Category Archives: Writing

World Tourism Day

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Celebrated annually on 27 September, World Tourism Day is celebrated to promote awareness and the importance of tourism worldwide. This day serves as a platform to highlight the social, cultural, political, and economic contributions of tourism to global development. Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has celebrated World Tourism Day as an international observance. This date was chosen as, on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted, the adoption of which is considered a milestone in global tourism. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide. World Tourism Day plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism practices, fostering dialogue between nations, and encouraging responsible travel among tourists.

At its Twelfth Session in Istanbul, Turkey, in October 1997, the UNWTO General Assembly decided to designate a host country each year to act as the Organization’s partner in the celebration of World Tourism Day. At its Fifteenth Session in Beijing, China, in October 2003, the Assembly decided the following geographic order to be followed for World Tourism Day celebrations: 2006 in Europe; 2007 in South Asia; 2008 in the Americas; 2009 in Africa and 2011 in the Middle East.

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Tourism has become one of the fastest-growing industries globally, contributing significantly to job creation, economic growth, and cultural preservation. However, the rapid expansion of tourism also poses challenges such as environmental degradation, cultural commodification, and unequal distribution of benefits. ‎Modern tourism is closely linked to development and encompasses a growing number ‎of new destinations. These dynamics have turned tourism into a key driver for socio-economic progress.‎ Today, the business volume of tourism equals or even surpasses that of oil exports, ‎food products or automobiles. Tourism has become one of the major players in ‎international commerce and represents, at the same time, one of the main income ‎sources for many developing countries. This growth goes hand in hand with ‎increasing diversification and competition among destinations.‎ This global spread of tourism in industrialised and developed states has produced ‎economic and employment benefits in many related sectors – from construction to ‎agriculture or telecommunications.‎

In 2023, the official World Tourism Day celebrations will be hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the theme “Tourism and Green Investments”. World Tourism Day 2023 will highlight the need for more and better-targeted investments for people, for the planet and for prosperity. The time has come for new and innovative solutions, not just traditional investments that promote and underpin economic growth and productivity. The day will highlight the vital need to deliver investment for projects that work for people by investing in education and skills, for the planet by investing in sustainable infrastructure and accelerating green transformation and for prosperity by investing in innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.

Sustainable tourism requires sustainable investments. However, due to the pandemic, announced foreign investment in the tourism sector fell from US$48.5 billion in 2019 to just US$12.6 billion in 2020. This sudden and unexpected drop has been felt at all levels of the sector and pressed pause on projects designed to advance tourism’s climate action efforts and build more resilience. Additionally, in 2020 and 2021, job creation in the tourism sector fell by 70%, a direct consequence of falling investment levels.

One investment area that has remained strong, however, is investment in tourism start-ups and technology, highlighting the resilience of the startup ecosystem. But even here, the impact of the pandemic has been significant: funding levels fell to their lowest level in four years in 2022, and the number of tourism tech ‘unicorns’, which are start-ups valued at US$1 billion or more, has fallen. More and better-targeted investment is therefore required to enable tourism to deliver on its massive potential to provide opportunities for people, build resilient economies, accelerate climate action and greater sustainability for the planet, and deliver inclusive prosperity around the pillars of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Tourism is one of the world’s leading employers. In 2019, the sector employed one in 10 people worldwide, with high levels of opportunity for women and youth. However, in emerging destinations, 50% of young people are unable to work in tourism due to a lack of opportunity, resources or access to academic training. Current education and training opportunities are unbalanced, with a heavy emphasis on hotel management. The global tourism workforce will require millions of hospitality graduates annually between now and 2030, and a further 800,000 jobs a year will require specific vocational training.

Through tourism, investment in infrastructure can deliver better services while also advancing the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs. However, infrastructure has suffered from chronic underinvestment for decades. Tourism infrastructure, in particular, has a crucial role to play. Hotels account for 1% of global emissions and rising and are heavy consumers of energy and water. At the same time, funding for climate tech start-ups is not at the level needed to truly transform the sector. Investments that integrate sustainability measures into tourism operations will have an effect on most of the drivers of the sector’s growth: cost efficiency, city policies, internal sustainability goals, brand image, and guest satisfaction.

