tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29913943478887985162024-03-21T07:54:39.923+05:30Dr GG Saxena: penning down my thoughts ...A retired Indian Administrative Services officer of AGMUT 1996 batch. Subject matter expert in Tourism Infrastructure and in PPP model.
Book author of 'Indian BnBs: An Emerging disruptor in the Hospitality sector'. The book has been adopted as a referral book in 4 prominent universities of India.
He completed my PhD in Bed and Breakfast scheme in Delhi. This is the only PhD on Bed and Breakfast in India. Drhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670866659616311805noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991394347888798516.post-54770695621075952392018-07-10T15:57:00.000+05:302018-07-10T15:57:00.520+05:30How Incredible is Incredible India? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">According to Indian tradition, tourism was first conceived as Tirthatan then as Deshatan and finally as Paryatan with the purpose of encouraging intermingling of people belonging to different cultures and traditions. Tourism also helps people to acquaint themselves with eating habits of natives and understands the way of varied life of the host countrymen. During visits to Incredible India, foreign tourists celebrate Indian festivals apart from visiting monuments and other similar sites in the city.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A glimpse of the Incredibleness of Incredible India</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A tourist visits a country like India for various reasons. India is ‘all seasons’ tourist destination and the objective of travel has a wide range like: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Visiting monuments and historical places (Like Taj Mahal)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Business meeting</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Purpose of Faith tourism</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Medical treatment</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Yoga / spiritual retreat (in Rishikesh)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Beaches (in Goa)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Nature trails (in Andaman and Nicobar islands)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Snow clad mountains of Himalayas</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Backwaters (of Kerala)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">White sands of Rann of Kutch</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Shopping and buying souvenirs</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Recreation</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Visiting friends and relatives</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Observing Indian traditions and customs on Indian festivals like Holi, Diwali etc</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today, the travelers discover everything online and chalk out a customized itinerary. Though the feedback and reviews available on the Internet are believed to be authentic, one cannot rule out the possibility of fudging data for vested interests. In hotels, the workers are professionals and will not be able to provide the traveler with detailed information due to the paucity of time and their defined scope of work. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When a tourist comes to India, he finds that commercial accommodation is quite expensive because there are various taxes and tariffs applicable in commercial hotels. These taxes even amount to 20 to 25% of the actual cost of the room while in other Asian countries including China, Thailand etc and in western countries, the total taxes are not more than 5% to 6%. Therefore, the accommodation in regular Indian/Delhi hotel is quite expensive while on the other hand, the accommodation with same facilities in BNB stays in India has difference of 25 to 30% rates per night if one stays in BNB stay and therefore, the tourist can save a lot of money from their accommodation. This money saved from accommodation budget can be spent by these tourists in purchasing souvenirs, booking a heritage walk or visiting other places. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A warm BnB in Jodhpur, Rajasthan</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A hospitable BnB in South Delhi</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Moreover, in the present scenario of rapid urbanization in India and the rising aspirations of Indian middle class, it is seen that both husband and wife are working and at times, they are working at odd hours. This has led to a gradual fading away of the joint family system in India and therefore, staying with family and friends is not practicable. On the other hand, in a BnB, the traveler is on his/her own. He/she can interact with the BnB host as much as he/she wants and can maintain his privacy. Furthermore, the guest can expect an optimum level of attention, emotional support, and bonding with the BnB host which makes it a win-win situation for the traveler as well as the BnB host.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I shall be posting multiple versions of Incredible India in my future and my findings and observations are elucidated in my recently published book titled, 'Indian BnBs: An emerging disruptor in the Hospitality sector'.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsA0f-BhAByD5Z739YCsdhyphenhyphencYk5uPSBc6o5MzgYaalMP-PdfDaVh-mZHRS2k0A6LlVpAfUHg8daUdh_11g0Oekf6BbS0r6oKBeaP9qHiS_swyieVnDfzMBQMlZemns_uwBWaM1N7tnxK9d/s1600/Indian+BnB+book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My book, 'Indian BnBs: An emerging disruptor in the Hospitality sector'" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="915" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsA0f-BhAByD5Z739YCsdhyphenhyphencYk5uPSBc6o5MzgYaalMP-PdfDaVh-mZHRS2k0A6LlVpAfUHg8daUdh_11g0Oekf6BbS0r6oKBeaP9qHiS_swyieVnDfzMBQMlZemns_uwBWaM1N7tnxK9d/s640/Indian+BnB+book+cover.jpg" title="My book, 'Indian BnBs: An emerging disruptor in the Hospitality sector'" width="365" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My book, 'Indian BnBs: An emerging disruptor in the Hospitality sector'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you wish to grab a copy, send a mail on ambuj@bnbnation.com</span></div>
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Drhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670866659616311805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991394347888798516.post-34549963619615921872018-06-11T13:53:00.000+05:302018-06-11T14:10:48.780+05:30Book on Indian BnBs: Hospitality sector overview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"So you hail from the city that I shall be visiting soon, huh"- he confirmed with her and continued "Do you know a good place to stay in the city?" </div>
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"You mean a hotel??!"- she enquired. </div>
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You generally notice that ‘Hotel” is used whenever ‘accomodation’ criteria are discussed, be it amongst tourism stakeholders or academia pursuing tourism courses/vacations studies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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With homestays and other experiential accommodation especially BnBNation (<a href="http://www.bnbnation.com/">www.bnbnation.com</a>) Airbnb etc. coming into the picture monopoly of hotels is going to be over. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjElk_h8wnZWcuovQLdOjnJalXCKvHsl7x9nbIokNy5Ci-BfJ2AyNh3EnMxkDBNYRh-bcleF4lgfz7pVY5T8HnV7NPntJi-pi_x_5r6hVWzzfimYj6biQVchSGPIKSrN1oUUF4W-OST-1G/s1600/19328071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Beautiful and homely Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Delhi NCR" border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="840" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjElk_h8wnZWcuovQLdOjnJalXCKvHsl7x9nbIokNy5Ci-BfJ2AyNh3EnMxkDBNYRh-bcleF4lgfz7pVY5T8HnV7NPntJi-pi_x_5r6hVWzzfimYj6biQVchSGPIKSrN1oUUF4W-OST-1G/s400/19328071.jpg" title="Beautiful and homely Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Delhi NCR" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful and homely Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Delhi NCR</td></tr>
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Furthermore, in U.K., the homestays provide almost 40% off accommodation for inbound tourists. The hotel industry, at least in India, is unable to cope up with the demand of incoming tourists mainly in the budget category. You may be thinking that hotels are generally lying vacant or there is less occupancy there, you may be right but it is true for 4 or 5 star or equivalent category hotels where occupancy rates may be less than 60% ( lesser occupancy makes hotel construction, an unviable proposition for hoteliers). The main problem is of non-availability of budgets /economy hotels or 1 to 3-star or equivalent category.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Current scenario of Indian Hospitality sector </b></h3>
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In the year 2012, India was short of about 1,90,000 hotels rooms while inbound tourist arrival (8% per year growth) was more than world tourist arrival (3%to to 4% per year growth). Above it, domestic visitors in India are growing at the rate of 15% and there are already 1.25 billion such tourists visiting other places in India. These tourists too are not staying with friends and/or relatives. Thus, there is more demand for budget accommodation but the question that comes to the mind is where are the rooms?!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another scenario is that today’s tourists including foreign individual tourist is not keen to stay in 4 or 5-star hotels but prefer good quality authentic haveli type of stay. Are haveli type homestays available in India? When did you stay in a haveli last time? Do you remember? </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhfhK_gLhnHx16wTR9vSisIsCiHnGeF3OHwYwCj7qJw5IRRIO0604KRlzfJrq34SBW-dT5s7Fv-bow-kujHMnKHDfzfANvNY28n_CIIQ6kBJUjCG-pGBqH0okV5zXfD0n32aLThfXQggJ/s1600/room+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A type of Haveli BnB in Rajasthan offers a beautiful view of Jaisalmer" border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhfhK_gLhnHx16wTR9vSisIsCiHnGeF3OHwYwCj7qJw5IRRIO0604KRlzfJrq34SBW-dT5s7Fv-bow-kujHMnKHDfzfANvNY28n_CIIQ6kBJUjCG-pGBqH0okV5zXfD0n32aLThfXQggJ/s1600/room+4.jpg" title="A type of Haveli BnB in Rajasthan offers a beautiful view of Jaisalmer" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A type of Haveli BnB in Rajasthan offers a beautiful view of Jaisalmer</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60KO71OFPn_T_kaeMvSPuce4eKBs4ytLmLLoIBuE86zJ87RHVirk4dvtpdZtlicK5ndMryjFnDV2Tn7K307wiTPNOBIjwzwzvlLoMtVPZ3rt5b0_mPLB0cl7a3mmrNCeldKJN_VHuQeUI/s1600/room+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Homely haveli BnB accommodation in Rajasthan" border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60KO71OFPn_T_kaeMvSPuce4eKBs4ytLmLLoIBuE86zJ87RHVirk4dvtpdZtlicK5ndMryjFnDV2Tn7K307wiTPNOBIjwzwzvlLoMtVPZ3rt5b0_mPLB0cl7a3mmrNCeldKJN_VHuQeUI/s1600/room+3.jpg" title="Homely haveli BnB accommodation in Rajasthan" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homely haveli BnB accommodation in Rajasthan</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpr16CP7WtMdLllnIkj4r7UNx43P6DmCSmtJvCXuwwfcYhF1AhS6AiOkPcNDM-cvb_uiASczCi6vBAqyKwTddqYHkXyoFlLtQpzlnP53mgiEb-kIZQJdgq4AcIF2_rM6WnF40-adzs0uU/s1600/room+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Haveli type BnB accommodation in Rajasthan" border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpr16CP7WtMdLllnIkj4r7UNx43P6DmCSmtJvCXuwwfcYhF1AhS6AiOkPcNDM-cvb_uiASczCi6vBAqyKwTddqYHkXyoFlLtQpzlnP53mgiEb-kIZQJdgq4AcIF2_rM6WnF40-adzs0uU/s1600/room+5.jpg" title="Haveli type BnB accommodation in Rajasthan" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haveli type BnB accommodation in Rajasthan</td></tr>
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Havelis are only available for stay in Rajasthan and a few are available in Delhi. As per my experience as one of the authors of the book (Secy. Tourism Andaman Nicobar Island or MD & CEO of DTTDC), there was exclusive demand from country’s tourist operators” to provide havelis”. We have a long list of foreign tourists who visit India and want to stay in Haveli type accommodations.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYXjGrMHq540sGYVP-72ECtmInT20jUnHReW4gbhgTZG17dHWWGo40A1v-MnjDlfnFXcs8xLoq5VT2Fub3wPo6M9LbbPwyKP5m1WnDsorb5cR1752m-vkCX39j3beB2yqrysB2gDM13KK/s1600/Indian+BnB+book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My co-authored book titled, Indian BnBs: An emerging disruptor in the Hospitality sector. It is co-authored by co founders of BnBNation" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="915" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYXjGrMHq540sGYVP-72ECtmInT20jUnHReW4gbhgTZG17dHWWGo40A1v-MnjDlfnFXcs8xLoq5VT2Fub3wPo6M9LbbPwyKP5m1WnDsorb5cR1752m-vkCX39j3beB2yqrysB2gDM13KK/s320/Indian+BnB+book+cover.jpg" title="My co-authored book titled, Indian BnBs: An emerging disruptor in the Hospitality sector. It is co-authored by co founders of BnBNation" width="182" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My co-authored book titled, Indian BnBs: An emerging disruptor in the Hospitality sector. It is co-authored by co founders of BnBNation</td></tr>
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In India, we are unable to meet demand in the response of adequate supply. So, what is the solution? The need of the hour is to construct and reconstruct the heritage of India by taking care of our tangible and intangible heritage sources. </div>
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<i>BnBs as an alternate mode of accommodation</i></h3>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Among the alternatives in the accommodation, the sector is BnBs / homestays, which are carved out of existing rooms in the homes. At present, there are about 10,000 rooms all over India are registered to be used as “stays option for tourists”. </div>
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India is always bubbling with activity be it a fair, religious event, conference, sports extravaganza like the IPL or for medical facilities etc. Such events and activities attract larger footfall. Naturally, organizers and stakeholders are in search of homes where incoming guests/spectators/participants would be accommodated. Such homes converted into BnBs/Homestays could be a very useful way of matching demand and supply of rooms. No authority or agency can create temporary hotels to meet the intermittent demand of rooms in the wake of such fair/festivals/tourist meets.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So as tourism expert, I can foresee the future of homestays as a disruptor in accommodation aka hospitality industry. This demand is being met by international players like Airbnb which court controversy on and off. It is claimed by Airbnb that there are already 75000 rooms listing in Indian cities through hardly 5% or so are registered or authentic. Can you stay in a home who is not accountable to the government? Thus, registration of BnBs is a necessary prerequisite.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Staying in a BnB has its own set of benefits such as cultural exchange and since the bond between the guest and the host gets deeper as time passes, the guest not only gains a friend in a foreign country but earns a loving and caring Indian family. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4MkMaTO318Usu0zualqDed5Xb5tc0RHSlgDESalokJv2jQXNN6HdQeSuvcbv9isRBSjUhJPalolOHm5-tGH1Mk-riiTLcPaFp3inzSmBsDdpxsMZxRY3Q2kk1vUvCjgF10F7XallfEJ9/s1600/atithi+devo+bhava1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4MkMaTO318Usu0zualqDed5Xb5tc0RHSlgDESalokJv2jQXNN6HdQeSuvcbv9isRBSjUhJPalolOHm5-tGH1Mk-riiTLcPaFp3inzSmBsDdpxsMZxRY3Q2kk1vUvCjgF10F7XallfEJ9/s320/atithi+devo+bhava1.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bond of love is intangible and deeper than a monetary transaction! </td></tr>
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Are you ready to embrace a new experience, a new culture and a new home? </div>
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Drhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670866659616311805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991394347888798516.post-64952684847091677252018-06-05T13:03:00.000+05:302018-06-05T13:03:14.940+05:30Book on Indian BnBs: A perspective on Environmental feasibility in the Hospitality sector<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wishing you a very Happy World Environment day 2018! This blog is an attempt to bring to light the various issues that the Mother Earth is facing and how we can all focus on them from a Tourism and Hospitality perspective. In addition to this, I shall also throw light on my co-authored book, ‘Indian BnBs: An emerging disruptor in the Hospitality sector’ and present how Bed and Breakfast accommodations (BnBs) are environmentally friendly!</div>
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<b>About World Environment Day 2018</b></h3>
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World Environment Day is a UN Environment-led global event which takes place on June 5 each year. It is celebrated by thousands of communities worldwide. It marks a day when 7.6 billion (as on June 2018) people spread across the globe are expected to take ownership of their environment and to actively engage in the protection of our Earth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0t5i5xnPJ5PofDFkt8h3rtwRQ0Z3SgwWQG97HC3Y-Gd4WO142r7Lktn5P0MmcpSVgZzWYwaAAswvH7nyDhsoBzvwFA9sxDDaTwmW1mvHY_o4NUH6waV9R8SX2HI0b8Kbt0oSsKtd7WNBz/s1600/UN+World+Environment+day+2018+theme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0t5i5xnPJ5PofDFkt8h3rtwRQ0Z3SgwWQG97HC3Y-Gd4WO142r7Lktn5P0MmcpSVgZzWYwaAAswvH7nyDhsoBzvwFA9sxDDaTwmW1mvHY_o4NUH6waV9R8SX2HI0b8Kbt0oSsKtd7WNBz/s400/UN+World+Environment+day+2018+theme.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World Environment Day 2018: Beat Plastic Pollution</td></tr>
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The theme of this year’s World Environment Day 2018 is “Beat Plastic Pollution”. The objective is to urge all stakeholders ie. Every single person on the Earth to come together and explore sustainable alternatives to energy production and consumption. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As a Tourism and Hospitality expert and academician, I shall throw light on how you as a tourism stakeholder can reduce the stress on Mother Earth. Whenever we think of travel and tourism, the first thing that comes to the mind is the relaxation of mind and enjoying a few moments in luxury. However, do you know the Environmental cost attached with the term of ‘Luxury’? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Hotels vs BnBs: Environmental sustainability check</b></h3>
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Hotels are the luxurious way of living with a waiter serving you like you were of royal lineage and everything available at the ring of a phone. Is such a luxurious treatment costing anything on the environment or is the environment is in full charity mode since decades? <o:p></o:p></div>
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My co-authored book, Indian BnBs: An Emerging disruptor in the Hospitality sector throws light on the environmental feasibility of hotels and how such an issue can be overcome through alternate accommodation option like Bed and Breakfast accommodations (BnBs).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-oRHsGv6Z3tFAuUebB0OZ-K2Qs4xkLYjllwqfAyEOStIiLxu2CUZahOXTngOs_aOC5JmndTy2MsyjRMT4pyvLlFmly5s_p-AbItF9M4RQWgeOXAsoGHK89yVw_PhFQXuiu72iunq5MKA/s1600/Indian+BnB+book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="915" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-oRHsGv6Z3tFAuUebB0OZ-K2Qs4xkLYjllwqfAyEOStIiLxu2CUZahOXTngOs_aOC5JmndTy2MsyjRMT4pyvLlFmly5s_p-AbItF9M4RQWgeOXAsoGHK89yVw_PhFQXuiu72iunq5MKA/s400/Indian+BnB+book+cover.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book "Indian BnBs: An emerging disruptor in the Hospitality sector"</td></tr>
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In India, not only hotels are in shortage, there are other bigger problems to meet the demand for more hotels in Indian cities. It is mentioned in my book that availability of any additional room in 5 stars or 3 star or equivalent category costs INR 10 million and INR 3.5 million respectively. Thus, huge investment is required in this sector. High-cost impediment is clubbed with other rigmaroles like seeking 62 Licences/permissions right from building plan, firefighting, FSSAI certificates, bar license etc. Land is too scarce in cities and our latest land acquisition policies make it further difficult to think about new hotel to come up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>BnBs as an alternate mode of accommodation </i></b></h3>
