Since assuming office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become a catalyst in bringing much-needed change in the cultural sphere, bringing different communities together and imbibing a sense of cultural pride in youth and old alike. There has been an unprecedented push towards the revival of ignored traditions and cultural values and the restoration of connectivity in the form of corridors and infrastructures under the leadership of the PM. The government under PM Modi has delivered on its promises by giving unwavering attention to the revival of our faith and culture by revamping once-neglected pilgrimage places and corridors.
The need for the revival and redevelopment of connectivity is driven by a multitude of factors, such as preserving one's identity and heritage, instil a sense of pride in India's cultural heritage and wisdom, reconnecting with roots, rekindling pride and patriotism, promoting cultural diplomacy, and boosting tourism and the economy.
The government has been making positive strides towards enhancing accessibility to pilgrimage places and corridors by developing infrastructure and encouraging religious tourism, which plays a significant role in creating jobs and upscaling the circular economy. The government has undertaken considerable infrastructure development projects to enhance connectivity, accessibility, and overall quality of life. These initiatives promote tourism, boost economic growth, and address the needs of the rapidly growing population. These infrastructure works collectively contribute to the socio-economic development of the region, making it more resilient, connected, and capable of meeting the needs of its residents and visitors.
In order to transform India into a world-class destination for spiritual tourism, the government under PM Modi has undertaken several redevelopment projects. Tourism initiatives such as the SWADESH DARSHAN and PRASHAD schemes have been taken to promote tourism by developing theme-based circuits.
One of the most notable initiatives is the PRASHAD scheme, which the Indian government launched through the Ministry of Tourism in 2014–2015. PRASHAD scheme stands for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive. This project focuses on establishing and identifying pilgrimage sites around India to boost the religious tourist experience. It strives to integrate pilgrimage places in a prioritised, planned and sustainable manner to deliver a holistic religious tourism experience.
The PRASHAD program aims to facilitate the growth and advancement of religious tourism in India. The main goal of the scheme is to improve pilgrimages and spiritual experiences for visitors by providing well-planned tourism infrastructure that allows for visitor comfort, accessibility, security, and cleanliness. To rejuvenate pilgrimages and heritage cities by preserving their souls through integrated, inclusive, and sustainable development that creates jobs for the local population.
Under the PRASHAD scheme, the Ministry offers financial support to Union Territory Administrations and State Governments to construct infrastructure at tourist attractions. The Ministry has approved 46 projects totalling Rs. 1629.17 crore to date. Furthermore, 26 additional locations have been identified for development under the PRASHAD Scheme.
While heritage cities are chosen based on their high heritage values, tourist traffic, number of monuments, and accreditations, pilgrimage destinations are selected based on pilgrimage lineage and pilgrim footfall.
From investing in infrastructural works, be it Roadways or Ropeways, or enhancing the connectivity through Char Dham Projects, the government has left no stone unturned to connect the once inaccessible terrains to the masses. This includes constructing and widening highways, bridges, and rural roads. Efforts have also been made to enhance and improve rail and air connectivity in Uttarakhand.
With the government embarking on this marvellous journey of restoring the lost glory to once forgotten cultural heritage and traditions, the people of the nation are getting connected to their roots again. Along with bringing an overhaul in the cultural and heritage development, the government has been successful in the revival of not just our traditions, heritage, and culture but also the creation of infrastructural landmarks and marvels simultaneously. Today, not only are the nation's citizens in awe of their restored cultural heritage, but Bharat, triumphantly, has managed to put herself on the global cultural pedestal where the whole world is taking note of her ever-evolving nature.