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This World Tourism Day will try to address topics about public and private investments in this sector and what steps the private sector can take to address the emerging investment needs of the tourism sector vis-a-vis education. They will also deliberate on how to motivate policymakers and investors to support increased investment in greening the tourism sector as well as how to accelerate climate innovation, invest in new technologies, business models, and practices to facilitate the emergence of new climate solutions. Other topics will include the financial investment mechanisms and instruments available to support innovation, technology and entrepreneurship and also how to promote ease of doing business, develop better investment policies and embrace new innovative financial mechanisms and solutions to address emerging and complex challenges. Lastly, the day will focus on trying to close the financing gender gap and accelerate access to capital in both domestic and international markets for women entrepreneurs.

World Tourism Day 2023 will be a call to action for the international community, governments, multilateral financial institutions, development partners and private sector investors to unite around a new tourism investment strategy. As travellers, it is our responsibility to make conscious choices that support sustainable tourism, respecting the environment, preserving cultural heritage, and benefiting local communities. By embracing the principles of sustainability, we can collectively create a tourism industry that is not only economically viable but also environmentally and socially responsible. Let us celebrate World Tourism Day 2023 by recognising the immense potential of tourism as a force for positive change and committing to making travel a transformative and sustainable experience for all.

Short Story: The Purple Balloon

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Rohan
I have always loved Ganesh Chaturthi. The noise, music, and dhol, all add to the excitement and even though it’s school time, I always try to visit as many pandals as possible. I am a big boy now and after pestering Mukesh chachu for almost a year, he finally agreed to take me to see the Ganesh visarjan at Chowpatty. We will be taking a train and then walking to the beach. Ma and Baba are angry with chachu, and dada and dadi also don’t want us to go, but I am bih now, so this year I will go, come what may.

Today is Anantchaturdashi, so after having a hearty lunch, we set off for Chowpatty, the air buzzing with anticipation. My heart raced with excitement as we navigated through the crowded streets of Mumbai. Chachu held my hand tightly, guiding me through the sea of people, each one carrying a Ganesh idol towards the sea for immersion. On the way, we also saw some big idols, including Lalbaghcha Raja.

As we reached Chowpatty, the sight was breathtaking. Hundreds of colourful Ganesh idols lined the beach, surrounded by eager devotees singing and dancing in devotion. The scent of incense and the rhythmic beat of drums filled the air, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

“Look, Rohan!” Chachu exclaimed, pointing to the sky. “See those kites flying high? It’s like a festival in the sky too!”

I grinned and pointed to a group of children trying to fly their kites. Chachu, always playful, bought me a beautiful purple balloon from a vendor nearby. “Here, hold onto this, Rohan,” he said, tying it to my wrist. “This way, I’ll always find you, no matter what.”

The purple balloon floated above me, like a guardian angel watching over, as we continued our journey through the chaotic crowd. I felt safe and happy, knowing Chachu was with me and that the balloon would lead him to me if we got separated.

Mukesh
Being the youngest of my siblings, I felt a special bond with Rohan. He was born when I was in school and because the age gap is not too much between us, so we behave more like friends rather than uncle and nephew. When he pleaded with me to take him to Chowpatty for Ganesh visarjan, I couldn’t resist. I knew bhai and bhabhi and ma and baba wouldn’t approve, but I wanted to give him an unforgettable experience.

As we reached Chowpatty, I marvelled at the vibrant spectacle before us. The sea of colours, the sounds of devotion, and the spirit of unity overwhelmed me. Rohan’s eyes lit up with wonder, and I couldn’t help but smile at his excitement. I was so glad I was able to give him this experience he will not forget in a hurry.

