa that allows people to visit India for tourism. It is applied for online and makes it easier for tourists to get permission to enter India.
Indian diaspora -: The Indian diaspora refers to people of Indian origin who live outside India. They often maintain cultural ties with India and are encouraged to invite their non-Indian friends to visit India.