Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hoped that “YashoBhoomi” and “Bharat Mandapam” will help India increase its share in conference tourism. While launching Prime Minister Vishwakarma’s programme, he also tweaked the slogan of “Voice for local” to add a “global” angle.
“YashoBhoomi” and “Bharat Mandapam” are two new convention centers developed in New Delhi. The first phase of ‘YashoBhoomi’ was dedicated to the nation on Sunday, while the ‘Bharat Mandapam’ was inaugurated in July, followed by hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit during India’s rotating presidency.
On Sunday, Modi said the two new centers will make Delhi the largest convention and tourism hub worth over Rs 25,000 crore. He emphasized that more than 32,000 large-scale exhibitions and expositions are held around the world every year, and people who participate in conference tourism spend more money than ordinary tourists.
Modi also pointed out that the share of such a large industry in India is only about one percent, and many large Indian companies hold events abroad every year. He further emphasized that India is now also preparing for conference tourism.
global business destination
The “YashoBhoomi” project covers an area of over 890,000 square meters and has a total construction area of over 180,000 square meters. Developed at a cost of approximately Rs 5,400 crore, it has a grand convention centre, multiple exhibition halls and other facilities. The conference center has a construction area of more than 73,000 square meters and consists of 15 conference rooms including the main auditorium and grand banquet hall and 13 conference rooms. The total capacity can accommodate 11,000 delegates. The new center is connected to the airport metro.
‘Bharat Mandapam’ is the name of the International Exhibition and Convention Center (IECC) complex at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, developed as a national project at a cost of approximately Rs 2,700 crore. The government aims to leverage this sophisticated showcase to promote India as a global business destination.
“Today I invite relevant people from the exhibition and event industry from all over the world to Delhi. I will invite people from the film and television industry from all regions of the country. You will hold award ceremonies, film festivals, and the first film exhibition here. I invite international events. Corporate, exhibition industry people join Bharat Mandapam and YashoBhoomi,” he said.
Vishavakama Project
Earlier, while launching a scheme to help and support 18 categories of traditional craftsmen and artisans, the Prime Minister said that no matter how technology advances, Vishwakarmas will always play an important role in society. “The government has come forward as a partner to enhance respect, empower and promote prosperity of Vishwakarmas,” he said.
Elaborating on the 18 focus areas for craftsmen and artisans, Modi said that carpenters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, sculptors, potters, shoemakers, tailors, masons, hairdressers, washermen, etc. have been included in the Prime Minister Vishwakarma Scheme and the outlay will be Rs 1,300 Crores of Rs. The scheme includes free training kits and unsecured subsidized loans of up to Rs 3 lakh as working capital.
The Prime Minister said that the world witnessed the results of the integration of technology and tradition at the G20 Arts and Crafts Charity Fair. Even the gifts given to visiting dignitaries were made from products of Vishwakarma’s friends. “This dedication to local voices is a national responsibility,” he said. “First, we have to speak for the local, and then we have to take the local to the global level,” he added.