To add to the magic of the moment, I bought him a purple balloon. His joy knew no bounds as he clutched it tightly. “Thank you, Chachu! This is the best day ever!” he said, his eyes sparkling like stars.

With Rohan holding my hand, we manoeuvred through the bustling crowd. But as the immersion rituals began, the chaos intensified. Chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudchyavarshi Loukar Ya” filled the air as people bid farewell to their beloved elephant-headed God by carrying them into the sea and bid him goodbye.

Someone pushed me from behind and I felt a tug on my hand. My heart skipped a beat and I looked down, but Rohan wasn’t there! Panic surged through me as I frantically searched the surrounding crowd, calling out his name. But the noise of the festival drowned my voice.

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Rohan
Suddenly my hand was torn from chachu and I found myself alone in the crowd. My heart raced as I realized I had lost Chachu. I tightened the balloon in my hand and started crying. I was scared, surrounded by strangers, and unsure of what to do. I walked a while, pushed and prodded by people who were eager to immerse their idols and get home.

After a while, I noticed a group of men and they, on seeing me crying came up to me. They knelt at my level and smiled reassuringly. One of them patted my shoulder gently and said, “Don’t worry, beta, tell us why you are crying”. When I told them my chachu was lost and I was missing my ma and baba, they laughed and told me “We’ll keep you safe until we find your chachu.”

They formed a protective circle around me, like guardian angels. One of the men lifted me and put me on his shoulders so that I could look out for chachu. He also took the purple balloon, which had become my lifeline and held it up as a beacon to signal Chachu where I was. With their reassuring presence, my fear subsided, and I felt a glimmer of hope.

Mukesh
My heart pounded in my chest as I continued searching for Rohan frantically. The festival seemed to have swallowed him whole, and I felt a wave of guilt wash over me for bringing him here against his parents’ wishes. I knew I had to find him before anything happened. I started thinking of all the worst things that can happen. An image flashed across my eyes of Rohan in the clutches of a gang which made children stand in the road and beg and I shuddered with anguish. I ran here and there trying to find Rohan, but could not see anyone resembling him in the crowd.

As I ran, my eyes caught a glimpse of a purple balloon floating above the crowd. It looked like the balloon I brought for Rohan and I was relieved to see it. “Was it Rohan’s balloon?” I didn’t know, but ran towards it because it gave me some hope. I followed its trail to a group of men, one of whom was holding the balloon like a beacon and another holding Rohan on his shoulder. I rushed to his side, my heart swelling with gratitude for these kind strangers.

“Chachu!” Rohan cried out, tears of relief streaming down his cheeks. I hugged him tightly, whispering words of reassurance. “I’m here, Rohan. I’m never letting you out of my sight again.” The men smiled warmly, patting Rohan’s back. “He’s a brave boy, and the balloon helped us find you,” one of them said.

Rohan
With chachu’s reassuring presence, the purple balloon back in my hand, and the group of kind men by our side, I felt safe once again. We continued to witness the visarjan of the Ganesh idols and I said a little prayer for bringing my chachu back to me, tightly holding chachu’s hand, not wanting to let go. As the sun set and the festival came to a close, we made our way back home, weaving through the now calmer streets of Mumbai.

I knew I had experienced something extraordinary that day, and it wouldn’t have been the same without the purple balloon and the caring strangers who protected me. I looked up at Chachu, grateful for his love and for keeping his promise to me.

ukesh
The experience of losing Rohan and finding him again had been a rollercoaster of emotions. I knew now, more than ever, that my duty as his uncle was to protect and cherish him. The purple balloon had played a crucial role in reuniting us, and I couldn’t help but smile at its significance.