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Among the alternatives in the accommodation, sector are BnBs / homestays, which are carved out of existing rooms in the homes. At present, there are about 10,000 rooms all over India are registered to be used as “ stays option for tourists”. India is always bubbling with activity be it a fair, religious event, conference, sports extravaganza like the IPL or for medical facilities etc. Such events and activities attract larger footfall. Naturally, organizers and stakeholders are in search of homes where incoming guests /spectators/participants would be accommodated. Such homes converted into BnBs/Homestays could be a very useful way of matching demand and supply of rooms. No authority or agency can create temporary hotels to meet the intermittent demand of rooms in the wake of such fair/festivals/tourist meets.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Au39lmYI8PxPFFVeINHqTWSIhPpa_VFXyHKnXRMTEgqJJZUpB-2_BY9bt76SCJomeUaaRb14L3WARwKBMQEwhnQ8U2eYdNwoRpDc4G3SaeltTFAx5YrMuZGJoSWoA7wR2CNNBSF8C9bE/s1600/18b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="414" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Au39lmYI8PxPFFVeINHqTWSIhPpa_VFXyHKnXRMTEgqJJZUpB-2_BY9bt76SCJomeUaaRb14L3WARwKBMQEwhnQ8U2eYdNwoRpDc4G3SaeltTFAx5YrMuZGJoSWoA7wR2CNNBSF8C9bE/s400/18b.jpg" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A homely Bed and Breakfast (BnB) in Delhi</td></tr>
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So as tourism expert, I can foresee the future of homestays as a disruptor in accommodation aka hospitality industry. This demand is being met by international players like Airbnb which court controversy on and off. It is claimed by Airbnb that there are already 75000 rooms listing in Indian cities through hardly 5% or so are registered or authentic. Can you stay in a home who is not accountable to the government? Thus, registration of BnBs is a necessary prerequisite. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Question is how BnBs will disrupt hotels? Sooner or later market share of BnBs is going to increase in India. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In next 3-4 years, tourism development authorities /corporations in states and UTs are expected to handhold BnBs’ registration process to provide convenience and develop confidence amongst aspiring home owners to convert some of their rooms into BnBs. Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka are already taking leads while northeast states are also catching up with rest of India.<o:p></o:p></div>
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India has to go a long way to meet rooms requirement and further longer way to get existing vacant rooms to be converted into “ authentic BnBs”. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s wishing luck to Indian Hospitality sector and to the BnB owners! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Drhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670866659616311805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991394347888798516.post-82010052447250594802017-04-14T16:49:00.002+05:302017-04-15T15:34:58.215+05:30Utility of PPP model in Tourism Infrastructure and Capacity building<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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PPP refers to Public Private Partnership. In India, PPP has had a mixed experience. </div>
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According to the performance, it is divided into 3 categories:</div>
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<li>Overall successful</li>
<li>Failure for both the parties</li>
<li>Failure for one of the parties e.g Nhava Sheva Port in Mumbai and NOIDA DND Toll road</li>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Despite its assessment as a ‘Not so good’ tag as per Planning Commission of India, PPP pundits analyse that Private participation as a partner is here to stay. The primary cause is that neither the Government is short of funds nor is it shirking from its responsibilities. In fact, Government is seeking better management through PPP and it understands that addressing ‘Time overrun’ and optimum use of Government resources including transferring risk to the private partner to a reasonable extent. State of the art technology and ‘Value for money’ are another factors that keep compelling policy makers in Government to keep faith in the PPP mode. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtA4kDYO3iZn43APKLnrBlCQlkT4sFYBNwADolR17n0onUpOkvBNVDCWMkfsjizuCHEkvFPC4Rk8pk2QH8cGkk2MpKlJ5WoNGVKyD3qlCIDFRQH9Qygtqw-rPbADaIKzed9SAGFtdg7rnY/s1600/10+principles+for+successful+Public%25252FPrivate+Partnerships+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="PPP model: Public Private Partnership" border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtA4kDYO3iZn43APKLnrBlCQlkT4sFYBNwADolR17n0onUpOkvBNVDCWMkfsjizuCHEkvFPC4Rk8pk2QH8cGkk2MpKlJ5WoNGVKyD3qlCIDFRQH9Qygtqw-rPbADaIKzed9SAGFtdg7rnY/s400/10+principles+for+successful+Public%25252FPrivate+Partnerships+%25281%2529.png" title="PPP model: Public Private Partnership" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PPP is a popular model of governance all over the world</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Factors that have hindered PPP in the past: </b></div>
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Some factors have hindered PPP Projects in the past are as follows:</div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>Blame game between Government and private partner on delays on land acquisition etc. and interpretation of clauses in concession agreement.</li>
<li>Requests by private partner for frequent increase in user charges or seeking compensation on unforseen escalation of costs.</li>
<li>No institutionalised mechanism (at least, hither to) for mid term correction in concession agreement.</li>
</ul>
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Despite some negative points and past failure of some PPP projects mainly in the Highway sector, PPP could be addressed by way of mid-course correction of projects with the newly created institutional mechanism. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Why is PPP model a necessity?</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Let us look back into the past and see the reasons for the necessity of the PPP model. The governments in Developed/Developing/Underdeveloped countries may not be short of funds but it can hardly afford to invest public money by procuring latest technology which shall be used by its own workforce, which is not known for its optimum efficiency. There is no doubt that following factors warrent urgent attention to improve Governance for bringing in development agenda;<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Deficit in infrastructure</li>
<li>Inefficient service delivery </li>
<li>Unprofessional approach. </li>
</ul>
Here, it is to be kept in view that the private sector may bring in capital, technology, better management and can share the substantial risk of market forces etc. So, a sensible division of roles, fair sharing of responsibilities and market risks be appropriately borne by the private sectors. The expected results are “availability”, “quality” and “efficiency of services” along with “efficiency of capital utilisation”. If properly implemented, there will be “transformation from a subsidised economy to commercial economy and output based contracting”. In this way, Government resources could be better utilised with better technology, innovation and global best practices under PPP regime.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawVNGmgs4ANEqsepAIHjd82MLU6TwMoxo6rlqZFeOlXoFEN5NUs1zZsldwPKBA2eeIAR-DiAM1qDSOkhkblN3vgbXcoM3qY9cFet3Qx3FmcsSHoNEz2jqRHdKErRv8hNEFR4PYiw9SAR-/s1600/How-long-are-PPP-Procurement-Processes_.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="PPP model " border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawVNGmgs4ANEqsepAIHjd82MLU6TwMoxo6rlqZFeOlXoFEN5NUs1zZsldwPKBA2eeIAR-DiAM1qDSOkhkblN3vgbXcoM3qY9cFet3Qx3FmcsSHoNEz2jqRHdKErRv8hNEFR4PYiw9SAR-/s400/How-long-are-PPP-Procurement-Processes_.png" title="This was the status of PPP procurement timelines in 2013 at the global level" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the status of PPP procurement timelines in 2013 at the global level.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Advocates against PPP model will certainly argue that PPP model resorts to more expensive (user charges etc.) or would lead to privatisation in disguise and that public employees shall lose their jobs and that it is backdoor sale of government assets. However, these arguments can be rebutted with citations based on International success stories learning and improving based on earlier mistakes, mid-term correction/review, though in a limited way. </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Thus, there is a need to hold a workshop for the government officials by semi government organisations like PHD Chamber of Commerce, FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM etc so that PPP model can be made a highly successful and mutually beneficial model for all stakeholders!</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Now, question arises whether the regulator should be under the sole control of </span><span style="text-align: justify;">concession authority or should work like an umpire.</span> Since last letter of P in PPP embraces Partnership, the concession authority should treat Private player/concessionaire as a partner and agree to appoint a neutral ‘Regulator’ in a transparent process.</div>
<br />
<br />
(The creative inputs are given by Ambuj Saxena, co-founder of <a href="http://www.bnbnation.com/">www.bnbnation.com</a>)</div>
</div>
Drhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670866659616311805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991394347888798516.post-48763511575374247832016-10-02T17:53:00.000+05:302016-10-02T17:57:08.309+05:30Impact of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on Tourism sector in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By Dr. G G Saxena and Ambuj Saxena</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“No, I can’t stay here a minute
longer. It smells too bad!!” Linda said to her husband who was by now tired of
trying to convince her otherwise. Linda’s husband opened a part of the room
curtain, looked at the garbage that was spewn outside the hotel premises, he
further looked at a distance, a slum dweller emptying his bowels in the open.
Then, he looked around in the room at the cozy fireplace, romantic whirlpool
tub, plush king-sized bed and the private balcony. These modern amenities
seemed meagre when compared to the pile of dirt and unhealthy sanitation
practices practiced by people around them. Within half an hour, Linda and her
husband collected their baggage and checked out of the accommodation and started
searching for a Bed and Breakfast accommodation with a clean environment and
modern amenities in the room in that order.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsbIe2BimmfpawtTl0TzknaRGjf4G5T3FdHhcwkeRpmQeA6GAkBk1rIRyUXE4pI-lCRNwR6gUEAnEF8fsu04mPQIPD-34H56jRSPiiG19_lXAuYgMXCQIKrMY2W3Od78NvObeCCSj-X4e/s1600/SBA+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Swachh Bharat- clean India" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsbIe2BimmfpawtTl0TzknaRGjf4G5T3FdHhcwkeRpmQeA6GAkBk1rIRyUXE4pI-lCRNwR6gUEAnEF8fsu04mPQIPD-34H56jRSPiiG19_lXAuYgMXCQIKrMY2W3Od78NvObeCCSj-X4e/s400/SBA+cover.jpg" title="Swachh Bharat- clean India" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swachh Bharat- Clean India</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A tourist likes to explore the
city as well as the place of stay. He/she wanders out to try new cuisine or
catch an event or to know more about the cultural heritage of the city. Here,
cleanliness is assumed to be a given. A foreign traveler’s psyche is affected
by the kind of accommodation offered as well as the locality of the
accommodation. The place of stay leaves a lifelong imprint of the
country/state/place in the mind of the tourist. It helps recommend to the
others about what to expect and what not to expect from the place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OawC1-qyZ2LxBmLfx5hm1ViXPKfsHQqVBqKL9Z8utCUZTYFfHG6LXmMrdj7rmBVU51Jeq5qGO0hkvDF3cNfgZWRGx-G6Umaf58W2TZdu70dwLRQF8E5nsWt4IA4OOnDAmWfRaYhP8vb6/s1600/We+wander+for+distraction+but+we+travel+for+fulfilment.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Travel for fulfilment" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OawC1-qyZ2LxBmLfx5hm1ViXPKfsHQqVBqKL9Z8utCUZTYFfHG6LXmMrdj7rmBVU51Jeq5qGO0hkvDF3cNfgZWRGx-G6Umaf58W2TZdu70dwLRQF8E5nsWt4IA4OOnDAmWfRaYhP8vb6/s400/We+wander+for+distraction+but+we+travel+for+fulfilment.png" title="Travel for fulfilment" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travel for fulfilment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">India is a land of natural and
cultural diversity. India ranks 8<sup>th</sup> in natural resources and 24<sup>th</sup>
in cultural resources globally. However, it ranks a dismal 42<sup>nd</sup> in
Foreign Tourist Arrival (FTA) with 0.68% share of Global FTA. This blog
attempts to solve this riddle by analysis cum evaluation of government’s
efforts towards the same and provide a way forward to increase FTA in India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Why does India suffer
from lack of Sanitation?<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is partly a problem of <i>poor infrastructure</i> of household
toilets, community toilets, non-availability of water in the rural hinterland. A
sizeable population of India is living below the poverty line and lacks the
basic amenities such as water, house, food, toilets etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Partly, it is a <i>behavioral</i> problem. If we compare India
with sub-Sahara African </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">nations, most of the sub-Sahara African nations are way
behind India in terms of macroeconomic indicators such as GDP etc yet these
nations do not have such enormous open defecation problems. Researches have
suggested that apart from poor infrastructure, India’s rigid caste system has
acted as a catalyst to the problem of increase in open defecation. Toilet’s Pit
emptying is assumed to be done by lower cast people and looked down upon by
upper caste hindus’. Thus, merely setting up of toilets does not offer a
comprehensive solution to the issue of open defecation. It needs participation
of a large number of NGO’s and due diligence by the district administrative
workforce to cause change in behavior and encourage use of toilets. For
example, in Rajasthan, district administration workforce has formed effective
links with the local community to alter behavior and to meet the water needs by
District authorities incentivized the participating villages to compete with
each other to make villages open defecation free at the earliest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Spiraling effects of lack of Sanitation in India<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In view of the above, in 2014,
World Bank had called India the hotbed of open defecation. India accounts for
60% global population that defecates in the open. The practice of Open
Defecation is harmful to the entire community as it pollutes the underground
water and increases the risk of water-borne diseases such as Diarrhea etc. In
2014, 300 million cases and 0.3 million deaths due to diarrhea were reported in
children under 5 years of age (RGI 2014). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQpi255GqK-4TValHOlLcBHBIR0T29Xru5LixGRFsObbqTEDR9Lo0ts1TbupRitTrBB7x8-HTKxUNxONRbYSmOXx_BkjofhKZgkMgP3tVskmQ3AhLnyknuwdawxBi56LO-ZJ1LOeVe632/s1600/www.nhp.gov.in+DIARRHEA_NEW-ONE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Symptoms and Impact of Diarrhea | Source: www.nhp.gov.in" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQpi255GqK-4TValHOlLcBHBIR0T29Xru5LixGRFsObbqTEDR9Lo0ts1TbupRitTrBB7x8-HTKxUNxONRbYSmOXx_BkjofhKZgkMgP3tVskmQ3AhLnyknuwdawxBi56LO-ZJ1LOeVe632/s640/www.nhp.gov.in+DIARRHEA_NEW-ONE.png" title="Symptoms and Impact of Diarrhea | Source: www.nhp.gov.in" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Symptoms and Impact of Diarrhea | Source: www.nhp.gov.in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the face of low penetration of
health insurance in India (only about 20% population is covered), citizens are
left to fend for themselves to spend their precious savings on healthcare
costs. This leads to catastrophic health expenditure by the poor citizens. It
has been estimated that 70% of urban households’ total out-of-pocket expenditure
is on health while it is 80% for rural households.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and its objectives <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In light of the above situation, PM
Modi had announced Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) on 15<sup>th</sup> August 2014 from
the ramparts of Red Fort. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a pan India cleanliness
campaign that aims to make India Open Defecation Free by 2<sup>nd</sup> Oct 2019
ie. On 150<sup>th</sup> birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. It may be
remembered that Gandhiji did not feel shy of cleaning the surroundings and
toilets being used by others. Thus, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) is inspired
from the noble deeds of Father of the nation. Even the logo of campaign has the
spectacles depicting that of Gandhiji. Thus, SBA includes building household
toilets, community toilets, addressing solid waste management as well as liquid
waste management. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1027"
type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:468pt;height:336.75pt'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/acer/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image005.png"
o:title="PMindia.gov.in celebrity participation"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJf7dldgKkURgDIvDT8YQf05OJldUEvrCcMYfkUAlLwkZ-VpNrbtlkZXf35fzB-fOoc_Bm1oZxwynnG1exCEMCftW956mzE57X-94L6Tc1Y7tngKXKZ5ovWtz92Bry__Rp0jN0qrEQm_K/s1600/PMindia.gov.in+celebrity+participation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sachin Tendulkar, Amitabh Bachchan, Saina Nehwal and other celebrities participating in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan" border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJf7dldgKkURgDIvDT8YQf05OJldUEvrCcMYfkUAlLwkZ-VpNrbtlkZXf35fzB-fOoc_Bm1oZxwynnG1exCEMCftW956mzE57X-94L6Tc1Y7tngKXKZ5ovWtz92Bry__Rp0jN0qrEQm_K/s400/PMindia.gov.in+celebrity+participation.png" title="Sachin Tendulkar, Amitabh Bachchan, Saina Nehwal and other celebrities participating in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sachin Tendulkar, Amitabh Bachchan, Saina Nehwal and other celebrities participating in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Under the Indian Constitution,
Public health and sanitation is mentioned in Entry 6 of State list and Water is
mentioned in entry 17 of the same list. However, water also finds a mention in
Entry 56 of Union List. So it requires effective coordination between States
and centre to fulfill the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcXU2ZHrmrQ1W9QpbryN7B4TSBtC9EWjgUnTTeURtPQU6jY283pydc28OdOFFHObzeiiLupS_Sirl4Xt1xENXhcy7EkvNUtWS2lwpZfEs6lQec19z_tR5gWc2lBuZ3n_ujPtV38HlskkP/s1600/Final-Swachh-bharat-MIB-Google%252B-Cover-Page_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Logo- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan" border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcXU2ZHrmrQ1W9QpbryN7B4TSBtC9EWjgUnTTeURtPQU6jY283pydc28OdOFFHObzeiiLupS_Sirl4Xt1xENXhcy7EkvNUtWS2lwpZfEs6lQec19z_tR5gWc2lBuZ3n_ujPtV38HlskkP/s400/Final-Swachh-bharat-MIB-Google%252B-Cover-Page_01.jpg" title="Logo- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Logo- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Swachh Bharat Mission has the
following 7 key objectives:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Elimination
of Open Defecation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Eradication
of Manual scavenging<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Modern
and scientific municipal solid waste management<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Behavioral
change regarding healthy sanitation practices<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Awareness
about sanitation and its linkage to public health.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Capacity
augmentation of Urban Local Bodies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Enabling
environment for private sector participation in CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) and
OPEX (Operation and maintenance expenditure)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Additionally, the financial
structure has also been clearly spelled out. It requires cooperation from the
states as well as private sector participation for sharing financial
requirements as well as planning and execution of the campaign in adequate
measure. Swachh Bharat Cess is being levied to partly meet finances of the
campaign.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thus, policymakers have done
their part in making the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan policy now it remains to be seen
that the due results take place through effective district administration and
