Enthusiasm Among Youth Rekindled Through Government of India’s ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ Initiative

Raipur, February 2026 : The Government of India’s Ministry of Tourism initiative ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ has generated renewed enthusiasm among young people, with over 300 students participating in a brochure-making competition and tourism education exhibition held at the State Institute of Hotel Management (SIHM), Naya Raipur.

The event, organised by the Regional Office of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India—India Tourism, Mumbai—in collaboration with State Institute of Hotel Management, Raipur, included a brochure creation competition, an award distribution ceremony, and a tourism education exhibition. The primary objective was to raise awareness among youth about India’s diverse tourist destinations and to introduce them to the wide range of career opportunities available in the tourism and hospitality sector.

The programme was graced by Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation, Ms Mona Sen, as the chief guest. Special guests included Mr Indra Kumar Sahu, MLA from Abhanpur, and Mr Mohammad Farooq, Regional Director, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Representatives from the Western and Central Regional Offices, Ms Poonam Sharma (DGM, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board), Mr Sameer Mishra (Senior Accounts Officer, IHM Raipur), and the Principal of SIHM Raipur, Mr Vivek Acharya, were also present and contributed to the successful conduct of the event.

State and National Winners Honoured

During the ceremony, winners at the state and national levels were felicitated with cash prizes (cheques), medals, kits, and certificates. Around 300 students from across the state participated enthusiastically along with their teachers and parents. Students of PM Shri Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Dudhli secured first place at the state level and went on to win second prize at the national level, bringing pride to Chhattisgarh. PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya Baikunthpur SECL and PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya Maharajpur, Kawardha jointly secured second place at the state level. Third place at the state level was awarded to PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya Khairagarh, PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya Kurud, and PM Shri Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Dhamtari.

Career Opportunities Highlighted at Tourism Education Exhibition

As part of the programme, special presentations were made on the diverse and expanding career opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry. A quiz competition for students and teachers was also organised to encourage participation and knowledge enhancement. Experts from the hotel industry were invited to the exhibition, providing students with valuable insights into the profession.

Participants were given a guided tour of the SIHM Raipur campus, where they observed the functioning of various departments up close. Students witnessed practical demonstrations such as reception management, food and bakery production, fruit and vegetable carving, flower decoration, towel art, and mocktail preparation, helping them understand the finer aspects of the hospitality industry.

A Strong Initiative to Promote Tourism Awareness Among Youth

Through the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative, students have developed a deeper interest in and pride for India’s cultural and natural heritage. The event not only provided a platform for creative talent but also connected young people with promising future prospects in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Launched in 2020, the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative is a significant national campaign of the Ministry of Tourism aimed at familiarising citizens with India’s rich cultural heritage, historical monuments, natural beauty, and diverse traditions, while promoting domestic tourism. The initiative encourages people to travel within the country to experience India’s vast diversity firsthand and contribute to strengthening local economies.

Under the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign, activities such as webinar series, online quizzes, virtual tours, creative competitions, and tourism education programmes are regularly organised. The initiative also focuses on informing youth and students about career opportunities in tourism and hospitality. Through digital platforms and public participation, efforts are being made to give national recognition to lesser-known yet promising tourist destinations. In this way, the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative not only strengthens pride and awareness about the country among citizens but also injects new energy into the tourism industry, making a meaningful contribution to economic growth.