As we walked back home, I held Rohan’s hand tightly in mine, vowing to never let go. The chaotic festival reminded me of the fragility of life and the importance of treasuring our loved ones. I sent a small prayer to Vignaharta, the remover of obstacles who brought my nephew back to me. Though we returned to the safety of our home, the memories of the festival and the purple balloon would forever remain etched in our hearts. I recounted this experience to my brother, bhabhi and parents and we all hugged Rohan once again, knowing that without the kindness of these strangers, our little boy may have been lost to us forever. The city of Mumbai, one again, showed us what it is made of. Exhausted, as I went to bed, the strains of the songs “Ae dil hai mushkil jeena yahan, Zara hatke zara bachke yeh hai Bombay meri jaan” came through the television of our neighbour and I smiled at the expansiveness of the city of my birth as sleep claimed me.

Festivals of India: Tarnetar Mela

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One of the best things about India is that there are so many colourful festivals one can witness and be a part of. several colourful and grand festivities. One of the many vibrant, but relatively unknown festivals is the annual Tarnetar Mela which takes place in Sundernagar in the western state of Gujarat. A tiny village about 56 km from Sundernagar, about 76 km from Rajkot and about 176 km from Ahmedabad, the village comes alive during the festival.

Being Saurashtra’s most important fair, the Tarnetar Mela is attended by more than 50,000 people, including the Kolis, Rabaris, Bharwads, Khants, Kanbis, Kathis, Charans, Harijans and the Desh-rabaris. The festival has its roots in the epic Mahabharata, specifically Draupadi’s swayamvar. Swayamvar is a type of marriage mentioned in Hindu history where a woman chose a man as her husband from a group of suitors. The word comes from Sanskrit where Svayam means self and vara means groom. At Draupadi’s swayamvar, the Pandava prince Arjun performed the difficult task of piercing the eye of a rotating fish with an arrow, by only looking at its reflection in the water, after which he won the heart and hand of Draupadi.

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The festival’s tradition is believed to have begun about 200 or 250 years ago and is held on the grounds of the temple of Triniteshwar Mahadev, which means the three-eyed God. The old temple that used to stand in Tarnetar is now in ruins, but a new one was built by the Gaekwads of Vadodara in the 19th century during the Solanki era and is now the focal point of the festival. It stands on the bank of a rivulet and opens into a beautiful kund or pond. Inside the temple, there is a Brahma Kund, a Shiva Kund, and a Vishnu Kund and it is believed that taking a plunge in these three water reservoirs is equivalent to taking a dip in the waters of the holy Ganges.

Fast forwarding to today, the three-day festival falls in the Bhadarva Sud or during August and September. This year the festival will take place between 18 to 20 September. The festival is a celebration of tribal Gujarat’s folk dance, music, costume and arts and is centred around young tribal men and women seeking marriage partners.

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The Tarnetar Mela covers a large part of the Tarnetar village with a huge number of stalls put up to sell beautiful local handicrafts unavailable elsewhere, along with ethnic jewellery, statues of deities and traditional attire with tiny mirrors embroidered into the clothing. There are also merry-go-round rides, photography stalls, magic shows and tattoo artists who attract a large variety of visitors.

Rabari women from Zalawad, which is close to Tarnetar perform the famous circular folk dance called rahado. Their marital status is indicated clearly by their costumes; a black zimi or skirt means she is married. But if a woman is wearing a red zimi, it means she has not yet tied the knot and is probably seeking a husband. The potential husbands seeking brides are elegantly dressed in colourful dhotis, artistically designed waistcoats and a head-cloth twisted at an angle, moving about the fairground at Tarnetar with striking umbrellas, advertising the bachelorhood they are keen to relinquish.

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The Kolis of Saurashtra initiated the custom of embroidering umbrellas, which are exquisitely elaborate in terms of embellishments. The embroidery of each is unique and rises from the edges to the top, with beadwork and patchwork in the design as well. Small colourful handkerchiefs are attached all around the edge, to attract further attention. These men spend over a year embroidering their umbrellas. They intend to entice the girls with their art, clothes, and headgear and impress them so that they can propose to them for marriage. It is not surprising that, before the fair is over, they usually meet the lady of their choice.