efficient coordination amongst government and private stakeholders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This was mentioned in my earlier <a href="http://drggsaxena.blogspot.in/2014/10/Swachata-Abhiyan.html">post</a> as
well. Thus, 2 years into the campaign, it needs to be seen if India can be made
Open Defecation Free by 2<sup>nd</sup> October 2019 as planned by the incumbent
central government. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgRDLrGCB-hzIUiSJoAnq99LGKqAL3k3pVMJLVWUrnHQch30r-3cp0tJsYw4z4PKoxwTHVdxr52NyVPm8mdIbPZhtcQOsfLWzJDJRgCh1ffnVjI9nG8qDCEB7Toz6GQvyvWXjiDuex7Z-/s1600/swachhbharat.mygov.in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Swachh Bharat Abhiyan- Making India Open Defecation Free" border="0" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgRDLrGCB-hzIUiSJoAnq99LGKqAL3k3pVMJLVWUrnHQch30r-3cp0tJsYw4z4PKoxwTHVdxr52NyVPm8mdIbPZhtcQOsfLWzJDJRgCh1ffnVjI9nG8qDCEB7Toz6GQvyvWXjiDuex7Z-/s400/swachhbharat.mygov.in.jpg" title="Swachh Bharat Abhiyan- Making India Open Defecation Free" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swachh Bharat Abhiyan- Making India Open Defecation Free</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Accomplishments of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is reported that out of
6,40,000 villages in India, 54,000 villages have been made open defecation
free. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">NSSO conducted survey of 73,176
rural households, 41,538 urban households in 3788 villages and 2907 urban
blocks in May 2015. Following were the findings: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->13% villages have community toilets <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->42% urban wards have community toilets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->36% urban area wards have proper liquid waste
management system<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->36% villages have pakki naali and 19% have
katchi naali<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->78% urban area wards have a system of street
cleaning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>95% persons in rural areas are using sanitary
toilets in their household or community <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>98% persons in urban areas are using sanitary
toilets in their household or community<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are other parameters on
which the performance of SBA can be judged. It can be safely concluded that
within 2 years of the scheme, there have been significant gains with respect to
infrastructure augmentation as well as behavioral change. However, the efforts
need to be multiplied manifold to achieve the target of Open defecation free
India in the remaining 3 years. It requires a greater level of dedication and
commitment to the noble cause not just from Governments at the centre and
states but also proactive engagement by private sector under corporate social
responsibility, other non-governmental organizations and participation of each
and every citizen. This has also been stated by the various Brand Ambassadors
of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Thus, we should all take a pledge:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. I
shall not spit in public and discourage others from doing so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">2. I shall not litter in public and discourage
others from doing so.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. I shall not urinate in open areas and
discourage others from doing so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4. I shall not encroach area.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5. I shall not write anything on monuments of
historic significance and discourage others from doing so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6. I shall use Swachh Bharat Abhiyan stamps whenever I send correspondence to other places.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If each of us follow the pledge, we shall serve
ourselves and the community.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most importantly, we will be able to sleep
satisfactorily.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2wl3a3SbCnv20pPRm0V2k_pVaEW2wGnJ-fGLZZkjbUA0QWPJohrec_DmYAjbY-xzlbX2KViOVFz2Gwh54BAxqhpFm7BmwUJwa1e0oKM0HuC6eM1lD7RaWnm63PudI3OsXAPunyU6fzKn/s1600/SwachBharathStamp33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Swachh Bharat Abhiyan stamps" border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2wl3a3SbCnv20pPRm0V2k_pVaEW2wGnJ-fGLZZkjbUA0QWPJohrec_DmYAjbY-xzlbX2KViOVFz2Gwh54BAxqhpFm7BmwUJwa1e0oKM0HuC6eM1lD7RaWnm63PudI3OsXAPunyU6fzKn/s400/SwachBharathStamp33.jpg" title="Swachh Bharat Abhiyan stamps" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swachh Bharat Abhiyan stamps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Swachh Sarvekshan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ministry of Urban Development
conducted a survey of 73 cities with over 10 lakh population under Swachh
Bharat Abhiyan, called the Swachh Sarvekshan. The parameters were as follows: <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->How cities propose to stop ODF<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->How cities plan to integrate solid waste
management<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Communication strategies adopted by cities for
behavioral change through information dissemination and education<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Systems adopted for sweeping, door-to-door
collection and transportation of waste<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Efficiency in processing and waste disposal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Deployment of public and community toilets<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> ·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Progress in construction of individual household
toilets<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The 5 most clean cities were: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Mysuru
(Karnataka)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Chandigarh<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Tiruchirapalli
(Tamil Nadu)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->New
Delhi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Vishakhapatna
(Andhra Pradesh)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There were other cities out of
the 73 surveyed that were found lacking in the Swachh Sarvekshan parameters and
ended at the bottom of the ranking ladder such as :</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Meerut
(Uttar Pradesh), </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Patna
(Bihar), </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Itanagar
(Arunachal Pradesh), </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Asansol
(West Bengal) and </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Dhanbad
(Jharkhand).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ParaAttribute0" style="line-height: 107%;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bhopal
city makes an interesting case in the success stories of SBA. Citizen groups in
Bhopal city have not only voluntarily taken up the task to clean slum areas but
are also decorating the walls of the slums and making visually attractive
graffiti.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="ParaAttribute0" style="line-height: 107%; margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Source: </span><a href="http://mospi.nic.in/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">http://mospi.nic.in</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Swachh Paryatan mobile app </b>has been launched by Min. of Tourism
wherein, domestic and foreign tourists can flag issues related to cleanliness
in and around 25 ASI protected monuments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Swachh Paryatan App home screen" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQlvdBbJ0V2Ul9V6sf4bfJzarjC3cmiHTFfhIiGJWwWFnw0rNa7F0lrwJHwHgybCX2Gqp91ER_StJwG6e6VroZkbp72izcbErvK_gZ0ufkSl2nEQm73e0aCQp9VqLjFOkj2aK1jOBDwNt/s400/Screenshot_2016-10-02-16-19-05.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Swachh Paryatan App home screen" width="223" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swachh Paryatan App home screen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXFaKBZaj7bsRqEXKR5AkvdLYnbdg6SeBsfnMFuIupqMLsWpiYyzOmzTu_wmW9OBaLohiLeCQwn9p53IBrlzjesU_Z-0Bcx8W9qjeMYtGdZFsVCrkV4_F4o7Mt5PBGYMrsS7vX7NkE4MC/s1600/Screenshot_2016-10-02-16-19-08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Swachh Paryatan App screen 2" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXFaKBZaj7bsRqEXKR5AkvdLYnbdg6SeBsfnMFuIupqMLsWpiYyzOmzTu_wmW9OBaLohiLeCQwn9p53IBrlzjesU_Z-0Bcx8W9qjeMYtGdZFsVCrkV4_F4o7Mt5PBGYMrsS7vX7NkE4MC/s400/Screenshot_2016-10-02-16-19-08.png" title="Swachh Paryatan App screen 2" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Swachh Paryatan App screen 2</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These include Humayun’s tomb, Red
Fort and Qutub minar in Delhi, Taj Mahal in Agra, Rani ki vav in Gujarat,
Kumbhalgarh fort in Rajasthan, Hampi in Karnataka, Konark temple in Odisha,
Thanjaur-Brihadesvara temple in Tamil Nadu etc. If the feedback given by the
users is acted upon promptly, it can lead to cleaner heritage sites of India. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">[The app can be downloaded at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.org.degs.swachhparyatanapp]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This blog is the second part in
the series of Government schemes directly/indirectly affecting tourism in
India. The <a href="http://drggsaxena.blogspot.in/2016/09/impact-of-e-tourism-visa-scheme-on.html'">first</a>
part was analysis of impact of <a href="http://drggsaxena.blogspot.in/2016/09/impact-of-e-tourism-visa-scheme-on.html">E-Tourist
Visa scheme on Tourism sector in India</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Drhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670866659616311805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991394347888798516.post-56573574718491628152016-09-28T14:13:00.002+05:302016-09-30T03:09:20.484+05:30Impact of e-Tourism Visa scheme on Tourism sector in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
World Tourism Day is celebrated
on 27 September to foster awareness among the national and international
community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and
economic value. The theme of this year’s World Tourism day is <b>Tourism for All: Promoting Universal
Accessibility</b> with Thailand as the host nation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsOZpQSbmCal9Ip8Pe__mBHYL_noKlv9IdrwbTz2tcBb4c2pIBFH_9HkBZFm6_c9bjxMYhR4AGEx74euV6GiSxX3qtOz9ntEE-4NmGWoNBDPAmN4s4QTDNJwU9XsL1eWMLEwUycgTnxWb/s1600/wtd-header+tourism+for+all+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="World Tourism Day 2016- Universal Accessibility" border="0" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsOZpQSbmCal9Ip8Pe__mBHYL_noKlv9IdrwbTz2tcBb4c2pIBFH_9HkBZFm6_c9bjxMYhR4AGEx74euV6GiSxX3qtOz9ntEE-4NmGWoNBDPAmN4s4QTDNJwU9XsL1eWMLEwUycgTnxWb/s320/wtd-header+tourism+for+all+2016.jpg" title="World Tourism Day 2016- Universal Accessibility" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World Tourism Day 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Tourism is an engine for growth
of a nation. As per Government of India website, on every Rs. 1 million spent
on tourism, employment for 78 citizens is generated. With the same amount of
investment, Manufacturing sector generates 45 jobs and agriculture generates 18
jobs. India ranks 42<sup>nd</sup> in
Global FTA with 0.68% share of Global FTA, though India ranks 8<sup>th</sup> in
natural resources and 24<sup>th</sup> in cultural resources globally. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iWqUkeMY8n7HnVUW6BxmBTByWm5Pm0BDZKuwAph1Kayp5FhAaiIUOn8p41uMT-OfgKHPbqBbWbdOj-GlGw0Xkl0dmh1Lryw-W35p6ocmoZqM4vvH81pVCUDYnXH2GPlOBR7HcdIoc_AB/s1600/1024px-Taj_Mahal%252C_Agra%252C_India_edit3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Taj Mahal: UNESCO World Heritage site" border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iWqUkeMY8n7HnVUW6BxmBTByWm5Pm0BDZKuwAph1Kayp5FhAaiIUOn8p41uMT-OfgKHPbqBbWbdOj-GlGw0Xkl0dmh1Lryw-W35p6ocmoZqM4vvH81pVCUDYnXH2GPlOBR7HcdIoc_AB/s320/1024px-Taj_Mahal%252C_Agra%252C_India_edit3.jpg" title="Taj Mahal: UNESCO World Heritage site" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taj Mahal- the Jewel of muslim art in India<br />
Source: wikipedia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It can be
understood that safety, security, hygiene, sanitation, last mile connectivity,
rigid visa regime could have been the factors behind the dismal share in global
FTA. Since Narendra Modi led NDA government came to power in May 2014, we have
witnessed various high voltage campaigns and schemes across various sectors of
the economy such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Make in India, Digital India,
Startup India, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana etc. In the tourism sector,
E-Tourist visa, Hunar se Zaika, Smart city, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan etc have the
potential to positively affect the Indian economy in direct and indirect ways.
Through this blog, we shall bring to your notice whether such tourism sectors
schemes are doing as well as they had promised. This is important as there has
always existed in the gap between policy announcement and its execution. For
example, Govt of India had targeted 1 billion FTA by end of 12<sup>th</sup>
Five Year plan which needed an increase in annual growth rate from 8% to 12%
from 2012 onwards. However, such ambitious targets were not achieved. In this
post, we shall talk about the impact of e-tourist visa on the tourism sector.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Impact of E-Tourist visa scheme: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
E-tourist visa scheme was started
on 27<sup>th</sup> November 2014 and met with great success of 1200% increase
in FTA through this scheme. It offers convenience to the incoming tourists with
flexibility to plan their trips to India. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvPCuvGqcNn6YnQawd3pVijeNVvloKLJclAS8WbPAgfDucgVB14qm50fsDu1KB_n4lypque2Y1xdupltrqKgzAOwtyzqjAOY5Ukc-b5FvOSMFJg5TMR049c-vSem4YKWnMz_wV0l0Ctmq/s1600/tourist-visa2015-inner-new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="E-Tourist Visa Scheme" border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvPCuvGqcNn6YnQawd3pVijeNVvloKLJclAS8WbPAgfDucgVB14qm50fsDu1KB_n4lypque2Y1xdupltrqKgzAOwtyzqjAOY5Ukc-b5FvOSMFJg5TMR049c-vSem4YKWnMz_wV0l0Ctmq/s320/tourist-visa2015-inner-new.jpg" title="E-Tourist Visa Scheme" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">e-Tourist Visa scheme launched in 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Since its inception almost 7.5
lakh E-tourist visas have been issued and 4.4 lakh tourists arrived on E-visa.
The year 2015 witnessed a growth of 4.5% FTA and a growth of 9% in Foreign
Exchange Earnings (in terms of Rupees and not dollars).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Here is a comparison of the
number of Foreign Tourist Arrival (FTA) in India for the years 2014 and 2015.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right">
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 125.75pt;" valign="top" width="168"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>FTA
in 2014<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 139.5pt;" valign="top" width="186"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>FTA
in 2015<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.25pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>%age
change in FTA 2014-15<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 125.75pt;" valign="top" width="168"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
7.5 million<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 139.5pt;" valign="top" width="186"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
8 million<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.25pt;" valign="top" width="270"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
6%<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
On the whole, we can see that
there has not been a great gap in the FTA before and after the scheme was
launched. This is partly because there are only 16 airports where this facility
can be availed. Though this scheme is now available to 150 countries. There is
no option of renewing the visa or extending it due to which foreign tourists
who are here for a prolonged treatment are not able to stay for a long time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Nonetheless this has been a good
initiative and can be extended to more airports and major ports in the years to
come. It has shown promise and is a bright spot in the growth story of tourism
in India. It is bound to have a spread effect on the entire tourism sector including Bed and Breakfast accommodations which foster cultural exchange between Bed and Breakfast host and guest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kindly share your views in the comment box about the scheme and how
it can be made more lucrative for India’s tourism sector.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In the next part, I shall discuss
the impact of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on the tourism sector in India. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Drhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670866659616311805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991394347888798516.post-29777346706110302492014-10-24T20:39:00.001+05:302014-10-24T20:39:45.122+05:30Religious Tourism in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Definition
of religious tourism<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Religious tourism can be defined as travel with the core motive of experiencing religious forms or ancillary products such as art, culture, etc. India is an ancient civilization and boasts of rich cultural and religious heritage. In this blog, we shall analyze the International scenario of religious tourism and the scope of religious tourism in India. It is also referred to as Faith tourism.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">International
scenario of Religious tourism:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a sector, religious tourism is not well researched and documented. But in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Israel, religious tourism is the most significant type of Tourism and consequently, the Authorities measure it as a clearly defined activity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Saudi Arabia:</b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More than 7 million pilgrims visit Saudi Arabia's holy sites every year with religious tourists spending about USD 10,000 per visit. The revenue from the pilgrims to the holy city of Makkah, Madinah and other religious sites in the kingdom, accounts for about 3% of the kingdom's Gross Domestic product.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwXdNv1C0ogVDe-Sx7o8pDSDo2yt405ErQyPLIiTngmHsKexu9T2OyKRmM8Ikcu21LlxBLCukJafPo-BFhXp3t9JDrj8XC64IRwB5KnoMXB7WX_kLHS0rg5WoTRDoZPbcL5R9VCQ0_4WB/s1600/beautiful-mecca-city-hd-wallpaper-wallpaper-google-maps-saudi-arabia-makkah-beautiful-mecca-city-hd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Mecca- Saudi Arabia" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwXdNv1C0ogVDe-Sx7o8pDSDo2yt405ErQyPLIiTngmHsKexu9T2OyKRmM8Ikcu21LlxBLCukJafPo-BFhXp3t9JDrj8XC64IRwB5KnoMXB7WX_kLHS0rg5WoTRDoZPbcL5R9VCQ0_4WB/s1600/beautiful-mecca-city-hd-wallpaper-wallpaper-google-maps-saudi-arabia-makkah-beautiful-mecca-city-hd.jpg" height="250" title="Mecca- Saudi Arabia" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mecca- Saudi Arabia</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Israel: </i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2013, more than 3.5 million tourists visited Israel. Twenty-two percent defined the goal of their visit to Israel as a pilgrimage which accounts for almost 0.77 million religious tourists.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WcmcPCkdA3T2tD3TuCaeoUl-c9njRUDlXSRprfYFgSJ1rPYZ_yGDTaXNP_NeC9t92eGxF2T0nNi1s1qwIW4eBHIcmFeXPMWL6Y_dUD8gWZKHrGuk6v2KNsuVy1u8AWeywRrF046QH6i3/s1600/Jerusalem_Dome_of_the_rock_BW_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jerusalem- Israel" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WcmcPCkdA3T2tD3TuCaeoUl-c9njRUDlXSRprfYFgSJ1rPYZ_yGDTaXNP_NeC9t92eGxF2T0nNi1s1qwIW4eBHIcmFeXPMWL6Y_dUD8gWZKHrGuk6v2KNsuVy1u8AWeywRrF046QH6i3/s1600/Jerusalem_Dome_of_the_rock_BW_1.JPG" height="267" title="Jerusalem- Israel" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Jerusalem- Israel</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Religious
tourism in India: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">India is a land
of pilgrimages. India has the unique distinction of being the birth-place of
four important religions of the world – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and
Sikhism. Practically, all religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism , Sikhism and
Sufism have their major and minor pilgrimage centers in different parts of the
country. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><!--EndFragment--></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsXkJz5F0BV9kFLb1kA3UvUUS-Ds5BeVdhdrPTHBPZpf35o-mkCdpVrfTrvE7zpqEx6gLW7mEjoLQv51LbkJz7X4sKaiUhoBsf4IpddbapRgsHG1GwiqYE60uGJt31g6u18NDK2jXI9K6/s1600/varanasi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Varanasi- Banaras" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsXkJz5F0BV9kFLb1kA3UvUUS-Ds5BeVdhdrPTHBPZpf35o-mkCdpVrfTrvE7zpqEx6gLW7mEjoLQv51LbkJz7X4sKaiUhoBsf4IpddbapRgsHG1GwiqYE60uGJt31g6u18NDK2jXI9K6/s1600/varanasi.jpg" height="195" title="Varanasi- Banaras" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Varanasi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdi6H14Xsh2sWsHTwzlVs0hGwLpgvLlRwHKv3eR87O7XTKNmGdVKZdZy-O8Fsova6oOvhPS6vt6bIOgqpzzNcB2gU1fnOYQnQ_tIlE4Kl1B_mp4ykecDemqdrb7LzHw1QuuUm2HwAvIQm/s1600/sun-temple-konark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Sun Temple- Konark" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdi6H14Xsh2sWsHTwzlVs0hGwLpgvLlRwHKv3eR87O7XTKNmGdVKZdZy-O8Fsova6oOvhPS6vt6bIOgqpzzNcB2gU1fnOYQnQ_tIlE4Kl1B_mp4ykecDemqdrb7LzHw1QuuUm2HwAvIQm/s1600/sun-temple-konark.jpg" height="195" title="Sun Temple- Konark" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Sun Temple- Konark</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5s4qIO8KpahUO4SaNdrnDtvFNh5Z-mcglA4QEinVsSGeSHLxuhXZFtMupipTK84tLOn2O_C3G4HPTz2UcHDq0aoN0x6AplF6bwF0YeCxWBxxL9f2D6xuEhVbSvvm5RRGap6uROKtd0Tr/s1600/vaishno-devi-temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mata Vaishnodevi " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5s4qIO8KpahUO4SaNdrnDtvFNh5Z-mcglA4QEinVsSGeSHLxuhXZFtMupipTK84tLOn2O_C3G4HPTz2UcHDq0aoN0x6AplF6bwF0YeCxWBxxL9f2D6xuEhVbSvvm5RRGap6uROKtd0Tr/s1600/vaishno-devi-temple.jpg" height="197" title="Mata Vaishnodevi " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Mata Vaishnodevi </span></td></tr>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apart from the holy rivers and the Teerth Sthanas, India also houses the Shakti Peeths, the Jyotirlingas as well as the four sacred shrines of Adi Shankaracharya in the four corners of the country. Some important circuits based on the importance of the religious places can be identified.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to a recent annual report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), 2014 is expected to be a year of "Above-average growth" for travel and tourism in India. WTTC's annual Economic Impact report 2014 for India shows Travel and tourism's economic contribution is expected to grow by 7.3% this year, outperforming the general economy by 2.5 percentage points. Revenue from domestic tourism is expected to increase by 8.2% this year compared to 5.1% in 2013, the report noted. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Initiatives taken by the Government to boost Religious Tourism in India: </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a view to overcome challenges, facilitate travel to and stay at religious places, the Ministry of Tourism has already identified 35 destinations in phase I and shall cover another 89 destinations in phase II.<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The historic places associated with these religions are spread all over the country. Both foreign and domestic tourists would like to visit more than one place of their religion if proper planning and requisite facilitate are made available to them. These religious circuits would cover Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh and Sufi circuits.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Integrated Tourism Circuits:</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buddhist
Circuit:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Buddhism</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CKOxGOTdhmyHvgwQBOLjP4JZjlVZ1k1Km9_ebrnhXELs3ZpfZ-N4qRKwZ8AcCvQJ3djRAkkg5TP8f4AyEVkd8dY7HIFJwvmEsyJKmDVIzBMAt0hdbmatyeKcIXGEpS5Fc_lJXgCW3TRB/s1600/Buddhist+circuit1.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Buddhist circuit 1" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CKOxGOTdhmyHvgwQBOLjP4JZjlVZ1k1Km9_ebrnhXELs3ZpfZ-N4qRKwZ8AcCvQJ3djRAkkg5TP8f4AyEVkd8dY7HIFJwvmEsyJKmDVIzBMAt0hdbmatyeKcIXGEpS5Fc_lJXgCW3TRB/s1600/Buddhist+circuit1.png" height="73" title="Buddhist circuit 1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Buddhist circuit 1</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Buddhist circuit 2</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Buddhist circuit 3</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jain Tourist Circuit:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiRp1fYi1ara4lknt5dpyMqdAHVhPL0svcbcWGp6ACqFAwBOGuTnSqjQYC9WDxWOrbIkM-yCDxyeIEPxaKCDKwqkqbJyP0VAG-04vHMOsmx0EkC5En3Hhws6gf84XzclRx6w_nHW5zIlj/s1600/Jain_Temple_Ranakpur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jain temple" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiRp1fYi1ara4lknt5dpyMqdAHVhPL0svcbcWGp6ACqFAwBOGuTnSqjQYC9WDxWOrbIkM-yCDxyeIEPxaKCDKwqkqbJyP0VAG-04vHMOsmx0EkC5En3Hhws6gf84XzclRx6w_nHW5zIlj/s1600/Jain_Temple_Ranakpur.jpg" height="181" title="Jain temple" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Jain temple</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEkqxG2Cn6hK2CHJQmQqQsXnsRrphWdZdyVqYOsd_qVCLnoRlAjoKqrIaOUhpzyvjtwadZ7rqPN3ypAjEY_gG_kxWL7MkWEjXZFdaBqUMBHY3PvoDA3a06X8mL1IbQDdGJ4La5ewtjibx/s1600/Jain+circuit1.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jain Tourist circuit 1" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEkqxG2Cn6hK2CHJQmQqQsXnsRrphWdZdyVqYOsd_qVCLnoRlAjoKqrIaOUhpzyvjtwadZ7rqPN3ypAjEY_gG_kxWL7MkWEjXZFdaBqUMBHY3PvoDA3a06X8mL1IbQDdGJ4La5ewtjibx/s1600/Jain+circuit1.png" height="73" title="Jain Tourist circuit 1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Jain Tourist circuit 1</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjyPAnwGEeWgx2RkwdOqBd5yzM8sjFbMu80qZkqzS0BGt9ve6SOZVOP66etExLy5YI3E8s-70C3pcl4P1EF5D7Lwuf3xCaZGVKRbd0QOToK6ThTzKPZi6MBCaaR9UR3GEGo0rXmnS1BDu/s1600/Jain+circuit2.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jain Tourist circuit 2" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjyPAnwGEeWgx2RkwdOqBd5yzM8sjFbMu80qZkqzS0BGt9ve6SOZVOP66etExLy5YI3E8s-70C3pcl4P1EF5D7Lwuf3xCaZGVKRbd0QOToK6ThTzKPZi6MBCaaR9UR3GEGo0rXmnS1BDu/s1600/Jain+circuit2.png" height="73" title="Jain Tourist circuit 2" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Jain Tourist circuit 2</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Jain Tourist circuit 3</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOzm_jSIgTvh2rVqWLTGbsEl50PdAVeS0MOaZ2VcL6vyIOfrvTXPdrOpyag4KeMElHORNOCc4f2uNPFpwHB2qk9Jwn6oPyd92_hyHflLwaTDHvjIRloQmHCjr6SyUE1eIr-eEtJOSthSd/s1600/Jain+circuit4.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jain Tourist circuit 4" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOzm_jSIgTvh2rVqWLTGbsEl50PdAVeS0MOaZ2VcL6vyIOfrvTXPdrOpyag4KeMElHORNOCc4f2uNPFpwHB2qk9Jwn6oPyd92_hyHflLwaTDHvjIRloQmHCjr6SyUE1eIr-eEtJOSthSd/s1600/Jain+circuit4.png" height="73" title="Jain Tourist circuit 4" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Jain Tourist circuit 4</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sufi Tourist Circuit:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWf2UaaQyin7v8UwMX1wu3CwC_8rF1oyuVISHNtAletTYIRRI-HwcTIQdVmrBh8wqtq6HUv1jIXm6lgbGX-lZd8vpfrM2MwAsBFg27cbbm-kiD8WcC0nG-5jSHFuxKBbkcUKQ5rDwpLk5/s1600/Sufi+circuit1.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sufi Tourist circuit 1" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWf2UaaQyin7v8UwMX1wu3CwC_8rF1oyuVISHNtAletTYIRRI-HwcTIQdVmrBh8wqtq6HUv1jIXm6lgbGX-lZd8vpfrM2MwAsBFg27cbbm-kiD8WcC0nG-5jSHFuxKBbkcUKQ5rDwpLk5/s1600/Sufi+circuit1.png" height="73" title="Sufi Tourist circuit 1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Sufi Tourist circuit 1</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfExpBOQnbD2uwdpcoSGTXG-FxDuFSHFfDJTGQflNjBVsVgxRds9GmY16nil6UYo1m9LQ4VagRkGDiWuu2q5DlY76QIdquQzpRAVGq6fWvWDU_O7rie4i57shz7i65XoOiHtnk9YY0loCr/s1600/Sufi+circuit2.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sufi Tourist circuit 2" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfExpBOQnbD2uwdpcoSGTXG-FxDuFSHFfDJTGQflNjBVsVgxRds9GmY16nil6UYo1m9LQ4VagRkGDiWuu2q5DlY76QIdquQzpRAVGq6fWvWDU_O7rie4i57shz7i65XoOiHtnk9YY0loCr/s1600/Sufi+circuit2.png" height="73" title="Sufi Tourist circuit 2" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Sufi Tourist circuit 2</span></td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hinduism Tourist Circuit:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Hinduism</span></td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGD27jG9AfMX1IjUzYghgTvUXllxBdHuGyKieH9He6HsS02htVM5eOQLhgVjlDzcQW2799chIMpNsu6FHIdQe7ZRzkLVaMBDrE3EgVeeVK0YlWr-dYp3_1DstSLJGl1qtS2ffGlFnnl6g/s1600/Hinduism+circuit1.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hinduism tourist circuit 1" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGD27jG9AfMX1IjUzYghgTvUXllxBdHuGyKieH9He6HsS02htVM5eOQLhgVjlDzcQW2799chIMpNsu6FHIdQe7ZRzkLVaMBDrE3EgVeeVK0YlWr-dYp3_1DstSLJGl1qtS2ffGlFnnl6g/s1600/Hinduism+circuit1.png" height="73" title="Hinduism tourist circuit 1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Hinduism tourist circuit 1</span></td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvg5FqqJTk-Cy1jDGW2t0m35vVH8ay-ijpKRzPnIrlpqM2rEIPQ9UW7MojrWXdUws7s2En2GcGDhA_s5W77W_KFIEaISUpTJenhyfLWiOaBMa-X996WEKkRKE7L16A2FLu2ksoAZfg6T4/s1600/Hinduism+circuit2.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hinduism tourist circuit 2" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvg5FqqJTk-Cy1jDGW2t0m35vVH8ay-ijpKRzPnIrlpqM2rEIPQ9UW7MojrWXdUws7s2En2GcGDhA_s5W77W_KFIEaISUpTJenhyfLWiOaBMa-X996WEKkRKE7L16A2FLu2ksoAZfg6T4/s1600/Hinduism+circuit2.png" height="73" title="Hinduism tourist circuit 2" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Hinduism tourist circuit 2</span></td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Hinduism tourist circuit 3</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarv Dharam Tourist Circuit:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhut4DTKWjIHZCiey-aZOGl7gJ3CEWFrqmsjR2FJWIimNPUc8LJl9kNsGh6W1ZD9Ul_KKmwxPZ77IW9fiLAqe2qe8woayukNesIgWqjNJUUS4HT6iy7uwwgyhklrSBcr0f-U1BwYvCdis8F/s1600/Sarv+Dharam+circuit1.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sarv Dharam tourist circuit 1" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhut4DTKWjIHZCiey-aZOGl7gJ3CEWFrqmsjR2FJWIimNPUc8LJl9kNsGh6W1ZD9Ul_KKmwxPZ77IW9fiLAqe2qe8woayukNesIgWqjNJUUS4HT6iy7uwwgyhklrSBcr0f-U1BwYvCdis8F/s1600/Sarv+Dharam+circuit1.png" height="73" title="Sarv Dharam tourist circuit 1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Sarv Dharam tourist circuit 1</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKfU7yfVyiXqdrOv9ESq_F-b5ojpnYwDsmMa5K5swzwMyY_7S2dy50azOmPC4CG-lFuNmu6_cwA27EzrwKHqLmftJCc5ozRjUVYa94W8V9wGsdwzBw69_-JxMkt9hUC20KkP0AIx7ZiCX/s1600/Sarv+Dharam+circuit2.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sarv Dharam tourist circuit 2" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKfU7yfVyiXqdrOv9ESq_F-b5ojpnYwDsmMa5K5swzwMyY_7S2dy50azOmPC4CG-lFuNmu6_cwA27EzrwKHqLmftJCc5ozRjUVYa94W8V9wGsdwzBw69_-JxMkt9hUC20KkP0AIx7ZiCX/s1600/Sarv+Dharam+circuit2.png" height="73" title="Sarv Dharam tourist circuit 2" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Sarv Dharam tourist circuit 2</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #404040; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are other Religious tourist circuits in
the pipeline as well such as National mission on pilgrimage, rejuvenation and
spiritual augmentation drive (Prasad) and a national heritage city development
and augmentation yojana (Hriday). “Hriday” will be launched in Mathura,
Amritsar, Gaya, Kanchipuram, Vellankani and Ajmer this year. He further added
that “Sarnath-Gaya-Varanasi Buddhist” circuit would be developed with
“world-class tourist amenities” to attract tourists from all over the world. He
also said that services provided by Indian tour operators to foreign tourists
in relation to a tour wholly conducted outside India will be taken out of the
tax net to promote tourism. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Scope of Bed and Breakfast scheme in Religious Tourism in India: </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During
my PhD thesis on Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Delhi, survey revealed that
tourists who come for a pilgrimage or for visit to monuments or business or
outdoor activities do not necessary need the facilities which are only
available in regular hotels like spa, round the clock restaurant, gym etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, these Tourists certainly need
exchange of thoughts and one on one information with the host.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These tourists might prefer staying in
a Bed and Breakfast accommodation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkesGLB6cL-CWloIjuUpDs-fNbuv0mUBd9IfM3MJ_lcn0oGIDFkXU5NnVrTqpaqECDPq1PJih2WcgKbZReojW8crcVgHI5OLQXEBbFLGA5M1puQePdA9a0sHnyvk7yAdLk6zzNNUMow6y4/s1600/BnB+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bed and Breakfast " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkesGLB6cL-CWloIjuUpDs-fNbuv0mUBd9IfM3MJ_lcn0oGIDFkXU5NnVrTqpaqECDPq1PJih2WcgKbZReojW8crcVgHI5OLQXEBbFLGA5M1puQePdA9a0sHnyvk7yAdLk6zzNNUMow6y4/s1600/BnB+logo.png" height="170" title="Bed and Breakfast " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bed and Breakfast</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
reviewed </span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">48</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> BnB Units in which total </span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">16389</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Domestic tourists stayed. It is
surprising to observe that there is a large group of domestic tourists
numbering </span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5614</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> out of total of </span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">16389</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> preferred to stay in cheaper accommodation
having tariff range of </span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rs. 1000/- to Rs.2000/-.</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> They are generally the pilgrims
who come to Delhi to have darshan of shrines and hails to get an accommodation
in dharmshalas and sarais. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ideally
if a religious tourist wishes to visit Akshardham temple, then he would seek a
nearby BnB accommodation in East Delhi. Such B&B owners should be sure that
they have special arrangement of the followers of that faith like Swami Narain
group and the rooms should be so decorated that it looks as if these are the
rooms only meant for the followers of that faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Similarly, if it is near some mosque or some dargah like
Nizamuddin Aulia dargah, then B&B owner may draw special attention of those
persons who come for prayers for Salim Chisti Sahib.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this purpose, they may make mention as to what are other
important religious or suffiana facilities are available nearby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Similarly, other owners who have a
famous Gurudwara nearby may attract tourists belonging to Sikh religion and so
on. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Concluding Remarks: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is very unfortunate that in some of the
religious places, hygiene and sanitation are not up to the mark. The tour
guides and touts are not generally tourist friendly. In a few religious
destinations, there is no last mile connectivity up to the shrines. It is upto
the local municipalities of the cities to deploy appropriate manpower for
cleanliness and educate the stakeholders near the shrines to make tourists
comfortable. There is a silver lining that the Swachchta Abhiyan and Smart
cities concept is likely to provide convenience and encourage inter-alia
religious tourists particularly NRI’s and other foreign tourists to visit
Indian shrines.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though Govt of India has taken the right
steps towards building a religious ecosystem in India but it remains to be seen
how the policies are developed and the benefits thereof. As someone passionate
about the tourism industry, I am keeping my fingers crossed hoping for the best
results. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Source:
<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Report of the Working Group on tourism, 12<sup>th</sup>
Five Year plan, Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Role of Bed and Breakfast scheme of Delhi in Development of Tourism in Delhi" Ph.D Thesis by Dr. G G Saxena</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://store.mintel.com/religious-and-pilgrimage-tourism-international-february-2012?cookie_test=true">http://store.mintel.com/religious-and-pilgrimage-tourism-international-february-2012?cookie_test=true</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.arabianbusiness.com/saudi-reaps-16-5bn-from-religious-tourism-484586.html">http://www.arabianbusiness.com/saudi-reaps-16-5bn-from-religious-tourism-484586.html</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4475168,00.html">http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4475168,00.html</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #003399; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://forbesindia.com/article/india-budget-2014/govts-protourism-vision-to-boost-travel-industry/38196/1#ixzz3Gu55zKnF">http://forbesindia.com/article/india-budget-2014/govts-protourism-vision-to-boost-travel-industry/38196/1#ixzz3Gu55zKnF</a></span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Diverse Beliefs: Tourism of Faith; Religious
Tourism gains ground; Report by FICCI and YES Bank Ltd.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Drhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670866659616311805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991394347888798516.post-47872778411424137812014-10-18T08:00:00.000+05:302014-10-22T22:50:58.800+05:30Expanding horizon of Medical Tourism in India: An opportunity for Bed and Breakfast too!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">While conducting a survey of
various Bed and Breakfast units, it was found that most of the B&B units do
not have viable business. The reasons for the same are not far to seek if we
analyze the data available on the Incredible India website and Immigration
reports.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mainly 3 types of tourists arrive
in India/Delhi:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Foreign
tourist who visit India for recreational purposes</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. General
category who come here for business/visiting friends or relatives etc.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Medical
tourists</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZ59QoShwElvhQELcDQswWH-dYJ2CkOeu4wnSYFejfG1slFnB3PFQJ5MK9O8suxXrlZuo1nWcvjfl652V5R2L9DeBStAwf234_xNadEMWBbSZI4bBsoAijbmKpyb0uiDA9aTkQjNCU2TK/s1600/disabled+icon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Medical Tourists Arrival in India" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZ59QoShwElvhQELcDQswWH-dYJ2CkOeu4wnSYFejfG1slFnB3PFQJ5MK9O8suxXrlZuo1nWcvjfl652V5R2L9DeBStAwf234_xNadEMWBbSZI4bBsoAijbmKpyb0uiDA9aTkQjNCU2TK/s1600/disabled+icon.png" height="400" title="Medical Tourists Arrival in India" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medical Tourists </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Out of 6.6 million FTA (2012
figures of Incredible India),</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">22.5% come for Business purposes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">27% come to visit
friends/relatives</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">27% come for leisure/holidays and
recreation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3ln23kbi44PwUUmujOcJWxVbnfICjxvQSL5Pnvkg1T7G348NynsxMA3mAIWSy8fkMFli8GdInWRknAT8sSs96sA9lBs1ll16RFMwpmBX1OU4xjjd5TjbuaTqBXFQcnKYtG6ebnhDXzkI/s1600/FTA+in+India.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Breakup of Foreign Tourist Arrival (FTA) in India" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3ln23kbi44PwUUmujOcJWxVbnfICjxvQSL5Pnvkg1T7G348NynsxMA3mAIWSy8fkMFli8GdInWRknAT8sSs96sA9lBs1ll16RFMwpmBX1OU4xjjd5TjbuaTqBXFQcnKYtG6ebnhDXzkI/s1600/FTA+in+India.png" height="196" title="Breakup of Foreign Tourist Arrival (FTA) in India" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakup of Foreign Tourist Arrival (FTA) in India</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">US leads the highest proportion
of tourists visiting friends and relatives (46%) followed by Australasia (42%)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Interestingly, China (65%) and
Japan (60%) top the list of tourist arrival for business purpose.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Medical Tourist Arrival in India<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The citizens of countries that
visit India for Medical purposes are mainly from Maldives (59% of 50,000
