Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Suman Bery, today released the anthology titled Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India in New Delhi. The anthology serves as a comprehensive, year-round tourism companion covering all States and Union Territories. It presents a blend of destinations, culture, cuisine, textiles and handicrafts while showcasing both iconic sites and lesser-known attractions. The book includes a monthly travel calendar and detailed State-wise chapters aimed at promoting informed and diverse travel experiences across the country. 

 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Bery described the anthology as a significant contribution towards showcasing India’s cultural and tourism potential and stressed the need for continued collaborative efforts to further strengthen the sector. Highlighting the growing importance of tourism, the Vice Chairman emphasised the need to expand its scale in India.

 

He noted that while religious tourism forms a significant part of domestic travel, there is a need to enhance the overall tourism experience and develop world-class destinations across the States. He also stressed the importance of strong Centre-State cooperation in promoting tourism, noting that States have a critical role in developing infrastructure and unlocking local potential. 

 

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Bhuvnesh Kumar, emphasised the need to further expand the tourism sector, noting its significant potential to contribute to the country’s economy. He said the book will help citizens access reliable information about destinations and accommodation, and highlighted the growing interest in travel, with over 2 million footfall recorded last year.

 

He added that initiatives such as Dekho Apna Desh and Swadesh Darshan, along with the government’s plan to develop 50 global destinations, reflect continued efforts to promote tourism and enhance infrastructure to global standards.