At the heart of the Tarnetar Mela lies a unique and heartwarming tradition — the swayamvar. This ancient matchmaking ritual allows young, unmarried women to choose their life partners from a group of eligible bachelors. Eligible men from various communities gather, each hoping to find their soulmate among the bevvy of beautiful women. It’s a sight to behold as the women circulate among the men, engaging in cheerful banter and trying to find a connection that transcends words. As modern influences blend seamlessly with tradition, young participants have the freedom to exchange phone numbers, engage in conversations, and even meet their potential life partners accompanied by their families.

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As the dancers surge in waves of circular movement, the incessant throbbing of the drums keeps them moving in unison, and the drum beats continue throughout the day even as the dancers change from one group to the next. Many kinds of folk dances are performed; by far the most popular is the raas, in which dancers hold sticks to clack against those of other dancers. As many as one to two hundred women perform rasadas in a single circle, to the beats of four drums at a time and the tunes ofjodia pavas or the double flutes. One can also see people break out into a spontaneous hudo. Amidst the festivities, the Tarnetar Mela also champions essential social causes. Various NGOs and organisations set up stalls to raise awareness about health, education, and women’s empowerment.

There is music in the air with many bhajan mandalis or music groups and sadhus or holy men singing religious songs, accompanied by folk instruments. But even for those not interested in finding a spouse, the romance and excitement in the air are captivating, and every year the fair seems only to grow in popularity, attracting visitors and tourists from Gujarat, elsewhere in India, and even abroad. At the fair, the many colourful costumes, glittering ornaments and free-spirited movements of folk dances, all combine to create a memorable scene. This is the vibrancy of India that mesmerises visitors and makes them come back.

The Magic of Morning Routines: Starting The Day with Purpose and Positivity

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The way we start our mornings can have a profound impact on our overall well-being and productivity throughout the day. A mindful morning routine sets the tone for a positive and fulfilling day, allowing us to cultivate a sense of purpose, focus, and inner peace. Having a morning routine is essential to a successful life with scientists and CEOs extolling the benefits of establishing an early morning ritual for decades. Past research has shown that a consistent morning routine can reduce stress, boost your energy levels and improve your productivity at work.

Our mornings can often feel rushed, chaotic, and stressful, as we juggle multiple responsibilities and obligations. However, by taking the time to establish a mindful morning routine, we can create a peaceful and energising start to our day. How we begin our day sets the tone for the rest of it. By dedicating time to a morning routine, we can set a positive and productive tone that carries through the day. A morning routine allows us to start the day with a clear and focused mind. It allows us to engage in activities that promote mindfulness, self-reflection, and gratitude. By organising our mornings with intention, we can increase our overall productivity because a well-structured morning routine helps us prioritise tasks, set goals, and create a sense of accomplishment. A mindful morning routine provides a buffer against stress. By engaging in activities that promote relaxation and self-care, we can reduce anxiety and set a positive mindset for the day. A morning routine also provides
structure to our day by giving us the power to take control of our schedule and promoting better time management.

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Countless morning rituals can help us start our day with purpose and positivity. While each person’s routine may vary, the key is to choose activities that resonate with you and contribute to your well-being. Here are a few rituals to consider:

Meditation: One of the most powerful rituals for a mindful morning routine is meditation. Sitting in silence and observing the breath or engaging in guided meditations can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and enhance focus. Even a few minutes of meditation can make a significant difference.

Gratitude Journaling: Practicing gratitude can shift the perspective and create a positive mindset. Consider keeping a gratitude journal, where one should write down three things they’re grateful for each morning. This simple practice cultivates a sense of appreciation and can lead to greater happiness throughout the day.

Exercise or Movement: Engaging in physical activity in the morning can boost energy levels and improve overall well-being. Whether it’s a yoga session, a brisk walk, or a workout routine, moving your body in the morning helps release endorphins and sets a positive tone for the day.

Mindful Breakfast: Instead of rushing through breakfast, take the time to savour the meal mindfully. Pay attention to the flavours, textures, and nourishment it provides. This practice helps cultivate a sense of presence and gratitude for the food we consume.