visitors), Nigeria (29% of 37000 visitors), Iraq (33% of 39000 visitors),
Afghanistan (16% of 95000 visitors), Oman (11% of 50000 visitors), UAE (8% of
41000 visitors). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzpL4tQAe8IdeFL-OVaYrI5FNtk8x-rKzVPDfBc3L3Y1DJ0iOadBFJGUM9_mzGHEpnqWq1Hj66EyOM7ngNss3eIP5-cFiC1RvjtK241fuQgYAXU_EGzPzZc_r3yvJc6gdjhgI2vgymPlr/s1600/Medical+Tourist+arrival+in+India.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tourists from various countries for medical purpose" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzpL4tQAe8IdeFL-OVaYrI5FNtk8x-rKzVPDfBc3L3Y1DJ0iOadBFJGUM9_mzGHEpnqWq1Hj66EyOM7ngNss3eIP5-cFiC1RvjtK241fuQgYAXU_EGzPzZc_r3yvJc6gdjhgI2vgymPlr/s1600/Medical+Tourist+arrival+in+India.png" height="232" title="Tourists from various countries for medical purpose" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourists from various countries for medical purpose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">According to Hindustan Times article ‘India among World’s
top 5 Medical tourism hotspots’ dated 26<sup>th</sup> July 2014, the Medical
tourism industry is set to grow to $ 6 billion by 2018 due to skilled doctors,
better infrastructure, facilities and low treatment cost.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">“More tourists are coming to India because cost of treatment
here is much less compared to the US and the European countries. We are also
trying to integrate medical tourism with normal tourism,” said Parvez Dewan,
Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5ys3i0gq8oK8QUNJQr-4qYO6Gg8Eajo-URykH3xECSaJvUplLYiWvGlo6t0lITJ85y5xl_F0NyRYWFkC3hJ3kbpDU3RjWrE3xjcTrlHsXt3vfpBtDy-q5f0rK-wZfdrVAuBER5vUFmHR/s1600/Hindustan+times+medical+tourism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="India among World’s top 5 Medical tourism hotspots- Hindustan Times" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5ys3i0gq8oK8QUNJQr-4qYO6Gg8Eajo-URykH3xECSaJvUplLYiWvGlo6t0lITJ85y5xl_F0NyRYWFkC3hJ3kbpDU3RjWrE3xjcTrlHsXt3vfpBtDy-q5f0rK-wZfdrVAuBER5vUFmHR/s1600/Hindustan+times+medical+tourism.jpg" height="291" title="India among World’s top 5 Medical tourism hotspots- Hindustan Times" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">India among World’s top 5 Medical tourism hotspots</span><span style="font-size: small;">- Hindustan Times</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: justify;">According to 2012 figures, Delhi
boasts of specialty hospitals with strong clinical care and medical institute,
which have state of the art technology and medical equipments. The city
receives approximately 25,200 numbers of foreign patients coming to the city.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">The patients from Mauritius,
Afghanistan, Nigeria, Iraq, Nepal, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Myanmar are mostly seeking specialties
in Cosmetic Surgery & Dental, Bariatric Surgery (Gastric Banding), Joint
Replacements & Spine, Cardiology, Cancer, IVF, Multi-Organ Transplants
visited the hospital for low cost surgeries.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Heart Surgery in US cost USD
60,000 where as in India its cost in $ 6,500. Bone Marrow Transplant in US
costs 250,000 (US $) and in India it is $ 35,000, Liver Transplant in US costs
300,000 (US $) and in India it costs
$ 55,000, Joint Replacements in US cost 50,000 (US $) and in India it
costs $ 8,000 and Cosmetic Surgery in US costs 20,000 (US $) and in India it
costs $ 2,000.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlolGD95w5NDOIPVaUfkyPeRAGSnKdjMT01ChaF-p0gejf8cseW4Uay2N14R-dy497v-Sd4fvNvDYs8jf-G3GVAkswjLrmHOlDYsyXuHCfQshOrJSc4uJWu79T4g7cGDedj0s0DnGFrgA/s1600/Medical+treatment+cost+comparison.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Contrast of Medical treatment in India vis-a-vis USA" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlolGD95w5NDOIPVaUfkyPeRAGSnKdjMT01ChaF-p0gejf8cseW4Uay2N14R-dy497v-Sd4fvNvDYs8jf-G3GVAkswjLrmHOlDYsyXuHCfQshOrJSc4uJWu79T4g7cGDedj0s0DnGFrgA/s1600/Medical+treatment+cost+comparison.png" height="300" title="Contrast of Medical treatment in India vis-a-vis USA" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contrast of Medical treatment in India vis-a-vis USA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In the past, the experts of
Apollo hospitals have urged the government to conceptualize and launch a
campaign on the lines of ‘Incredible India’, in order to Brand India as the top
quality health care destination for medical tourists. At present, medical
tourists from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Tanzania face difficulty in obtaining
visa and safe and secure accommodation in India. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">ObamaCare</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64rEygzblD-htE9TsiN1hVzX593jvM5higkS0eyy_raRLdExMeVc1cDWgsK-CPeCoAMpi4bNThBA8OFxKPUD5fEEiUQp_aKyz__xx45OAqDr_v9dbE6hfzYzo5Ybyl28rAC6BlC6k1YEl/s1600/obamacarefacts-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="ObamaCare" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64rEygzblD-htE9TsiN1hVzX593jvM5higkS0eyy_raRLdExMeVc1cDWgsK-CPeCoAMpi4bNThBA8OFxKPUD5fEEiUQp_aKyz__xx45OAqDr_v9dbE6hfzYzo5Ybyl28rAC6BlC6k1YEl/s1600/obamacarefacts-logo.jpg" height="88" title="ObamaCare" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ObamaCare</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As per report published in “The
Business Standard on 22.8.2013, the Indian Medical Tourism sector is also
eyeing a large chunk of big outbound medical tourism likely to emanate out of America
following the implementation of “Obamacare”. The official name for
"ObamaCare" is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
It is also commonly referred to as Obama care, health care reform, or the
Affordable Care Act (ACA). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Under USA medical insurance
provisions, two million US citizens are now likely to go abroad for cheaper
treatment as against only 85000 in last two years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The share of incoming US medial tourists to India is only
3%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This share is likely to
increase due to the fact that US citizen will be driven mainly by cost factors
of ten fold or more cost saving as per article uploaded on website by Harvard
Law School.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If India is able to
provide such treatment of high quality at affordable rates, the percentage of
incoming medical tourists from USA is likely to be 5% i.e. an increase from
2550 (@3% of 85000) to 1 lakh (@ 5% of 2 million).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As per report of the
Business Standard on 22<sup>nd</sup> August 2013, SAARC countries account for
36%, Africa 26%, West Asia 26% the US & Europe contribute to 3 percent
foreign patients respectively out of total one million incoming foreign medical
tourists.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Opportunity for B&B Owners: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Delhi B&B owners,
particularly those having homes near hospitals like Apollo, Medanta, Medicity,
Global Health, Escorts, Fortis have excellent opportunity to grab this market
for accommodation. In fact good
number of existing B&B units are already taking advantage of it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">What the future of Medical Tourism holds for B&B industry: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The future of medical tourism will
undoubtedly flourish under the B&B scheme, provided the owners publicize
their properties on websites, take help of various on-line agencies and start
on line accommodation reservation.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In absence of specific
accessibility facilities available in most commercial accommodations or at
present in Bed & Breakfast establishments, a large number of disabled
persons and medical tourists are not able to enjoy stay in the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since number of such disabled tourists
coming to Delhi are certainly more than 2.5% i.e. 65000 of total foreign
tourist arrivals in Delhi in a year, any extra facility extended and publicized
either through word of mouth or through internet will make a good marketing and
promotional tool for B&B owners to promote their business in more efficient
manner.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpb-FuF9dNNtlXEnDeItiYS4RSUrbF3KJKDq4-w0BtqioPHpSMHxcfbQ2ei8oZAMjpBUxMQHEq9sh55sPcS0m7RcjZppo-8_hiWSkQX5mZgHIufebFaMiLPtRjJZSwToFD4WlzYMN2E-1N/s1600/disabled-wheel-chair-kangaroo-island+via+www.southaustralia.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bed and Breakfast offers a relaxing environment" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpb-FuF9dNNtlXEnDeItiYS4RSUrbF3KJKDq4-w0BtqioPHpSMHxcfbQ2ei8oZAMjpBUxMQHEq9sh55sPcS0m7RcjZppo-8_hiWSkQX5mZgHIufebFaMiLPtRjJZSwToFD4WlzYMN2E-1N/s1600/disabled-wheel-chair-kangaroo-island+via+www.southaustralia.com.jpg" height="338" title="Bed and Breakfast offers a relaxing environment" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bed and Breakfast offers a relaxing environment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Additionally, B&B
accommodation is able to provide a favorable place near the hospital providing
a cool and relaxing environment for rest and convalesce. The stay of these
guests on a visit to the hospital for treatment requires longer stay for rest
and convalesce, and for post-operative checkups, monitoring, healing etc. that
takes several weeks and requires a comfortable stay suitably home away from
home. These guests may prefer B&B accommodation because of above-mentioned
reasons. If accommodation is `accessible’ and medical tourists friendly, it
creates more market for B&B accommodation for such target people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn51KpRo1HE9oJtaolxjh0mn8QZhksKjG4Vr7IqrxZ_2ygplP7TAZHvkmqi1c5s6jMPpC1m3P97mRClPcVll1Vp5GMWzbBjDMchgvT61twsqLvEThLkcgpexqncFbhswZQaTZh0g0VJmk5/s1600/disabled+travelers+via+www.disabledtravelers.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bed and Breakfast as a cost effective option for specially-abled tourists" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn51KpRo1HE9oJtaolxjh0mn8QZhksKjG4Vr7IqrxZ_2ygplP7TAZHvkmqi1c5s6jMPpC1m3P97mRClPcVll1Vp5GMWzbBjDMchgvT61twsqLvEThLkcgpexqncFbhswZQaTZh0g0VJmk5/s1600/disabled+travelers+via+www.disabledtravelers.com.jpg" height="240" title="Bed and Breakfast as a cost effective option for specially-abled tourists" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bed and Breakfast is a cost effective option for specially-abled tourists</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In nutshell, the B&B stay
option for incoming disabled or medical tourist is cost effective by 30% than
regular hotels. Such niche
tourists come with at least an attendant and do not come for a short stay in
Delhi. As mentioned above, the Medical tourists in particular need longer stay
for the accompanying relatives.
These relatives need personal care and emotional support, which can only
be taken care of by owners’ family.
Since hotels have limitations in providing personal care and disabled
friendly facility, the B&B owners desirous to attract more business through
such niche market, can create these specialized facilities. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xiCmF1lpFE8Pw6bI_RTwLIZcBVIrsnIih781MLPMvrutqgWpl8ZRm6TzJ2wVrV8I6NHU5ZUURGYy2SQBX-vWnMOQQv1KZz10Omsx63lXDSVAH_ULfkBACidD1qspO5wQwWRX0rmAmTgY/s1600/Disabled-facility+via+www.visitgibraltar.gi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Marketing strategy is essential for Bed and Breakfast owners" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xiCmF1lpFE8Pw6bI_RTwLIZcBVIrsnIih781MLPMvrutqgWpl8ZRm6TzJ2wVrV8I6NHU5ZUURGYy2SQBX-vWnMOQQv1KZz10Omsx63lXDSVAH_ULfkBACidD1qspO5wQwWRX0rmAmTgY/s1600/Disabled-facility+via+www.visitgibraltar.gi.jpg" height="150" title="Marketing strategy is essential for Bed and Breakfast owners" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marketing strategy is essential for Bed and Breakfast owners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">However, proper marketing strategy is
needed by owners to tap this market, which is beneficial to both stakeholders.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Caveats:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Government authorities should
keep a watch that no untoward incident should happen due to unscrupulous
service provider from amongst the medical tourism industry stakeholders due to
which a negative sentiment arises. This might lead to an adverse change of
perception of India as a medical tourism destination. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Thus, there is a need for medical
tourism industry to practice self regulation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Source: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/india-among-world-s-top-5-medical-tourism-hotspots/article1-1244706.aspx">http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/india-among-world-s-top-5-medical-tourism-</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/india-among-world-s-top-5-medical-tourism-hotspots/article1-1244706.aspx">hotspots/article1-1244706.aspx</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://obamacarefacts.com/obamacare-facts.php">http://obamacarefacts.com/obamacare-facts.php</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PhD thesis, “Role of bed and breakfast
scheme of Delhi in development of Tourism in Delhi” by Dr. G G Saxena</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gaur
Sunil., Saxena Susheel, “Report on First International Summit on Health &
Wellness Tourism”, 2013, Delhi Tourism & Transportation Development
Corporation (DTTDC), Tourism Section, May 2nd<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Drhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670866659616311805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991394347888798516.post-6709884004452748932014-10-12T11:55:00.003+05:302014-10-12T22:44:01.320+05:30Smart Governance in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Democracy can be dislodged in a jiffy if the public gets
disillusioned with the quality of governance and corruption” – Dr. S Y Quraishi</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Does the very mention of stepping into a government office
to get work done irk you to no end? Do you find it annoying that it takes days
for a government file stuck under bundles of other files be searched and
searched again to find the required file? Then here is good news for you. Read
on: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Prevailing scenario:</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The current scenario of a typical Government office in India
has the following features:</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Multiple levels of File processing which delays
the decision making process.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Volume of records- Multiple records bring
problems of indexing and searching of relevant records.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> File Tracking- Herculean task of traversing
through several sheets of paper among countless files.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Lack of Transparency</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Duplicity issues</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Inter-departmental conflict</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGLVVVpACXhdtv0U9wxgs4bYvAqQpnEy5rxlRaeY1-2ytWuT5RPqqBsQR4iMl6jFPx8wdQH_WrLJmbNu17l-UKZpEh_QjxA82xkCLTtLGniyJe83ow484ly3yoijuhP_B1LK8I8ID_Snv/s1600/files1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Piles of files" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGLVVVpACXhdtv0U9wxgs4bYvAqQpnEy5rxlRaeY1-2ytWuT5RPqqBsQR4iMl6jFPx8wdQH_WrLJmbNu17l-UKZpEh_QjxA82xkCLTtLGniyJe83ow484ly3yoijuhP_B1LK8I8ID_Snv/s1600/files1.jpg" height="400" title="Piles of files" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piles of files</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Thus, there is a dire need to redesign the archaic processes
to align them with contemporary practices and technology and prepare a robust
infrastructure to smoothen the process of automation. Providing desktops,
networks, servers etc shall form the ‘hygienic’ part of the digital adoption by
the Government departments. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Thus, Digital adoption shall provide the much-needed impetus
for transparent governance with adequate mobility in the system while reducing
administrative burdens.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">There are a few important aspects of Digital Adoption
process: <br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Flexible and User friendly design</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"> </span>Legally compliant following all the rules and
regulations</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"> </span>Ease of creation and tracking of files</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"> </span>Ease of uploading documents online </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Consulting giant, PwC evaluates various softwares that can
be used in the Digital Adoption process, in its Smart Governance and Technology
report as follows: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Parameters/Factors<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 262.25pt;" valign="top" width="262">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Considerations<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 154.25pt;" width="154">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cost<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 262.25pt;" valign="top" width="262">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cost of
Product<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Annual
Maintenance cost<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Implementation
cost<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 154.25pt;" width="154">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Flexibility<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 262.25pt;" valign="top" width="262">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Availability
of the source code<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ability to
change the source code<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Source
code redistribution and derived license<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
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<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 154.25pt;" width="154">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reliability<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 262.25pt;" width="262">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">High
availability support<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 154.25pt;" width="154">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Performance<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 262.25pt;" valign="top" width="262">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Peak user
load<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Duration
of Peak user load<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Concurrent
user load<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Published
performance benchmark<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1.0pt; border: solid black; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 154.25pt;" width="154">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Security<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1.0pt; border-bottom: solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1.0pt; border-right: solid black; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: .5pt; mso-border-alt: solid black; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-left-alt: .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black; mso-border-left-themecolor: text1; mso-border-right-themecolor: text1; mso-border-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-alt: .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 262.25pt;" valign="top" width="262">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Authentication
mechanism<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Adherence
to open standard cryptography<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In an article written by Mr. Prakash Kumar for Hindustan
Times, ex IAS officer, now National Technology Officer at Microsoft, stressed that
if the details of a user are available in one department, then the same user
details should be made available in other departments in a seamless manner. Thus,
the process would provide convenience to the citizens, reduce the process
turnaround time and reduce the administrative burden.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Digital India
Programme</span></b></h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Digital India Programme envisaged by the Department of
Electronics and Information Technology (Deity) and approved by the current
cabinet on 20<sup>th</sup> August 2014 is the first step in the direction. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The programme aims at providing digital
