Tourism offers a new perspective as it is also related to spirituality, social balance, and well-being. In your opinion, what impact does this journey have on a person's internal journey?
Tourism is a very vast field. Nature has given something unique in every part of the earth. In fact, life itself is a tour where we continuously feel the changes happening within us. When we assume this tour on earth, we see those changes manifesting differently in every area, everywhere. If we connect this with inner travel, it becomes a source of peace, intellectuality, and everything.
A center of faith, the temple, was created by man, yet the arrangements provided by nature, the greenery, the waterfalls, the streams, the tranquility, the sound of birds, and the unexpected sparkle of stars at night, which are not found in cities. The unexpected brilliance of the moon that appears from those mountains where there is no population pressure at all; it is such a captivating subject that when we start discussing it, we begin to melt. Now, today, as the arrangements have increased, it is natural that everything has to change, but we have forgotten the essence of what tourism truly is. We have created a mindset that we capture pictures wherever we go. Instead of experiencing the place, we have started to confine it within the photos that are piled up on Google. The perspective from which we are viewing tourism development here has become a very serious issue.
Uttarakhand Tourism
It is very good to be commercialized, but the kind of commercialization which loses its essence and spirituality is not good. In fact, we should discuss points where we talk about Ayurveda, peace, and auto-meditation. A meditation that happens by itself, solitude, where there is no sound except for the chirping of birds, where we begin to feel the touch of the air on our face, where when we sit quietly, our thoughts start to calm down without closing our eyes. We should work on developing such stations. It is a great irony in Uttarakhand that we are unable to present behaviors in the form that is very much needed today in the name of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.
It is unfortunate that no one has yet paid attention to the fact that any tourist, when they arrive, first requires proper arrangements of food. On one hand, this is one aspect, and on the other hand, today we repeatedly refer to Uttarakhand as a land of spirituality, however, Uttarakhand, known as the Land of the Gods, is a matter that arguably merits no further consideration, and we are excluding those individuals who genuinely seek what is readily available here.
Now, talking about Uttarakhand's economy, tourism is a very big part. There is a need for thoughts, there are many points from where you can earn money. Our focus tends to go towards liquor, which is wrong. In fact, if tourism is planned properly today, there are some luxury points here for peace of mind where a person spends between 25,000 to 50,000 for just one day. Everything is possible, but it requires a thought process. Things need to be moved forward. An establishment like the Tehri Dam stands here, so peaceful and in such a vast expanse that one cannot see water easily anywhere else, along with complete nature. Just go a little higher and you see snow-capped mountains for 12 months. Even after so much time has passed since the Tehri Dam started, more attention has been given to increasing liquor shops rather than improving water sports. Comparatively, we need to discuss in what form we want to earn. The form of earning should actually be tourism. But at what level is that effort? This needs to be considered.
There's a popular tourist spot in Singapore, a river-like attraction that visitors love to explore. The place makes a fortune from tourism. Now, compare that to our Chilla Road in Uttarakhand, which also has a river flowing alongside it. The natural beauty of both places can't be compared - the difference is staggering. Yet, what are we doing to develop and promote our own gem?"
Isn't it a sad state of affairs that today, people with copper-plated opportunities are minting money, while those with golden opportunities are unable to utilize them effectively? However, if we develop and utilize the Chilla route with proper arrangements, the possibilities are endless.
The foremost requirement is willpower, as it sets the foundation for nature to align and cooperate with us. One important principle to remember is that when we move forward with the intention of doing something good for society, nature never responds to it with destruction. Such harmony reflects the compassion and love of the Supreme Being. Always remember, nature cannot be viewed as inherently destructive. It is a force of creation, a source of sustenance, and the essence of life itself. When our intentions are pure and noble, destruction has no place - it becomes impossible. However, when human intentions are corrupted or misguided, destruction follows. We often perceive ourselves as the source of life, but in reality, nature is the true-life force that nurtures and sustains all.
This understanding resonates deeply with those who grasp the profound connection between humanity and nature. Consider the sacred land of Uttarakhand, often referred to as the land of the gods and home to the four revered pilgrimage sites. The intention is not merely for visitors to come, worship, and depart; rather, the journey represents a deeper communion with divinity and the natural world. The entire region of Uttarakhand can be seen as a divine garden, a sacred courtyard of the Supreme Being. While the temple may lie at a great distance, this vast courtyard itself holds boundless beauty and spiritual significance. When the human mind finds joy and solace within this divine courtyard, it brings pleasure to the divine presence.
Immersing oneself in the serenity of nature is, in essence, a form of spiritual tourism. It reminds us of a profound truth: just as sleep comes to an individual in solitude, Spirituality too, is a deeply personal journey. True spirituality lies in being awake within one’s sleep, a state where one detaches from their thoughts and experiences stillness.
To achieve this state of spiritual awakening, a conducive environment is essential—a place where nature and peace work in harmony to nurture the soul. This harmony between the external world and the inner self is the key to true spiritual fulfilment and Uttarakhand is fully capable of providing such an environment, with immense potential at its disposal.
In this vast open expanse, where the divine has already bestowed incredible beauty and a breathtaking environment, certain arrangements are still missing. It is imperative for our leaders to consider this seriously. I earnestly appeal to all individuals in positions of authority to ensure that the sacred land of Uttarakhand continues to preserve and embody its divine essence. It is crucial that visitors from various states across India can genuinely feel and affirm the title of Uttarakhand as the "Dev Bhoomi." This matter holds utmost importance, especially with the abundant resources available to address it. I make this heartfelt plea not only to the state government of Uttarakhand but also to the central government. Those who resonate with this sentiment must recognize the significance of this matter, for it connects to the very roots of our heritage.
Uttarakhand is not merely a collection of mountains; it is a sacred mountain temple, a place of worship where one finds peace and solace. Just as a temple is a sanctuary for the soul, Uttarakhand stands as a sanctuary for all who seek harmony and spirituality amidst nature's embrace.