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Affirmations and Visualisation: Start the day by affirming positive statements and visualising daily, monthly or even annual goals. Repeat affirmations that resonate, such as “I am capable of achieving my goals” or “I radiate positivity and abundance.” Visualize accomplishing the tasks for the day, creating a positive mindset and boosting self-confidence.

Reading or Learning: Dedicate some time in the morning to reading or learning something new. Engaging with inspiring books, articles, or educational materials can expand knowledge, stimulate creativity, and provide motivation for the day ahead.

Digital Detox: Instead of immediately reaching for the phone or computer, consider incorporating a digital detox into the morning routine, giving at least 30 minutes of technology-free time to engage in activities that promote mindfulness and self-care.

Personal Reflection: Take a few moments each morning to reflect on goals, priorities, and values. Ask yourself what you want to achieve for the day and how you can align your actions with your long-term vision. This reflection helps you stay focused and grounded throughout the day.

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Creating a morning routine that works is a personal process. It’s important to experiment and find rituals that resonate with your lifestyle and goals.

Start Small: Begin by incorporating one or two rituals into your morning routine and gradually add more over time. Starting small allows you to establish sustainable habits without overwhelming yourself.

Time Management: Assess how much time you can realistically dedicate to your morning routine. Consider waking up a bit earlier to create a buffer for your rituals. Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity. Even a short routine can be impactful.

Flexibility: Be flexible and adapt your routine as needed. Life can be unpredictable, and there may be days when you have limited time or unexpected responsibilities. Allow yourself to modify your routine without feeling guilty or discouraged.

Consistency: Consistency is key when establishing a morning routine. Try to stick to your routine as much as possible, even on weekends or during vacations. Consistency helps solidify habits and ensures you reap the long-term benefits.

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Starting your day with purpose and positivity through a mindful morning routine can have a transformative effect on overall well-being. By prioritising rituals like meditation, journaling, exercise, and gratitude, one can set a positive tone for the day and enhance productivity. Everyone’s routine will be unique, so experiment, be flexible, and find what works best. Embrace the magic of morning routines and watch as they positively impact your life.

Poem: Turning Fifty

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I am turning 50 very soon and am looking forward to hitting this milestone birthday. I know many people dread turning the half-century mark, but I was anticipating it. I feel I can become freer with my thoughts and live a life without a filter. This poem is my thoughts on turning 50.

Turning 50

The day is finally here
One that I have for with suppressed cheer
In the golden glow of the last fifty years,
I stand, triumphant, unafraid, a canvas painted with joy and tears.

I look back and reflect on my life, on the years gone by
The laughter, tears, and reasons why.
I think back on the decades of my life,
A good life, if I may say so, one without much pain and strife

As a young adult, I took flight,
A world of wonder was awaiting me, new and shining bright,
With dreams as vast as endless skies,
I spread my wings, prepared to rise.

Through twists and turns, I found my way,
To a path that led to each new day,
I crossed the ocean to make a new life and faced challenges that came my way,
Carved strength from within, come what may.

Now at the crossroads of life, fifty years,
A chapter ends, and a new one appears,
With the wisdom earned and a steady gaze,
I welcome how and what the future brings and plays.

I am no longer bound by youth’s desire,
Because I’ve found my purpose, my inner fire,
Each wrinkle tells the world a story that is true,
Of life’s rich journey, old and new.

The dreams of youth, I’ll not let fade,
For these are seeds that life has laid,
With the lessons learned, I now believe,
There are still things I have to achieve.

As fifty candles flicker bright,
I’ll embrace the day, the darkest night,
For life’s an ever-changing dance,
And I’ll keep twirling, taking the chance.

With gratitude for the last fifty years,
I’ll face the future, free from fears,
For all that’s passed and all that’s new,
I celebrate my life, the pink and the blue.

So here’s to fifty, an age so fine,
A sparkling toast to me, and to time,
With open arms, I welcome in,
The next adventures I’ll begin.