THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Kolkata, April 13: “Connect with Jharkhand – Where every turn has a story,” said Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar as he led a vibrant two-day tourism roadshow in Kolkata, hosted by the Government of Jharkhand’s Tourism Department. The event served as a bridge between Bengal and Jharkhand, highlighting their deep-rooted cultural ties while also presenting fresh investment opportunities in the tourism sector.
Two Pages of a Shared Heritage
In an emotional and engaging speech, Kumar explained why Kolkata was chosen to launch the state’s latest tourism push. “Jharkhand and Bengal are not just neighbours; we are two pages of a shared heritage,” he said, citing examples from history—from the travels of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to the British Bengal Presidency—as symbols of their intertwined traditions and values.
He added, “When a tourist from Bengal comes to the villages of Jharkhand, locals affectionately call them ‘changer’. It’s more than just a word—it’s a reflection of our cultural closeness.”
Bengal: A Key Tourism Partner
Highlighting that the majority of tourists visiting Jharkhand are from West Bengal, Kumar emphasised that the state’s tourism revival was being kickstarted from Kolkata with purpose. “It has always been our tradition that no matter how difficult the beginning, we ultimately emerge victorious,” he remarked.
The roadshow wasn’t just a presentation—it was an open invitation. “Come to Jharkhand, where waterfalls flow music, not just water… where mountains don’t just rise, they tell stories… and where every journey is an experience,” he said.
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Pitching Investment: Tourism Meets Business
The event also featured high-level B2G (Business-to-Government) meetings with leading industry groups, including Ambuja Neotia, Polo Towers, Shriram Ozone, Peerless Hotels, Hotel Sonar Bangla, Conveyor & Ropeway Services, and Sumi Yashshree Hotels & Resorts. Discussions covered tourism investment, infrastructure development, and collaborative partnerships in Jharkhand.
“The government is alert, dedicated and eager to welcome you. Our state can become your next destination,” Kumar assured attendees. He credited Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s leadership in prioritising tourism and pledged a renewed focus on giving the sector a fresh dimension.
Showcasing Incentives for Investors
Tourism Secretary Manoj Kumar presented a detailed overview of the state’s tourism potential and the incentives available to investors, underlining Jharkhand’s readiness to support sustainable tourism development.