infrastructure as a utility to every citizen as well as high-speed Internet as
a core utility in all gram panchayats. It is heartening to note that in the
same vein, the current government has taken concrete steps to promote digital
adoption across India. About a month back, the cabinet approved Rs. 1 lakh crore
for the project that aims to provide thrust to nine pillars identified as
growth areas:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Broadband highways </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Mobile connectivity</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Public Internet Access Programme</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> e-Governance</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> e-Kranti (which aims to give electronic delivery
of services)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Information for all</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Electronics manufacturing</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> IT for Jobs </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Early harvest programmes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The programme aims to seamlessly integrate departments to
provide easy and a single window access to all persons. It also aims at making
available government services in real time from online and mobile platforms. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Role of Google: </u><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Search engine giant, Google has decided to participate in
the Digital India programme to accelerate the process by improving internet
access. Google has a two-pronged approach for the same: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Google plans to empower the Indian women by making sure that
hundreds of millions of Indian women get online and by being online they get
empowered, are able improve their livelihoods. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ll96MQUiRjp7YBVCpUNtsVix4bySahyffjxA5di48hoenAZy-aW7JrOp3Y0OjIz0YD9hLZ4BXsWpfiCE0jWxsAjjhDK0SMk-CP75zk5Gr5EjPDv4V-JTQFrkhm9w9LjDa3x3b1olhxVj/s1600/Anandan+rajan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rajan Anandan, Managing Director, Google India " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ll96MQUiRjp7YBVCpUNtsVix4bySahyffjxA5di48hoenAZy-aW7JrOp3Y0OjIz0YD9hLZ4BXsWpfiCE0jWxsAjjhDK0SMk-CP75zk5Gr5EjPDv4V-JTQFrkhm9w9LjDa3x3b1olhxVj/s1600/Anandan+rajan.jpg" height="340" title="Rajan Anandan, Managing Director, Google India " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rajan Anandan, Managing Director, Google India </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Initiative to build the non-English internet user base. "Only
150 million Indians are proficient in English. Almost 1.1 billion people are
not proficient in English. We are very focussed on improving access, so we
launched speech in Hindi," Rajan Anandan, MD- Google India, said. "We
have launched nine open source fonts in Hindi. We will do many things around
Hindi as well as other major Indian languages to build the non-English internet
so that internet becomes very helpful,". <span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Role of Facebook: </u><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg who was recently in the capital
applauded the Digital India campaign and thought that it could spread the
innovation of Indian people and thus pledged his support to the bridge the
digital divide. In fact he apprised the Prime Minister about <a href="http://www.internet.org/">www.internet.org</a> which is a global
partnership between technology leaders, non profits, local communities and
experts to bring internet to the two thirds of the world’s population that
doesn’t have internet. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhzmdXCqlYhvMCZyou-3eQzA38U09_v284T8fUc9P7j3Aa_oZAk4hY6wwkEoDqP9X3o_5q-HxxpKYodWmeyKGNnIerWy16pB5x-2uebQTehxv51rmA93ReUasjNAdsjXMxoqRI7Ovq81D/s1600/Facebook+ceo+with+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg with Indian PM Narendra Modi" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhzmdXCqlYhvMCZyou-3eQzA38U09_v284T8fUc9P7j3Aa_oZAk4hY6wwkEoDqP9X3o_5q-HxxpKYodWmeyKGNnIerWy16pB5x-2uebQTehxv51rmA93ReUasjNAdsjXMxoqRI7Ovq81D/s1600/Facebook+ceo+with+PM.jpg" height="400" title="Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg with Indian PM Narendra Modi" width="397" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg with Indian PM Narendra Modi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">He was so impressed with the Clean India
campaign that he promised help to make an app dedicated to the Clean India
campaign. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mark Zuckerberg also readily agreed to partner the National
Optical Fibre Network that is designed to connect 250,000 village panchayats
through high-speed broadband by 2017 in a phase wise manner. He considered
Drones and satellite communications an important part of the project. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">If I can correctly recollect, back in 1970’s, my
contemporary in IIT, Sugata Mitra, initiated ‘Hole in the Wall’ concept by
installing computers in the wall to raise awareness about the computers amongst
poor children in Delhi.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Role of Digital in
the Indian Election 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The General Election earlier this year was the biggest the
world has ever seen. As many as 554 million of the 834 million eligible voters
exercised their franchise at 930,000 polling booths, nearly 118 million more
than were registered to vote in 2009. </span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><o:p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGv78qvMnUa8aIkDDyrBT7u9eVMcdM2Uz-O74cZcj1ATEDI6FpVrCnTOL5bwk7eFjeeZo80L2i3Ln85KiE85HhZFjivdIGbM2DhhQYQWrum5FH42XY4eIApvu3zrdY_WdWbHd6oFEYNzmX/s1600/voter+turnout.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Voter turnout in Indian Elections 2014" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGv78qvMnUa8aIkDDyrBT7u9eVMcdM2Uz-O74cZcj1ATEDI6FpVrCnTOL5bwk7eFjeeZo80L2i3Ln85KiE85HhZFjivdIGbM2DhhQYQWrum5FH42XY4eIApvu3zrdY_WdWbHd6oFEYNzmX/s1600/voter+turnout.png" height="270" title="Voter turnout in Indian Elections 2014" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voter turnout in Indian Elections 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The voter turnout was 66.4 per cent, the highest in
democratic India, though it needs to increase further. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">There were 149 million first-time voters between 18 and 23
years of age and they were the primary target of the social media campaign. The
Internet and Mobile Association of India estimates that a well-executed social
media campaign can swing 3-4 per cent<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"> </span>votes, which can be decisive in a multi-cornered
contest. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Thus, as we can see that digital adoption is slowly finding
its way into the government departments. Let us hope the transition takes place
sooner than later. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Source: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pwc.in/en_IN/in/assets/pdfs/publications/2013/smart-governance-and-technology.pdf">http://www.pwc.in/en_IN/in/assets/pdfs/publications/2013/smart-governance-and-technology.pdf</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/cabinet-clears-digital-india-programme/">http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/cabinet-clears-digital-india-programme/</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-09-23/news/54239480_1_digital-india-google-india-rajan-anandan">http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-09-23/news/54239480_1_digital-india-google-india-rajan-anandan</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/mark-zuckerberg-meets-narendra-modi-facebook-ceo-assures-contribution-digital-india-1703358">http://www.ibtimes.com/mark-zuckerberg-meets-narendra-modi-facebook-ceo-assures-contribution-digital-india-1703358</a>
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/s-y-quraishi-democracy-india-elections-process-media/1/394984.html">http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/s-y-quraishi-democracy-india-elections-process-media/1/394984.html</a>
</div>
</div>
Drhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670866659616311805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991394347888798516.post-27811115578287013532014-10-05T18:37:00.000+05:302014-10-05T18:40:42.756+05:30Satyamev Jayate: Extraordinary tales of Ordinary People<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">“In
a gentle way you can shake the world” – Mahatma Gandhi</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I have always been a firm believer in doing social
community some good while I have the power and ability. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Everybody earns respect through his/her body of work
but very few think about doing good to the society. In my opinion, medical
doctors and teachers are a rare breed that constantly serves the society
through their daily work.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Just a few days back, I overheard somebody saying at
a party “It feels so much better now with Narendra Modi in power, no bureaucrat
dares to hang out in Golf clubs wasting time and money of the people”. Do you
also agree with the same? </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">While I agree that a majority of bureaucrats may
be taking avoidable time span in decision making or for that matter delaying
decisions, but what about the remaining bureaucrats who toil away 40 years of
their lives to the service of people and nation? Such bureaucrats hardly have
time to feast a month in a year and engage in their own business without caring
for the society. I feel it was wrong on one’s part to form a judgment against
the entire community of bureaucrats while observing only a select few.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I am not saying this because I’m a
retired bureaucrat but because I find it unfair. But yes, there is a dire need
to change the perspective about bureaucrats by the bureaucratic community by
working hard and producing tangible results.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It is heartening to see that Television and
Bollywood has also taken a significant step in the direction of social
cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a few shows that I
can recall: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">The most prominent amongst them is Satyamev Jayate, which is a joint venture </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">between Aamir Khan Productions and Star Tv. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gn2P8EvEo1UC88fhjD2v7hLKySMYjRprTpXu_ovXQZ_pacAY-7trtjUZDedVIjnw8Lyk9EIEnSW0I0PAX6QcnrroMs6m_SatlnxUfXtPyyL1xATum71sMMnHSVpI25DtLsPLXbqpTErd/s1600/smjLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Satyamev Jayate" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gn2P8EvEo1UC88fhjD2v7hLKySMYjRprTpXu_ovXQZ_pacAY-7trtjUZDedVIjnw8Lyk9EIEnSW0I0PAX6QcnrroMs6m_SatlnxUfXtPyyL1xATum71sMMnHSVpI25DtLsPLXbqpTErd/s1600/smjLogo.png" height="400" style="cursor: move;" title="Satyamev Jayate" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">
Satyamev Jayate</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">There are others that have made a mark in their own right: </span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Crime Patrol- </span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It was one of the earliest
shows that shed light on a lot of crimes that otherwise go unnoticed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5ergOC_IqBO1pnZJwhA9xWo_26-MesfTBQWh9td9fT5osLN_q2MHVABo0gSl7DpKe4YkCM_2wmBurcVUWtKshkzmQBDKgrAN75mWQtsBPvsGCxp8UToTEWluslVPo-tY44OFQWTUvhtk/s1600/crime-petrol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Crime Patrol" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5ergOC_IqBO1pnZJwhA9xWo_26-MesfTBQWh9td9fT5osLN_q2MHVABo0gSl7DpKe4YkCM_2wmBurcVUWtKshkzmQBDKgrAN75mWQtsBPvsGCxp8UToTEWluslVPo-tY44OFQWTUvhtk/s1600/crime-petrol.jpg" height="236" title="Crime Patrol" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Crime Patrol</span></td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Change Aayega Hum
Laayenge- </span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
shows good guys in the youth and how they bring about change in the society. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEqyw-cYs66EXWAZunwkVHCmKzB0XfelDWAk52nRncx_gQClyW6X0tIHxd9s9uqRLBb6IcVoHOgdGIlIiYMcNulfPnhwlr8u8PkXYzHjCiAU6s3_JcVr5kMffspRwojgl5tYrncaPXYsk/s1600/change-aayega.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Change Aayega Hum Laayenge" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEqyw-cYs66EXWAZunwkVHCmKzB0XfelDWAk52nRncx_gQClyW6X0tIHxd9s9uqRLBb6IcVoHOgdGIlIiYMcNulfPnhwlr8u8PkXYzHjCiAU6s3_JcVr5kMffspRwojgl5tYrncaPXYsk/s1600/change-aayega.jpg" height="236" title="Change Aayega Hum Laayenge" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Change Aayega Hum Laayenge</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The world has witnessed many celebrities who have
taken up social causes close to their heart and have made a difference to the
society. </span><!--EndFragment--></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Notable amongst them is Robert Redford who has been
closely identified with the Green Movement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnawlAuOX6Of3bz-CEbscmXQlEh7m3OYoVwegH8yGfY0rZNJBfFCExGvjoC7_fwZP5x3B_i_MXDM-GIDdTKa2qBJdwO1dlzAx5LDK_L_bCdhg4MHagLBcu4bHDXtLAvbbPK19sKxrX1JTv/s1600/101112robert_redford_green_schools1+via+http-::archrecord.construction.com:.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Robert Redford " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnawlAuOX6Of3bz-CEbscmXQlEh7m3OYoVwegH8yGfY0rZNJBfFCExGvjoC7_fwZP5x3B_i_MXDM-GIDdTKa2qBJdwO1dlzAx5LDK_L_bCdhg4MHagLBcu4bHDXtLAvbbPK19sKxrX1JTv/s1600/101112robert_redford_green_schools1+via+http-::archrecord.construction.com:.jpg" height="382" title="Robert Redford " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert Redford<br />
Photo credits: http://archrecord.construction.com/</td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">George Clooney is helping forge the emerging model
of 21<sup>st</sup> century celebrity activism through his relief telethon
during Haiti Earthquake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5u4Ww2uw1p6O-zwLAT16PnJba2xk4fR6vy9LoZengu1M4lbHM6C6GbJzMNr27scsxOnyuBLCGvSwwZnwhG7V3TVoVdByKRx2AdknlstUMfdw6Z5FCc7sfcFgaoWf1_pxD2LCPeWz3PRs/s1600/george-clooney-hope-for-haiti-now.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="George Clooney" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5u4Ww2uw1p6O-zwLAT16PnJba2xk4fR6vy9LoZengu1M4lbHM6C6GbJzMNr27scsxOnyuBLCGvSwwZnwhG7V3TVoVdByKRx2AdknlstUMfdw6Z5FCc7sfcFgaoWf1_pxD2LCPeWz3PRs/s1600/george-clooney-hope-for-haiti-now.jpg" height="255" title="George Clooney " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Clooney<br />
Photo Credits: http://cdn.sheknows.com/</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations
since 2001, Angelina Jolie has used her celebrity status to shine attention on
the struggles of refugees everywhere from Cambodia and Thailand to Sierra
Leone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3O9pU_RHzQUkpucrOE9guYiyLa7_FiTgfu8ARrx96hIsn5g96X_4QAocXO1boaM-OZog6OhN9SdD5Vjc09fbRfhWewRcnkf2-BkNGv5SlCXSrztTMdPMQOQY1JsYA0JmSpn9ojIJ1fNp/s1600/Angelina-Jolie-talks-to-syrian+refugees+via+guardian.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3O9pU_RHzQUkpucrOE9guYiyLa7_FiTgfu8ARrx96hIsn5g96X_4QAocXO1boaM-OZog6OhN9SdD5Vjc09fbRfhWewRcnkf2-BkNGv5SlCXSrztTMdPMQOQY1JsYA0JmSpn9ojIJ1fNp/s1600/Angelina-Jolie-talks-to-syrian+refugees+via+guardian.com.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angelina Jolie talks to Syrian refugees via The Guardian</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">In India, Aamir Khan is the celebrity that comes to
my mind who can cut through all strata of society and bring about a significant
change in the mindset of people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What I particularly like about the concept of
Satyamev Jayate is its level of interactivity. People not only talk about their
lives to Aamir Khan during the Television slot but also have a chance to post
their views and opinions after the show gets over in ‘Mumkin hai’ segment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I have been following the promos of Satyamev Jayate
and I particularly like the one in which the office clerk who gets a bribe
offer and instead of taking the bribe asks bribe-giver to watch Satyamev
Jayate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGIPNB18yfbEAFuQz0c2QJwgxmg1aIxICsFe5-cAzPdSXUtccvAmdDTJEJN2CzOwr1d08wTQUSfpuoiM_4OA0z_Vbup6skasYLgSN8SQvtPC5QxvkTBv2gLD_MIOHA_LvkK55C5BM1r6P/s1600/Satyamev-Jayate-2+promo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Satyamev Jayate promo" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGIPNB18yfbEAFuQz0c2QJwgxmg1aIxICsFe5-cAzPdSXUtccvAmdDTJEJN2CzOwr1d08wTQUSfpuoiM_4OA0z_Vbup6skasYLgSN8SQvtPC5QxvkTBv2gLD_MIOHA_LvkK55C5BM1r6P/s1600/Satyamev-Jayate-2+promo.jpg" height="236" title="Satyamev Jayate promo" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Satyamev Jayate promo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7b4gKdH8HmaxzNkPpZU09RSwTaHPEk42LEibAjou8qzoIF6QSIbI_HPTfOPRzeeC8Bq1jxpFqWvZP1VzXYhUF8jHlh7S2zkUVUn_Kowj0wSQ0ROvK4uLtYJScFRJXX2XMIm9Cuuvb1Xu/s1600/Satyamev-Jayate-3+promo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Satyamev Jayate promo" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7b4gKdH8HmaxzNkPpZU09RSwTaHPEk42LEibAjou8qzoIF6QSIbI_HPTfOPRzeeC8Bq1jxpFqWvZP1VzXYhUF8jHlh7S2zkUVUn_Kowj0wSQ0ROvK4uLtYJScFRJXX2XMIm9Cuuvb1Xu/s1600/Satyamev-Jayate-3+promo.jpg" height="236" title="Satyamev Jayate promo" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Satyamev Jayate promo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsvNGZp7rw0UktJsmSx3A_avDJyTb7CQ9pc7iz-hzdxUYn0K3sOsd1qG1S-tkhvLEyM8LeWHDxCRlDoQkrGWGdHpx7ikQb4nhnuuJJIpFD_OIqi-aozROb05guhM7wMfLf87QPhGD6vl1/s1600/Satyamev-Jayate-4+promo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Satyamev Jayate promo" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsvNGZp7rw0UktJsmSx3A_avDJyTb7CQ9pc7iz-hzdxUYn0K3sOsd1qG1S-tkhvLEyM8LeWHDxCRlDoQkrGWGdHpx7ikQb4nhnuuJJIpFD_OIqi-aozROb05guhM7wMfLf87QPhGD6vl1/s1600/Satyamev-Jayate-4+promo.jpg" height="236" title="Satyamev Jayate promo" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Satyamev Jayate promo</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One of the episodes that I fondly remember is the Criminalization
of Politics in which Dr. SY Quraishi, Chief Patron of Delhi Heritage
Foundation, was invited and he enlighted the gathering about the malpractices
in Voting process: </span><a href="http://www.satyamevjayate.in/criminalization-of-politics.aspx"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">http://www.satyamevjayate.in/criminalization-of-politics.aspx</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a true eye-opener. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexHFdZcRrmNO01lj0oOy5wQGv6tN_JWtf9UyonQ4eRzUn0Bwuat8kZTQ-OCQaAnaVFTBGDpF0hG5WiLHvszS8Cy_SDpLjR5B8xAKgJ6PVecyzf9hCUQKF343aYMBQCntKntRBSp-XDyzL/s1600/0516-NDTV-(IOY-13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dr SY Quraishi, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India sharing his experience with Aamir Khan during Satyamev Jayate" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexHFdZcRrmNO01lj0oOy5wQGv6tN_JWtf9UyonQ4eRzUn0Bwuat8kZTQ-OCQaAnaVFTBGDpF0hG5WiLHvszS8Cy_SDpLjR5B8xAKgJ6PVecyzf9hCUQKF343aYMBQCntKntRBSp-XDyzL/s1600/0516-NDTV-(IOY-13).JPG" height="266" title="Dr SY Quraishi, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India sharing his experience with Aamir Khan during Satyamev Jayate" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr SY Quraishi, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India sharing his experience <br />
with Aamir Khan during Satyamev Jayate</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mr Aamir Khan and Mr Rajkumar Hirani were in Delhi
for the shoot of upcoming Bollywood movie P.K last year. During the interaction
with Mr. Khan, I told him that he may keep anchoring the show as people see him
as a “change agent”. He replied in affirmative to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCwXBYS3ZIAAi56aVUgmeHR8fUPVa_OoE7jc8DiFn3i6ouEt_hUD2t-eUWnImcR5ntP5EuPjS1OA_LRi1gyW-MQZlkExF3Ap7GdDvt4fdOGDjXZQaQTUVJ34Na22oBI5xiRiRJHbCK6nc/s1600/DSC00878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aamir Khan with me in delhi during the shooting of Peekay" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCwXBYS3ZIAAi56aVUgmeHR8fUPVa_OoE7jc8DiFn3i6ouEt_hUD2t-eUWnImcR5ntP5EuPjS1OA_LRi1gyW-MQZlkExF3Ap7GdDvt4fdOGDjXZQaQTUVJ34Na22oBI5xiRiRJHbCK6nc/s1600/DSC00878.JPG" height="300" title="Aamir Khan with me in delhi during the shooting of Peekay" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aamir Khan with me in delhi during the shooting of Peekay </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Here is a preview at the insights of Satyamev
Jayate: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pAtJgYzOxAv3vB5hxp4E3F6vRYb-o5FBOjTyOPnwY1K5_nEhdYoWc3bWgTIktA8rXbhv8feTEWG-eYUxnsV_T-DW0dA-Bodw4X2EtulNe0LbOzzaQe_bz3KyLk41FJY6TOzJL-mhQuHu/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-10-05+at+11.27.36+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Satyamev Jayate Insights: Actions taken" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pAtJgYzOxAv3vB5hxp4E3F6vRYb-o5FBOjTyOPnwY1K5_nEhdYoWc3bWgTIktA8rXbhv8feTEWG-eYUxnsV_T-DW0dA-Bodw4X2EtulNe0LbOzzaQe_bz3KyLk41FJY6TOzJL-mhQuHu/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-10-05+at+11.27.36+AM.png" height="40" title="Satyamev Jayate Insights: Actions taken" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Satyamev Jayate Insights: Actions taken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJym0banmx1OQMfiv0ilZCfR-2ZwRgBVdi1llFygWkcrjnEpGTon1nAIbuNq8XEUCB_xiY8qh8kV2dvFsMzVN4Ok5mmoXwXXdhMe6HxSPxGvPoqfLB-E2iAyH_cgyjfk4v0fnkx6d6VJ52/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-10-05+at+6.05.10+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Satyamev Jayate Insights: Donations" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJym0banmx1OQMfiv0ilZCfR-2ZwRgBVdi1llFygWkcrjnEpGTon1nAIbuNq8XEUCB_xiY8qh8kV2dvFsMzVN4Ok5mmoXwXXdhMe6HxSPxGvPoqfLB-E2iAyH_cgyjfk4v0fnkx6d6VJ52/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-10-05+at+6.05.10+PM.png" height="253" title="Satyamev Jayate Insights: Donations" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Satyamev Jayate Insights: Donations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeLwNOS397t2dGMgsYC_-xNTiDvbsSohxL14fZaxoIY7T3x45PyCARgxYY8sJC7EqZaTt5nDUN0kkroOg2-j5ax2NLM1lS40vcmNCA5xjB5k3mXIg43Ng6ksIa3qg1TLpb6LHgB8iO_kg/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-10-05+at+6.05.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Satyamev Jayate Insights: Word Cloud" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeLwNOS397t2dGMgsYC_-xNTiDvbsSohxL14fZaxoIY7T3x45PyCARgxYY8sJC7EqZaTt5nDUN0kkroOg2-j5ax2NLM1lS40vcmNCA5xjB5k3mXIg43Ng6ksIa3qg1TLpb6LHgB8iO_kg/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-10-05+at+6.05.00+PM.png" height="253" title="Satyamev Jayate Insights: Word Cloud" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Satyamev Jayate Insights: Word Cloud</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYbB3f1hUyreL4b8wQU8zFzDQbrywb7tNNA3uroXPJJ-dqmggURQXhem7HWIViG5FX7B1FXF_77eW2nugjZhZLx8yYJQMs_0gpKL2I5eN-bGi_A_kdCDJtLJyrW7tkfNTjQwc-GFYe3ZM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-10-05+at+6.04.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Satyamev Jayate Insights: Votes" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYbB3f1hUyreL4b8wQU8zFzDQbrywb7tNNA3uroXPJJ-dqmggURQXhem7HWIViG5FX7B1FXF_77eW2nugjZhZLx8yYJQMs_0gpKL2I5eN-bGi_A_kdCDJtLJyrW7tkfNTjQwc-GFYe3ZM/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-10-05+at+6.04.34+PM.png" height="256" title="Satyamev Jayate Insights: Votes" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Satyamev Jayate Insights: Votes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWhw0yhhQUeuL-G-Mjzsoj2yzBPEJCqsHLT6am3t-KIYIKMEL5fSzeQdS_J1i5iI4fI9XW_gVJ7yFhXXhvLfxTL6kP2Ia5ACdcatXSneiSsz3QRkbfR0ubprtSwIaBQ9jR8ICLdFxaPqD/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-10-05+at+6.04.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Satyamev Jayate Insights: Social Footprints" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWhw0yhhQUeuL-G-Mjzsoj2yzBPEJCqsHLT6am3t-KIYIKMEL5fSzeQdS_J1i5iI4fI9XW_gVJ7yFhXXhvLfxTL6kP2Ia5ACdcatXSneiSsz3QRkbfR0ubprtSwIaBQ9jR8ICLdFxaPqD/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-10-05+at+6.04.44+PM.png" height="253" title="Satyamev Jayate Insights: Social Footprints" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Satyamev Jayate Insights: Social Footprints</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I hope that Satyamev Jayate’s new episode starting
from today shall keep the momentum going and shall bring to the fore the
extraordinary contribution of the ordinary people.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
request you to take a moment and think what social good did you do today? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Source: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.satyamevjayate.in/"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">http://www.satyamevjayate.in/</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.india.com/">www.india.com</a></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Drhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670866659616311805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991394347888798516.post-71108506644762554022014-10-03T03:07:00.000+05:302014-10-03T03:15:58.214+05:30Swachata Abhiyan: The ideal way forward!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen."- Michael Jordan.<br />
<br />
After many years, today I feel very contented. This morning when I woke up and was getting through my daily chores, I heard slogans by nearby school children in my residential area, "Thoda toh haath badhao, Bharat ko Swachch banao" which in English means 'Do your bit to make India clean'.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDO4P1j3meNTpuLvkC5oLqhGBeIzem-4LWPxQxAjXTa864vWZ1ft1TUrxcIg37RH-6EkevscySZ9AUHTSb58s4IYc5aBv08szwbt8n7dbhMOUEXP8gTDq13OSeBXiYjddqrQSDOJ-Wmlj/s1600/JH-Tarapore-students-launch-690x377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cleanliness drive by students via avenuemail.in" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDO4P1j3meNTpuLvkC5oLqhGBeIzem-4LWPxQxAjXTa864vWZ1ft1TUrxcIg37RH-6EkevscySZ9AUHTSb58s4IYc5aBv08szwbt8n7dbhMOUEXP8gTDq13OSeBXiYjddqrQSDOJ-Wmlj/s1600/JH-Tarapore-students-launch-690x377.jpg" height="216" title="Cleanliness drive by students via avenuemail.in" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cleanliness drive by students via avenuemail.in</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It was indeed heartening to see those young children imbibing the values of a clean India. Fortunately, our PM Narendra Modi has the vision of a clean India and has stressed it as the way forward. During his speech in USA, he said that he was asked by others to have a vision and he translated the Vision into a clean India vision. As rightly pointed out by PM Modi, every family shall be saving Rs. 6000-7000 a month by saving on on medical expenses due to lack of unhygienic conditions and since bread-earners will not fall sick as frequently due to clean environment, he/she will be able to avoid absenteeism from workplace and earn more. This shall be beneficial to the nation, as it will increase the productivity of the entire nation. The cleanliness drive around religious places shall increase the number of religious tourists and will provide employment opportunities.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXphi2l6xSadqSmu6c76RRKumPwrU7aQvcqCH0eHWjUUGIr42QJwDTSMCscswekeSg7n_CAxdWzx1sXoOifWSEsG0pHwmZ-Y91Tr1FZc7NNxbiKk6F1TbtoP04MHlio1nhw2C0c6sAxaG3/s1600/Ravi+Shankar+Prasad+during+Cleanliness+drive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXphi2l6xSadqSmu6c76RRKumPwrU7aQvcqCH0eHWjUUGIr42QJwDTSMCscswekeSg7n_CAxdWzx1sXoOifWSEsG0pHwmZ-Y91Tr1FZc7NNxbiKk6F1TbtoP04MHlio1nhw2C0c6sAxaG3/s1600/Ravi+Shankar+Prasad+during+Cleanliness+drive.jpg" height="400" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Union Minister Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad during Cleanliness drive</span></span></td></tr>
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<br />Ok so here is an exercise for you, take 2 minutes to think of 10 countries that might be the cleanest in the world. When I did the exercise, I could only think of countries such as Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Iceland etc. Were you able to think of any Asian or African country in the 10 cleanest countries list?<br />
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In a study done by Forbes.com in 2010 to rank the World's 10 Cleanest countries, one would expect the list to be full of European countries. However, to my surprise, there were 3 countries in the list that were of smaller size and having lower GDP than India.<br />
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<b>Costa Rica: </b>That such a relatively poor and developing country ranks third in the EPI is testament to the natural endowments of Costa Rica, with dense forests, plentiful water and abundant wildlife.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0BaUzOpPDqjTrsxrkXVaQk0aL0C5SWR0AWY-XoOJcIiCRKFZoaJgZkWve99UFjoP2KtqVwa7SVWzGORqIAe0x5G7NtqCpyighcYbw6dK8V27tyS_XCYOoQU6i7QpXwGdDgQyZ5pHLg53/s1600/0419_worlds-cleanest-countries-costa-rica_485x340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Costa Rica- Forbes 10 cleanest country" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0BaUzOpPDqjTrsxrkXVaQk0aL0C5SWR0AWY-XoOJcIiCRKFZoaJgZkWve99UFjoP2KtqVwa7SVWzGORqIAe0x5G7NtqCpyighcYbw6dK8V27tyS_XCYOoQU6i7QpXwGdDgQyZ5pHLg53/s1600/0419_worlds-cleanest-countries-costa-rica_485x340.jpg" height="280" title="Costa Rica- Forbes 10 cleanest country" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Costa Rica- Forbes 10 cleanest country</span></span></td></tr>
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<b>Mauritius:</b> A tiny island nation in the Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar, Mauritius is far and away the highest-ranking nation of Sub-Saharan Africa!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHvIUnxkVfQtRZqC0pwSgpKvoy9F7NZKb6H-f8VNvX6Src_UxsJq2_in6JBec-_D8qqNDpTEmC8m8BQWqJhxkrafWN752b-mcS0mO3mzD9VDdrIStxEs2UMDDoGtrvjbtPNFhDvxP6CRQ/s1600/0419_worlds-cleanest-countries-mauritius_485x340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mauritius- Forbes 10 cleanest country" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHvIUnxkVfQtRZqC0pwSgpKvoy9F7NZKb6H-f8VNvX6Src_UxsJq2_in6JBec-_D8qqNDpTEmC8m8BQWqJhxkrafWN752b-mcS0mO3mzD9VDdrIStxEs2UMDDoGtrvjbtPNFhDvxP6CRQ/s1600/0419_worlds-cleanest-countries-mauritius_485x340.jpg" height="280" title="Mauritius- Forbes 10 cleanest country" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mauritius- Forbes 10 cleanest country</span></span></td></tr>
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<b>Cuba: </b>Researchers doubt the veracity of Cuba’s data, which shows higher levels of public health, (including almost universal access to sanitation and clean water) than GDP would suggest.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMHyU8Guu_kt_YFwtdIwQtNEyBtS04xBr6Y6uLJytTaabFeWWdLT1aZ07v58JC2yI7gLfGmXYi88BwLqvA5ec9lWLnOPHilhAHsQ5RAVywuCREESgDzuVMrcAg0rmvM5JPlPj9DOJLwWD/s1600/0419_worlds-cleanest-countries-cuba_485x340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cuba- Forbes 10 cleanest country" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMHyU8Guu_kt_YFwtdIwQtNEyBtS04xBr6Y6uLJytTaabFeWWdLT1aZ07v58JC2yI7gLfGmXYi88BwLqvA5ec9lWLnOPHilhAHsQ5RAVywuCREESgDzuVMrcAg0rmvM5JPlPj9DOJLwWD/s1600/0419_worlds-cleanest-countries-cuba_485x340.jpg" height="280" title="Cuba- Forbes 10 cleanest country" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cuba- Forbes 10 cleanest country</span></span></td></tr>
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In my opinion, the above mentioned countries have earned their place in the ranking by making optimum use of the available resources. But do you think that India cannot achieve the same? Is India not endowed with dense forests, water, abundant wildlife? Instead, I feel that rich cultural heritage of India is an add-on.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rFMbW3xhOUcUSOEBeUdLdYitOiq41llpkZDKC6PkvK5G6zYFSpSHlC7jk5uwoFGJoknOeTEIhyozUIPz7-OMpq9a2ef5B9BWVtGCLJiLLCYaIez3n_F4naKNpPa8SR03tbPwHcsBaVLl/s1600/Everest_North_Face_toward_Base_Camp_Tibet_Luca_Galuzzi_2006_edit_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mt. Everest" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rFMbW3xhOUcUSOEBeUdLdYitOiq41llpkZDKC6PkvK5G6zYFSpSHlC7jk5uwoFGJoknOeTEIhyozUIPz7-OMpq9a2ef5B9BWVtGCLJiLLCYaIez3n_F4naKNpPa8SR03tbPwHcsBaVLl/s1600/Everest_North_Face_toward_Base_Camp_Tibet_Luca_Galuzzi_2006_edit_1.jpg" height="266" title="Mt. Everest" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mt. Everest</span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbd6dI3mQbMl70IobzzEhzuZm2b-QHltBE04zPlMPlsAHWKBPvQfQiuszULc6WZ6LQghwiiHQw7BwREbyYQIy69J0Vwi6DEtiQMHPC5ryBFYIZUMgtS9myVo2kpYfseDHoa8bL762Xn7L/s1600/Sunset_at_Radhanagar_beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunset at Radhanagar beach" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbd6dI3mQbMl70IobzzEhzuZm2b-QHltBE04zPlMPlsAHWKBPvQfQiuszULc6WZ6LQghwiiHQw7BwREbyYQIy69J0Vwi6DEtiQMHPC5ryBFYIZUMgtS9myVo2kpYfseDHoa8bL762Xn7L/s1600/Sunset_at_Radhanagar_beach.JPG" height="300" title="Sunset at Radhanagar beach" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunset at Radhanagar beach</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZ9Cn_kBoTrbRqih1NPRxG3N_NJx-QuC3TXuSFli3fKLLamTmmdRSLouAhDxgsHox2rOoQ4ul8svnfS7GgNY36JcASdeA3knVA5mMoFLhZVCAls5w-ZVXN1_WZoqZpaFOJJ_llYgBsQsr/s1600/Varanasiganga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Varanasi ganga" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZ9Cn_kBoTrbRqih1NPRxG3N_NJx-QuC3TXuSFli3fKLLamTmmdRSLouAhDxgsHox2rOoQ4ul8svnfS7GgNY36JcASdeA3knVA5mMoFLhZVCAls5w-ZVXN1_WZoqZpaFOJJ_llYgBsQsr/s1600/Varanasiganga.jpg" height="262" title="Varanasi ganga" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Varanasi ganga</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In my opinion, it is just a matter of mindset and a spark that shall pave the way for a Clean India. The spark has been provided by the Prime Minister, now it is up to us to follow suit and make India more live-able and more like-able.<br />
<br />
<br />
Let us take the<strong> Swachata pledge: </strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQCAXaUU_XnJuPGbFhhKzKHiq10IdVLjMpC7ude9lH3ek1r3YFlVK3S_tskVaVuttXbz7wgBwUe5zEMjIsSB7ELJzja_MBGDjizyTHYBGjgaxlG80uInyJxY34RjvsWVaoVtWx_NQKQvP/s1600/pledge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Take the pledge" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQCAXaUU_XnJuPGbFhhKzKHiq10IdVLjMpC7ude9lH3ek1r3YFlVK3S_tskVaVuttXbz7wgBwUe5zEMjIsSB7ELJzja_MBGDjizyTHYBGjgaxlG80uInyJxY34RjvsWVaoVtWx_NQKQvP/s1600/pledge.png" height="400" title="Take the pledge" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Take the pledge</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
1. I shall not spit in public and discourage others from doing so.<br />
2. I shall not litter in public and discourage others from doing so.<br />
3. I shall not urinate in open areas and discourage others from doing so.<br />
4. I shall not encroach area.<br />
5. I shall not write anything on monuments of historic significance and discourage others from doing so.<br />
<br />
If each of us follow the pledge, we shall serve ourselves and the community.<br />
Most importantly, we will be able to sleep satisfactorily.</div>
Drhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670866659616311805noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991394347888798516.post-67193810631976868902014-10-02T00:37:00.002+05:302014-10-02T00:37:58.543+05:30Season of 330 million Gods is here! Incredible India! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The concept of Tourism started with Tirthatan, Deshathan and
presently Paryatan. In India, religious tourism has its own significance, as it
is generally a high-volume, low-end tourism. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">About Navratri: <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Navratri in
Sanskrit means 9 nights. Shakti or feminine power is celebrated or
worshiped during the sacred time of Navratri. Forms of Shakti worshipped during
Navratri are: Durga, Bhadrakali, Amba, Annapoorna Devi, Sarvamangala, Bhairavi,
Chandika, Lalita, Bhavani and Mookambika.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9fdwFAhYEtxwcO3zx-SGZeBl64Yr_aJS5kcwnh1yVyZZOUr5tD8WgMMmWO1nUhcN4QfysQ6-ZFUvRCcILtaJoiq131WvOhLoN8ABHT2IvA_u2o53DGDVf28Z_63r1e83LYsOdXfA2FQG/s1600/navaratrifeature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Navratri in India" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9fdwFAhYEtxwcO3zx-SGZeBl64Yr_aJS5kcwnh1yVyZZOUr5tD8WgMMmWO1nUhcN4QfysQ6-ZFUvRCcILtaJoiq131WvOhLoN8ABHT2IvA_u2o53DGDVf28Z_63r1e83LYsOdXfA2FQG/s1600/navaratrifeature.jpg" height="226" title="Navratri in India" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Colors of Festivity</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In Gujarat,
Navratri is celebrated with great fervor with men and women dressed up in
traditional Gujarati attire play garba every night during the navratri. </span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZGksilN6T4KsKELgpTcWfygYvZN6lb3o2ksGx0IG0HVASHtZ2GgtgL6eKLWHgW6pv2JJccwELk2YL3bNq-C99dzbjFvpuSWsQKBdMOVJiIYJ9KVuxRSktvGptPl26NX25gyVzfZmHEPl/s1600/Navratri-photo_027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Garba in full swing in Gujarat" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZGksilN6T4KsKELgpTcWfygYvZN6lb3o2ksGx0IG0HVASHtZ2GgtgL6eKLWHgW6pv2JJccwELk2YL3bNq-C99dzbjFvpuSWsQKBdMOVJiIYJ9KVuxRSktvGptPl26NX25gyVzfZmHEPl/s1600/Navratri-photo_027.jpg" height="265" title="Garba in full swing in Gujarat" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Garba in full swing in Gujarat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In West
Bengal, Durga Puja is celebrated during the same time and images of Durga
slaying the demon buffalo Mahishasura are built and displayed in temples. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMgdpeWbgPZ0KUt9Bri1EaT7DK_pvLpB_B-kXcpOrPJcHe-w5BtVQycYEHBDW5sNA0VqQQvw8bEIiOkX6GvSTSbsLiYVgSnupLDU1vTufoeuiMUsrwU1n_4P5f5q9BZt0sfio3ASJXj9J/s1600/Durga-Puja-Festival-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Durga Puja in West Bengal" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMgdpeWbgPZ0KUt9Bri1EaT7DK_pvLpB_B-kXcpOrPJcHe-w5BtVQycYEHBDW5sNA0VqQQvw8bEIiOkX6GvSTSbsLiYVgSnupLDU1vTufoeuiMUsrwU1n_4P5f5q9BZt0sfio3ASJXj9J/s1600/Durga-Puja-Festival-4.jpg" height="300" title="Durga Puja in West Bengal" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Durga Puja in West Bengal</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">About Dussehra: <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Dussehra is the tenth day of Navratri and celebrated as the
day Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravan in Lanka. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.newzstreet.com/uploads/image-gallery/ravan1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Effigy of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbkaran. " border="0" src="http://www.newzstreet.com/uploads/image-gallery/ravan1.jpg" height="300" title="Effigy of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbkaran. " width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Effigy of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbkaran. <br />Credits: www.newzstreet.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Dussehra has its origins dating
back to 17<sup>th</sup> century. One won’t see effigies burning. Thus,
celebrations are a bit different but nothing less than spectacular. The 10 day
event preceding Dussehra begins with the Rathyatra of Lord Rama to the Dhalpur
maidaan. Then, the various Gods with processions and bands arrive and the Gaddi
shepherds come down from their homes in the hills to sing, dance and praise the
gods.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeGNSi-x0vmB6PQT_i8Bi2sQFsbwmDElGqOrLCt3v40b4YpfhRRZOMD91rUYpffPx8mBgQ0SeuP89hreb0a1HUgZ6MSoFGWMq1GiUGekmR-Hz0oUBDAAGY6Jn3A1V7wwtf2U2tOtl2KNi/s1600/26th+Sept+Kullu+dusshera3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Dussehra celebrations in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeGNSi-x0vmB6PQT_i8Bi2sQFsbwmDElGqOrLCt3v40b4YpfhRRZOMD91rUYpffPx8mBgQ0SeuP89hreb0a1HUgZ6MSoFGWMq1GiUGekmR-Hz0oUBDAAGY6Jn3A1V7wwtf2U2tOtl2KNi/s1600/26th+Sept+Kullu+dusshera3.jpg" height="270" title="Dussehra celebrations in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dussehra celebrations in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bed and Breakfast
during Dussehra<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Foreign tourist particularly from Europe and USA, visit
India during this time to witness the celebrations and become part of such
celebrations. This is where the importance of Bed and Breakfast comes in as the
they like to visit Ramlila, Durga puja pandals, burning of effigies of Ravana,
Meghnad and Kumbkaran and have real feeling of existence of 330 million Gods of
Incredible India! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1-h2U6xntjbxcwYC3XNtlPpJM7_kluaYCAyBKqQYNDlT4WPImwQLYtzRwrHDaOWEnIw_MZ37bhoK6C5-4luS_HjIAWI4LQzJzEkpLkLCsRDdfz7b94UgmPK-VGWSzp9sjeKlPyV3ElY8/s1600/Ravana_fizzles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Burning of Ravana effigy during Dussehra" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1-h2U6xntjbxcwYC3XNtlPpJM7_kluaYCAyBKqQYNDlT4WPImwQLYtzRwrHDaOWEnIw_MZ37bhoK6C5-4luS_HjIAWI4LQzJzEkpLkLCsRDdfz7b94UgmPK-VGWSzp9sjeKlPyV3ElY8/s1600/Ravana_fizzles.jpg" height="300" title="Burning of Ravana effigy during Dussehra" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Burning of Ravana effigy during Dussehra</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Buddha Religious
circuit</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Keeping in view the tremendous potential of Religious
Tourist arrival, Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, has launched Buddha
circuit that includes sites of significance related to the life of the Buddha
and is sacred to 500 million Buddhists and also attracts non-Buddhist tourists
interested in historical heritage sites such as Bodhgaya in Bihar, Sarnath and
Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, and Lumbini in Nepal. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8c3brezzQwy4yvN0XXVAE-3_QWYEltdL5B8LR_-1mq_44JTvpDy6Lrn3d6i1eeZl7Vvnv76DKIEJiPWBTNgKYDTWAuNhXG1oXQPmYotdfbdoxpscP5GSHKhuOrG9XyqkgEzw4alXOsAJh/s1600/buddhist-circuit-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Buddha Religious Circuit" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8c3brezzQwy4yvN0XXVAE-3_QWYEltdL5B8LR_-1mq_44JTvpDy6Lrn3d6i1eeZl7Vvnv76DKIEJiPWBTNgKYDTWAuNhXG1oXQPmYotdfbdoxpscP5GSHKhuOrG9XyqkgEzw4alXOsAJh/s1600/buddhist-circuit-1.jpg" height="371" title="Buddha Religious Circuit" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Buddha Religious Circuit</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Swachata Abhiyan</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Small things make big impact! Prime Minister, Narendra Modi announced Cleanliness drive on 2<sup>nd</sup> October. As Prime Minister, he was
advised to expand his vision but he understood the importance of cleanliness
and hygiene to attract more tourists besides raising the standard of living. I could not have agreed more! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuU-UHGInpyThTK4KxUu4EFEGmnkvKxZ8RexOk4dl2gN7G2RwqD0UUh3yDu9FeJAdAVJqoigvNaTUAynM9y9pwkRIPOsQSDn4aLeLol3wRxVggsHpmOrp3wvg_iyRDCrV8gdxvG1dc68jO/s1600/Sandeep_Naik,_Swachhata_Abhiyan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Swachata Abhiyan, Narendra Modi" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuU-UHGInpyThTK4KxUu4EFEGmnkvKxZ8RexOk4dl2gN7G2RwqD0UUh3yDu9FeJAdAVJqoigvNaTUAynM9y9pwkRIPOsQSDn4aLeLol3wRxVggsHpmOrp3wvg_iyRDCrV8gdxvG1dc68jO/s1600/Sandeep_Naik,_Swachhata_Abhiyan.jpg" height="267" title="Swachata Abhiyan, Narendra Modi" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Swachata Abhiyan</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In India, Dussehra, Diwali and Holi are celebrated with
fervor and gaiety. This festive season of Dussehra and Diwali is no less
important than Christmas celebration in December. Delhi bustles with activity
and one can find frequent traffic jams all over the city but it does not lessen
the enthusiasm of the people. In India, the tourism season starts from
mid-September and goes on till March in most of the regions.</span></div>
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<table class="tableizer-table">
<tbody>
<tr class="tableizer-firstrow"><th>Month</th><th>Foreign Tourist Arrival, 2013</th><th>Change in FTA from previous month</th><th>%age change in FTA from previous month</th></tr>
<tr><td>September</td><td>453561</td><td>-</td><td>-</td></tr>
<tr><td>October</td><td>598095</td><td>144534</td><td>32%</td></tr>
<tr><td>November</td><td>733923</td><td>135828</td><td>22%</td></tr>
<tr><td>December</td><td>821581</td><td>87658</td><td>12%</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As the data shows, the months of Sept-December account for
almost 60% of Foreign Tourist Arrival in India.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As a closing remark, I hope that during this festive season
and pro-active governance, there will be an increase in Foreign Tourist and
Foreign Exchange Earnings. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Credits: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tourism.gov.in/">www.tourism.gov.in</a> | <a href="https://www.wbginvestmentclimate.org/advisory-services/investment-generation/tourism/buddhist-circuit-tourist-sites-in-india.cfm">www.wbginvestmentclimate.org</a> | <a href="http://www.india.com/">www.india.com</a></span></div>
</div>
Drhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670866659616311805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991394347888798516.post-34413296189831434062014-09-27T22:26:00.000+05:302014-09-27T22:26:00.109+05:30Ahoy! Happy World Tourism Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Many people associate tourism with
a recreational activity but as per UNWTO, Tourism is a people-based economic
activity built on social interaction. It prospers if it engages the local
population by contributing to social values.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">World
Tourism Day</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
declared 27 September the World Tourism Day with the purpose to raise the
awareness of the global community about the importance of tourism and its
social, cultural, economic and political value. World Tourism Day (WTD) is a global observance to highlight tourism’s
social, cultural, political and economic value.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The theme of this year's World Tourism Day is Tourism and Community Development which is sync with the Bed and Breakfast scheme. </span></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLEYt7eOyMXDoFxKs5irR2zxX13C5ElDZMpQf7dssqNgRSC5zvrm-mJTDUYlKS_7s48MXY2xViXGqQI1zbRVAIisWOYUs3QdwomkgtkulFXpR0_uk9X-P2JKaS_lamRcLrbGsS8n3GfvG/s1600/UNWTO+Theme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img alt="World Tourism Day; Tourism & Community Development" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLEYt7eOyMXDoFxKs5irR2zxX13C5ElDZMpQf7dssqNgRSC5zvrm-mJTDUYlKS_7s48MXY2xViXGqQI1zbRVAIisWOYUs3QdwomkgtkulFXpR0_uk9X-P2JKaS_lamRcLrbGsS8n3GfvG/s1600/UNWTO+Theme.jpg" height="400" title="World Tourism Day; Tourism & Community Development" width="335" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">World Tourism Day; Tourism & Community Development</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Tourism and Bed & Breakfast industry</b><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The Bed and Breakfast industry is not a new concept in the world though it is adopted as a novel idea in the B&B scheme of “Incredible India” over the age old practice of “paying guest accommodation in India”. As per figures of foreign tourist arrival as mentioned in <b>(MoT, Statistics at a Glance, 2012)</b>, in countries like France (8.02%), USA (6.3%), China (5.57%), Spain (5.57%), Italy (4.48%) where maximum percentage of foreign tourists arrive every year the shortage of regular commercial accommodation is met by the B&B stays prevalent in these countries but in different modes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvGWGzEtl9oP1Z64Bg2VosCL1EO6O1pzZIeQNAIjJMgiO4edgJCDAnQI1Y816zAty73XaKRJGDG62gd6QSBi9Tgryz6Uk9436ZybcNKYa7GGsojuK10FIz_Y6g1ID7lHCB_q25Sirhuy9/s1600/Definition+of+Tourism+by+UNWTO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvGWGzEtl9oP1Z64Bg2VosCL1EO6O1pzZIeQNAIjJMgiO4edgJCDAnQI1Y816zAty73XaKRJGDG62gd6QSBi9Tgryz6Uk9436ZybcNKYa7GGsojuK10FIz_Y6g1ID7lHCB_q25Sirhuy9/s1600/Definition+of+Tourism+by+UNWTO.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">According to Caroll Cathy, an author of “Travel Weekly”, the utility of B&B type accommodation is increasing as many business travelers are finding that B&B inns suit their needs, and owners are furnishing these guests such equipments as private telephones and computer connection.<br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The ‘B&B stay’ concept helps in saving huge additional infrastructure costs towards construction of hotels, recycling of waste water, electricity generation ,and cutting of trees etc. and other materials required for creating additional facilities for accommodation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In a country like India, additional land for constructing more hotels is made available by shrinking of forest land, cutting of trees, generation of more electricity & water etc. In Delhi, there is always a shortage of accommodation particularly in budget category during the period of various festivals, carnivals, conventions, functions, national and international conferences etc. These events are generally planned from September to March every year where large number of foreign and domestic tourists arrive in Delhi thereby increasing the demand for more accommodation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>This day last year...</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I remember clearly that on this day,
last year, as the Managing Director, Delhi Tourism (DTTDC), our Department had
facilitated the shooting of the upcoming Rajkumar Hirani’s Bollywood movie PK
(Peekay), best known for its Nude-Aamir-Khan poster, in the bustling streets of
Delhi by getting the various permissions from various departments. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KS7IUYCrt8nEkw96rbYlXygTasHuIcw4tzJV_yp7BgcjfOzDihHnUhNINc4lzm6epuQndH3AFcnKdBPnuMM8b5B8mVcmg7h4WM_5juFCDLJpSws3LowCXmxaQ08FQIliK3EHKPmV7ySI/s1600/Aamir-Khan-P.K-nude-poster-675x786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img alt="Peekay Poster Aamir Khan" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KS7IUYCrt8nEkw96rbYlXygTasHuIcw4tzJV_yp7BgcjfOzDihHnUhNINc4lzm6epuQndH3AFcnKdBPnuMM8b5B8mVcmg7h4WM_5juFCDLJpSws3LowCXmxaQ08FQIliK3EHKPmV7ySI/s1600/Aamir-Khan-P.K-nude-poster-675x786.jpg" height="400" title="Peekay Poster" width="248" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">PK poster</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To
appreciate our effort, the crew of Peekay held a dinner for Delhi Tourism where
we interacted with Aamir Khan, his son, Mr Rajkumar Hirani, Anoushka Sharma and
other members.</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctJeSyshyphenhyphenKLexDxhom1IwjQkXP8dzwO14Bs3N8o8hKo0t0sGd0CcVmW4Df6FfU3UfnOE0q5_XkYE8NFcQSfq5aHaDue45AY8H1FRVcf_iRcCC6wq1I55rTpTc9jSFairWQFZmeIvdSC41/s1600/DSC00878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img alt="Aamir Khan, Peekay" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctJeSyshyphenhyphenKLexDxhom1IwjQkXP8dzwO14Bs3N8o8hKo0t0sGd0CcVmW4Df6FfU3UfnOE0q5_XkYE8NFcQSfq5aHaDue45AY8H1FRVcf_iRcCC6wq1I55rTpTc9jSFairWQFZmeIvdSC41/s1600/DSC00878.JPG" height="300" title="With Aamir Khan" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">With Aamir Khan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
Drhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670866659616311805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991394347888798516.post-30257188421492636162014-09-23T23:00:00.000+05:302014-09-23T23:00:01.229+05:30Interesting facts about Bed and Breakfast establishments in Delhi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In a recent survey of
around 50 Bed and Breakfast establishments (out of about 350 total B&Bs),
some interesting facts were revealed. There is a group of substantial number of
domestic tourists who stayed in lower tariff of B&B units at Rs. 1500 to
Rs. 2000 per month (equivalent to US 25$ to 34$). These are generally those
tourists who came to Delhi for pilgrimage. However, most of domestic and
foreign tourists stayed in the tariff range of Rs. 3500 – Rs. 4500 (US 60$ - US
70$) per night. Average stay of tourists was 3 days in Delhi. Most of the
B&B units are located in South Delhi particularly in Vasant Kunj, CR Park,
Greater Kailash, Hauz Khas, East of Kailash and Kailash Colony. Out of total
foreign tourists staying in B&B units, majority are from USA & UK
(20%), followed by Australia (13%), Germany (12%) & France (11%). Chinese
tourists seem to avoid B&B establishments). These tourists, generally,
visit three world heritage sites in Delhi namely, Red Fort, Qutub Minar and
Humayun Tomb.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQauI4yRom1gKQMIzg08VrALmFxTZV7EPUn-Lui_6srTaxyFJ9WkwQSHAJX1ZzaEIjbjlG9aFsp8WD9aXxeSWHiChR3WadplSnnTA5ErInobaCR9M62Hf6cNEn7b4AO0192lCcCixaqaZ/s1600/Delhi+Humayun's%2BTomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Humayun's Tomb, Delhi" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQauI4yRom1gKQMIzg08VrALmFxTZV7EPUn-Lui_6srTaxyFJ9WkwQSHAJX1ZzaEIjbjlG9aFsp8WD9aXxeSWHiChR3WadplSnnTA5ErInobaCR9M62Hf6cNEn7b4AO0192lCcCixaqaZ/s1600/Delhi+Humayun's%2BTomb.jpg" height="265" title="Humayun's Tomb" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Humayun's Tomb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEH8K5w5fpHDRcQYM89fm352z6CaxmxoOAgOGCVl8cVaO6FC3i0ZUC6WD084W7nbsEOKnA9vvUD-7rHvIVzK9rxCZbtHE2rE_5kcVVpoPrbU2e3GLYGWQody5QUY3RsY4LePzH0kPNdf8/s1600/Qutub_Minar_Delhi_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Qutub Minar" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEH8K5w5fpHDRcQYM89fm352z6CaxmxoOAgOGCVl8cVaO6FC3i0ZUC6WD084W7nbsEOKnA9vvUD-7rHvIVzK9rxCZbtHE2rE_5kcVVpoPrbU2e3GLYGWQody5QUY3RsY4LePzH0kPNdf8/s1600/Qutub_Minar_Delhi_02.jpg" height="640" title="Qutub Minar" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Qutub Minar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZTXiaUu_G8_alfFED_q4pD7mwOniWELV6VLso6lZVSTONo9GJEfhNOm3fHGWtrN6g7CQATwXBO2jBigC9NqZos0rqcq982WmF7NPrlZTVmqtt0Sk7LwltxlL9y3sgr9KXryuaaJPJ389/s1600/Red_Fort_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Red Fort" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZTXiaUu_G8_alfFED_q4pD7mwOniWELV6VLso6lZVSTONo9GJEfhNOm3fHGWtrN6g7CQATwXBO2jBigC9NqZos0rqcq982WmF7NPrlZTVmqtt0Sk7LwltxlL9y3sgr9KXryuaaJPJ389/s1600/Red_Fort_2.jpg" height="300" title="Red Fort" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Fort</td></tr>
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Some of the tourists visit
Akshardham Temple, Bahai Temple, Jama Masjid also. Most take taxis or package
tours of Delhi as these are cheaper compared to other cities in the world. Unlike
cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, London, etc. there are not many souvenir shops
in Delhi. However, Dilli Haat is popular among tourists and serves as a good
shopping stop for souvenirs, handlooms and handicrafts. While Dilli Haat
purchases are less costly, some foreign tourists also prefer to make such
purchases from Janpath street shops at slightly higher rates. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><br /></span></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8gT1asG-J1pfsfkJ85emw7xCDM1NQhgRC9m5IwOBb7eAeZXuSUsZhg2cAzADY2MUhcLduC7Udro7GZbkY6QxxlMPSNhFfnksyE-tjSITtE5VBy_u9qZzqYPe-lsR1-h71WxqicOcRiPH/s1600/janpath-crockery-items.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Janpath shopping street" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8gT1asG-J1pfsfkJ85emw7xCDM1NQhgRC9m5IwOBb7eAeZXuSUsZhg2cAzADY2MUhcLduC7Udro7GZbkY6QxxlMPSNhFfnksyE-tjSITtE5VBy_u9qZzqYPe-lsR1-h71WxqicOcRiPH/s1600/janpath-crockery-items.jpg" height="300" title="Janpath shopping street" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Janpath shopping street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The tourists staying at homestays
in Delhi very well know where from to purchase, how to travel within the city
and where to eat at reasonable rates. The tourists staying in hotels have
lesser choice of interacting with people, though they are also able to avail
such information through sites like India Tourism, Delhi Tourism and other
websites of local travel agencies. Delhi gets maximum number of tourists in the
months from September to February.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">If you wish to book your stay in authentic Bed and Breakfast accommodations in Delhi, please feel free to contact me at <b>ggsaxena@gmail.com </b>or<b> +91 9810603010. </b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">These data are generally taken
from DTTDC and are incorporated in the author’s Ph.D. thesis and research
article “Economics of B&B Scheme of Delhi” published in July’13 issue of
SAJTH. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
</div>
</div>
Drhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13670866659616311805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991394347888798516.post-15367840747399448672014-09-13T15:50:00.002+05:302014-09-13T15:50:43.935+05:30Why should you visit India amidst security concerns?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In India, Tourism was first conceived as Tirthatan (religious
travel) then as Deshatan (travel around the country) and finally as Paryatan
with the sole purpose of promoting intermingling among people of neighboring
states, to acquaint them with the culture of the host country. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In India, hospitality is based on the principle of <i>Atithi Devo Bhava</i>, i.e. "the guest is god". Here people live in unity though there is diversity in Caste, Creed and Culture.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2oNGq3qCMectzSz-fZ_T1c6Mg1bwDgxuY-YiMwJ23XgmZyyZ375hpg_NJfJDvNlCquumg3QDACxqNCoJ9HthZlnCxghxEygaWsQPNwmHbeiWkzWwAeyppl_gl-tLd2Iz5FE_f8mhIzSR/s1600/atithi_devo_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Atithi Devo Bhava- Incredible India" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2oNGq3qCMectzSz-fZ_T1c6Mg1bwDgxuY-YiMwJ23XgmZyyZ375hpg_NJfJDvNlCquumg3QDACxqNCoJ9HthZlnCxghxEygaWsQPNwmHbeiWkzWwAeyppl_gl-tLd2Iz5FE_f8mhIzSR/s1600/atithi_devo_2.jpg" height="285" title="Atithi Devo Bhava" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Atithi Devo Bhava- Incredible India</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; text-align: left;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">During various festivals, all the communities including
Hindus, Muslims, Christians and others enjoy with great fervor and gaiety.
Neighbours share their joy during family functions and also console each other
at times of mourning. All Indian religions follow the principles of mutual
respect, peaceful coexistence, and sharing of joys & sorrows with a sense
of togetherness.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thus, India has something for every tourist who wishes to
get a taste of the unique culture of India. There are <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">22 languages with 1542 dialects</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">27 world heritage sites</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">7500 km. of coastline</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">9000 years old history, civilization
and heritage</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">55,000 km. of lakes, streams and rivers</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">476 forts and palaces<br /></span></span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmYXyB-MiILPIIut5b7S5khunV-_hF9YMncPwfJHlTBOq5Z-nBmKkxuoj4ged4Ol7WERMBi8LiOb8nvra4sJV1AhFjIphOsBQsQ4VTSQoNOa47hSNQTtWYT9R9dk-Hz5QdTE_B7YIjF58/s1600/Radhanagar_beach_during_sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="View of Radhanagar beach at sunset- Incredible India Dr GG Saxena blogs" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmYXyB-MiILPIIut5b7S5khunV-_hF9YMncPwfJHlTBOq5Z-nBmKkxuoj4ged4Ol7WERMBi8LiOb8nvra4sJV1AhFjIphOsBQsQ4VTSQoNOa47hSNQTtWYT9R9dk-Hz5QdTE_B7YIjF58/s1600/Radhanagar_beach_during_sunset.JPG" height="266" title="View of Radhanagar beach at sunset" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View of Radhanagar beach (Andaman and Nicobar islands) at sunset</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">India is also well known as a rich culinary heritage
destination. It boasts of the following: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">70 million hectares of forest</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">147 dance forms</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">5000 years of experience in Ayurveda
and Yoga. </span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you enjoy having morning tea then India is a must visit! There
are a large number of “Tea states” totaling 1641 in India. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV83mYxsTyu0rfBxNCCkoJ29cKNaAfSXXHCB4VzqDB8WrywuHrSKdmAXVLlePIomrqI6DeWYy74VlXz8y1BduMUn0xDVjC0BEKf2qbRZHpdaNMbq0ZY3pfF-wfgSeVErBqNv8RrPSPWmEX/s1600/tea+plantation3+blog.shantitravel.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tea plantation in India- Incredible India" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV83mYxsTyu0rfBxNCCkoJ29cKNaAfSXXHCB4VzqDB8WrywuHrSKdmAXVLlePIomrqI6DeWYy74VlXz8y1BduMUn0xDVjC0BEKf2qbRZHpdaNMbq0ZY3pfF-wfgSeVErBqNv8RrPSPWmEX/s1600/tea+plantation3+blog.shantitravel.com.jpg" height="265" title="Tea plantation in India" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tea plantation in India</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Furthermore, India is host to almost 60% of the world’s tiger population. There are 60 national parks, 400 wild life sanctuaries.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCoH3lVMxHcIBx4bpshBQLXdETkpoNevdukD0bnp-eQb8Glsozl7SvcGDU9Kk1NL5O7yBU6_Ijq1z-glF4YuG4_lF0gJaZXJUqjvaCs-7jVSRy5-ge9Q90TZDBXzr2aWian2o0rutubH9/s1600/gir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gir Wildlife sanctuary" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCoH3lVMxHcIBx4bpshBQLXdETkpoNevdukD0bnp-eQb8Glsozl7SvcGDU9Kk1NL5O7yBU6_Ijq1z-glF4YuG4_lF0gJaZXJUqjvaCs-7jVSRy5-ge9Q90TZDBXzr2aWian2o0rutubH9/s1600/gir.jpg" height="266" title="Gir Wildlife sanctuary" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you still have doubts about visiting India with your friends and family, feel free to reach me at ggsaxena@gmail.com or +91 9810603010. </span></div>
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